World Triathlon Series: Leeds could host 2016 event

Leeds is being considered to stage an event of the World Triathlon Series next year.

The Yorkshire city has been chosen by national governing body British Triathlon to take over from London.

The capital has hosted a round of the series in Hyde Park since 2009.

Olympic gold-medal winner Alistair Brownlee, who is from Leeds, said: "The series is about delivering world-class racing in iconic locations and Leeds will guarantee to do just that."

The calendar for next year's series will be decided in May.

Should the Leeds bid be selected by the International Triathlon Union, the event would start with a 1,500m swim at Roundhay Park before competitors cycle a 40km route into the city centre and finish with a 10km run through the city.

Brownlee added: "The Tour de France Grand Depart 2014 demonstrated how much the people of Leeds and Yorkshire love sport, and the opportunity for not just myself but also for athletes from around the world to race in front of crowds like that will create an unforgettable event.

"It will create a platform to inspire the local community to get involved in the sport and continue the proud triathlon tradition within Yorkshire."

Alistair's younger brother Jonathan is currently top of the men's World Series rankings after winning two of the three events this season.