Jonathan Brownlee was beaten into silver medal position in a sprint finish at the 2010 Vila Nova de Gaia ETU Triathlon U23 and Youth European Championships in Portugal (28 August). The 20 year old from Leeds pushed the pace throughout the run, but was beaten on the line by Portugal's Joao Silva.
Competing less than a week after winning the World sprint title in Lausanne, Brownlee faced a tough field that included Silva and Russia's Alexander Brukhankov – both of whom have achieved multiple top ten finishes, racing as seniors in the Dextro Energy Triathlon World Championship Series this season.
Brukhankov led out the swim as expected, with Brownlee third fastest over the 1500m distance. Brownlee rode in the lead pack on the hilly bike course and took to the front on the run as the three favourites broke away from the other runners. Brownlee led the entire 10km run, breaking away with Silva from Brukhankov to set up an exciting sprint finish.
The crowd was able to celebrate a home victory with the Portuguese athlete claiming gold by just one second over Brownlee.
Britain's Stirling based David McNamee, 22, was 9th and fellow Scot, Ritchie Nicholls was 16th.
Brownlee commented: "I'm pleased, and gutted at the same time as it was so close. But Silva is an incredible athlete and it was a really hard and hot race. I've moved on from the start of the season when I could only just get round these longer races. I'm learning all the time and now can't wait for Budapest."
Hollie Avil was forced to retire during the second lap of the women's race as a result of ill health. The 20 year old reigning World Under 23 Champion has had an eye infection requiring antibiotics and will hope to make a full recovery in time for the World Championships in Budapest in two weeks time.
British Triathlon National Performance Director, Heather Williams, commented: "Jonny's race was a head for head sprint for the line. He got into a group with Silva and Brukhankov on the run and was at the front pushing the pace the whole time.
"Second is a good result against strong, high standard opposition, and it is excellent experience."
"We're now just two weeks away from the World Championship Grand Final, our most important event of the season, and we have some athletes racing for world titles on home soil at the GE Edinburgh ITU Duathlon World Championships next weekend."
Women's Under 23 Result:
1. João Silva (POR) 1:53:20
2. Jonathan Brownlee (GBR) 1:53:21
3. Alexander Brukhankov (RUS) 1:53:33
9. David McNamee (GBR) 1:55:46
16. Ritchie Nicholls (GBR) 1:59:59
Women's Under 23 Result:
1. Agnieszka Jerzyk (POL) 2:13:53
2. Yuliya Sapunova (UKR) 2:14:30
3. Annamaria Mazzetti (ITA) 2:14:34
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