A new £5m University of Leeds sports facility is to be named after its most successful alumni athletes, Olympic heroes Alistair and Jonny Brownlee.  The Brownlee Centre sits alongside a new 1 mile (1.6km) cycle circuit – one of the longest in the country – at Leeds University’s Bodington playing fields in north Leeds. The unique centre, which opened in April 2017, is the UK’s first purpose-built triathlon training base and will provide the first permanent home for the world-class Leeds Triathlon Centre.

Combining a strength and conditioning training suite, physiotherapy, medical and other support services, this new development will enhance facilities for both cycling and triathlon in the region. Perform Better were selected to provide a range of equipment including an oversized Woodway Desmo Pro XL Treadmill, the Optojump Jump testing system plus a range of functional equipment including: weighted vests, Powerbags, Bosus, Strength bands, Pilates reformer and hurdles.

Partnership funding from Sport England, UK Sport, British Cycling and British Triathlon contributed £1million to the project, with the remaining funding provided by the University. “This is a real honour,” said Alistair Brownlee. “Having the UK’s first purpose-built triathlon centre in Leeds will ensure that the city continues to be a hub for triathlon. It brings together the facilities top athletes need in one place to create a world class training environment.

"It is a real boost for both participation and elite sport in the area and will hopefully help the next generation of Leeds athletes on their journey to Olympic success” Alistair studied sports science and physiology at Leeds University and won gold in the triathlon competition at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

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