#Glasgow2014: Bailie Fifth in Men’s Triathlon

Western Australian Ryan Bailie has finished a highly credible fifth in the men’s triathlon at Strathclyde Country Park in Glasgow on the opening day of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The build up ahead of the race had been based on the expectant dominance of the Brownlee brothers, and so it was, as Alistair claimed bragging rights over his younger sibling Jonathon.

Alistair Brownlow pulled away midway through the 10km run leg, to establish a lead that allowed the Olympic champion to walk the final metres and soak up an adoring crowd that had come in anticipation of a Brownlee showdown.

Brownlee’s winning time of 1:48:50 was 11 seconds ahead of his brother’s, with South African Richard Murray claiming bronze.

Ryan Bailie, from Bunbury, crossed the line fifth, just under two minutes behind the race winner, following an impressive Commonwealth debut.

Bailie was among the lead pack following the 1500m swim leg, but lost touch with the Brownlees and Scotland’s Marc Austin over the 40km bike leg. The latter was unable to keep up with the blistering pace set by the English tyros, and by the start of the 10km run, it was evident the gold was a race for two.

Despite hot summery weather baking Glasgow, the race tempo didn’t slow, with the Brownlees extending their lead to the line, with the elder brother eventually taking the first men’s medal of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.