The Spaniard won the world title in 2008 but lost the title as Brownlee dominated the new Dextro Energy Triathlon – ITU World Championship Series with victories in all five of the events he competed in to claim the overall crown.

 

Gomez told El Mundo in an interview published today: "He [Brownlee] has set the bar very high."

 

Brownlee finished 12th at the Olympics in Beijing in 2008 while Gomez was a disappointing fourth having gone into the race as the favourite but the two have dominated the international circuit this year.

 

The success of the 21-year-old Yorkshireman has been based on his ability as a top-class runner, which is not surprising as he was once one of Britain's top-ranked junior cross country runners.

 

Gomez said: "Sport is part of emerging new figures.

 

"The guy [Brownlee] can clearly run very fast.

 

"Next year will be a motivation to try to beat him."

 

Gomez (pictured), who was suffering from a back injury at the start of the year, did beat Brownlee to claim the European title in Hoteln, Holland, in July and the two were clearly the world's best triathletes.

 

Gomez said: "We were well above the rest."

 

The 26-year-old Gomez, winner of the ITU World Cup circuit for three consecutive years between 2006 and 2008, now has his sights firmly on victory at the London 2012 Olympics.

 

He claimed that his chances in Beijing were ruined by an Achilles injury.

 

Gomez said: "I dragged the Achilles tendon injury round for two months as best as I could, but I'm happy because I gave everything [in Beijing].

 

"Waking up every day being lame and having to go to training was not easy.

 

"It has left a bad taste that could not run at my best.

 

"In the Games I did my best, but I learned.

 

"I know the problems I had in the preparation and try to improve in London 2012.

 

"Not getting the medal in Beijing will be a motivation to win in London."

 

 

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