World Triathlon Series: Jonathan Brownlee fifth as Mario Mola wins

Britain's Jonathan Brownlee finished fifth as Spaniard Mario Mola won the opening event of the 2015 World Triathlon Series in Abu Dhabi.

Mola pulled clear on the run, clocking 52 minutes 32 seconds to beat France's Vincent Luis by 13 seconds, with South African Richard Murray third.

Brownlee, whose brother Alistair was absent with an ankle injury, finished 31 seconds adrift of the leader.

Jodie Stimpson (17th) was the highest-placed Briton in the women's race.

That was won by Gwen Jorgensen, who completed the course in 58 minutes 59 seconds to win by 16 seconds.

Her fellow American Katie Zaferes was second with Bermuda's Flora Duffy third.

Commonwealth champion Stimpson finished 72 seconds adrift of the winner but ahead of compatriots Lucy Hall (35th), Heather Sellars (42nd) and Emma Pallant (50th).

Ireland's Aileen Reid was 24th, 94 seconds behind Jorgensen.

Jonathan Brownlee rode around Abu Dhabi's Formula 1 circuit to prepare

Both races featured a 500m swim, 20km bike and 5km run.

In the men's event, Mola emerged from the pack during the final leg to open the season with victory.

Brownlee, who finished one place in front of defending champion Javier Gomez, said he "messed up everything I possibly could".

He added: "That's what the first race is about. I just need to iron out the mistakes and sharpen up a little."

Adam Bowden (20th) was the highest-placed Briton behind Brownlee, with Gordon Benson 27th and Mark Buckingham 31st.

British Triathlon performance director Brendan Purcell said: "Mola raced really smart whereas Jonny made some mistakes."