Alistair Brownlee Commits To Hy-Vee

Alistair Brownlee has confirmed to 22otriathlon.com that he will follow Olympic gold by having a crack at the richest prize in triathlon – the $150,000 top purse at the Hy-Vee 5150 U.S. Championship in Iowa.

With the chance of retaining his ITU world title thwarted by an early season Achilles injury, the Yorkshireman, 24, will look to put any post-Olympic fatigue behind him when he competes in Des Moines on Sept. 2.

Brownlee has been handed a wildcard for the non-drafting Olympic distance race which is part of the 5150 series run by the World Triathlon Corporation – who also operate the Ironman brand.

However, he admits full-on media commitments and returning home an Olympic hero has taken its toll, both mentally and physically.

“I feel like I’m struggling with motivation,” says Alistair. “But one of the big reasons I want to race Hy-Vee now is because they have given me a wildcard to do it after the Olympics and I’m never going to do enough races to do it otherwise.

“I’m not as fit as I was couple of weeks ago but it’s important to have another goal and not just another World Series race. I think Des Moines is a good move, it’s a different thing to do.”

The race regularly attracts a stellar cast hoping for a big payday and the news of Alistair’s appearance will send a shudder through the pro field – many of whom are regularly left fighting for the the leftovers after the Brownlees have nabbed the $20,000 and $14,000 on offer for first and second in World Triathlon Series races.

Read more: 220Triathlon.com

Photos: The Brownlees’ Olympic Experience