Cashmore and Brownlee hail team environment after medals in Madrid

Claire Cashmore and Jonny Brownlee believe the British team environment inspired them to win European Championship medals in Madrid.

Six medals were won across categories with Cashmore winning a third successive title and Brownlee taking silver, his first European medal in a decade.

The experienced pair were the senior members of a bumper British contingent that formed a strong collective in Spain.

“There was such a good vibe in the team,” said Cashmore. “We had the Olympic guys with us as well, which was nice.

“Everyone was really relaxed but focused and ready to do the job. I think when you look at the results across the board, you can see we did that!”

Brownlee added: “At a World Series, we compete as a team but it's not a Championship. It's different and I’ve got a lot out of that.

“I think I got a real buzz from it and excitement, like being a kid again and getting my Great Britain top again. Eating together and being part of a team, it's very special.

“When you get towards the end of your career, you don't have many more chances like this. I tried to really enjoy it and hopefully I can pass some advice on to the younger guys.

“They asked me about all of my memories from racing 12 years ago - I’ve enjoyed telling them all about it!”

Cashmore pulled off a PTS5 three-peat and now has five European medals to her name.

She did so despite adverse weather conditions causing a late change in format to a duathlon, which drew on her reserves of resilience and adaptability.

She said: “I’ve had a bit of a rough year this year, been struggling with a bit of niggles, so to come here and actually put that performance together I am absolutely over the moon.

“It was really special to win. I think this morning it was a little bit about who could be the most adaptable.

“Suddenly at 4am it changed into a duathlon and it’s ‘right, everything’s up in the air’ and a complete change of plan. That’s one thing that Covid has really taught me, just to be as adaptable as possible and not let little things stress you out.”

Brownlee is back on the horse after a difficult season opener at WTCS Cagliari, where he finished 34th.

"It's a massive relief,” said the three-time Olympic medallist. “As athletes, confidence comes easily and goes easily.

“I've had an alright winter's training and Cagliari was a shocker - awful - and I didn't really know why.

“You doubt yourself a little bit, to come here and compete in a format that doesn't suit me, and still feel strong towards the end is absolutely brilliant.”

Elite paratriathlon and triathlon will return to Britain this summer, with World Triathlon Para Series Swansea and AJ Bell 2023 World Triathlon Championship Series Sunderland taking place on 15 and 29-30 July respectively. Find out more about the flagship swim, bike, run events here: https://www.britishtriathlon.org/events/major-events.