Alistair Brownlee secured his third European title in Kitzbuhel on Saturday and hit back at those who have suggested he is a spent force.

The Olympic champion from Bramhope finished ahead of Russia’s Dmitry Polyanski and Vicente Hernandez of Portugal who were second and third respectively.

Brownlee said: “I felt strong and held on quite well. I’m getting better with each race, but I’m still not at 100per cent of my full potential.

“I have been very fortunate to do well in triathlon and for those who were thinking that Alistair Brownlee was finished and his best days were over, I’m glad I can say that I have still got plenty left. I have had a rough couple of months, but I have had so many good days, that I can’t complain about the bad days.”