World Triathlon Series: Leeds replaces London as a 2016 host

Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee is from Leeds

Leeds will host a stage of the 2016 World Triathlon Series.

It was confirmed last month that the Yorkshire city had been chosen by British Triathlon to replace London, but it has now been officially placed on next year's calendar.

Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee and brother Jonathan, who is fourth in the World Series rankings, are from Leeds.

"It's fantastic news that Leeds' bid has been successful," Alistair Brownlee, 27, said.

"I am sure the crowds will come out in force to see a major triathlon event in Leeds for the first time, and I'm sure it will be a brilliant event."

The event will see competitors start with a 1500m swim at Roundhay Park before competitors cycle along a 40km route into the city centre and finish with a 10km run through the city.

Amateur triathletes will have the opportunity to compete on the same course in mass participation races.

The Leeds stage takes the place of World Triathlon London as London's Hyde Park will be under construction in 2016 to allow for the building of a cycling 'super-highway' through the city.

Hyde Park will host the sixth leg of this year's Series on 30 and 31 May, when the dates for next year's schedule will be announced.