Video: Brownlees stage surprise Leeds station takeover with triathlon talk

Alistair and Jonny Brownlee, who recently cameoed in the debut episode of the new Top Gear, have taken to the microphone ahead of the Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds on June 12.

The Bramhope-based brothers took time out of training ahead of the race to record safety messages for passengers planning to use Leeds station to see them compete in the ITU World Triathlon Series stage.

The event, which is coming to Leeds for the first time next week, will see a world-class field of athletes swim 1.5km through Roundhay Park’s Waterloo Lake, cycle 41.5km through Leeds and then complete a 10km run.

Alistair, 2012 Olympic gold medallist and two-time world champion, said: “Doing the station announcements was really good fun. We can’t wait to see the crowds over the weekend on what will be a special day.”

The recorded messages are reminding train users that services will be busier than normal during the event, telling them to take care with heavy luggage and not to “swim, cycle or run” through the station.

Jonny, the 2012 world champion, said: “It’s going to be an amazing day for Leeds and for the fans who come out to see us and to race.”

Helen Dawson, Network Rail station manager at Leeds, added: “They were both naturals in front of the mic. We’ve been preparing the station for the triathlon for many weeks and will have extra staff on hand as well as longer trains to help get people to where they are going as quicker and safely as possible.”

For more on the race visit leeds.triathlon.org.