Rio 2016 triathlon bronze medallist won the World Triathlon Series leg at Leeds today ©Getty Images

Britain’s Olympic bronze medallist Vicky Holland won the women's race at the World Triathlon Series leg in Leeds before countryman Jonny Brownlee pulled out of the men's race won by South Africa’s Richard Murray in 1 hour 45min 35sec.

Holland, 32, finished in 1:56:32 to beat team-mate Georgia Taylor-Brown by 17 seconds at the International Triathlon Union event centred around Roundhay Park and Waterloo Lake.

"On the second swim lap I couldn't stay with the pack and I had the worst transition to the bike," Holland said.

Brownlee, hampered by a stomach problem, stopped during the 10 kilometres run.

The 28-year-old, an Olympic silver medallist at Rio 2016, withdrew 7km from the end of the race, with Spanish world champion Mario Mola finishing second in 1:46:01.

South Africa's Richard Murray won the men's race as the World Triathlon Series came to Leeds, after Britain's Jonny Brownlee had had to pull out during the race ©Getty Images
South Africa's Richard Murray won the men's race as the World Triathlon Series came to Leeds, after Britain's Jonny Brownlee had had to pull out during the race ©Getty Images

Brownlee’s elder brother Alistair, the Olympic champion, was unable to compete in this race on his backdoor step because of injuries.

Holland's bid for victory got off to an uncertain start as she struggled during the second part of the 1500 metres swim, then had problems placing her feet in the clip-in pedals at the start of the 36.2km cycle.

"I can't believe I won that race - it was so brutal," she told BBC Sport.

Katie Zaferes of the United States finished third to maintain her lead in the World Series standings.

There are four more stages of this year's ITU World Triathlon Series - the next is due to take place in Hamburg on July 14.