Two-time Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee was disqualified from the Grand Final of the World Triathlon Series on Sunday, as Mario Mola wrapped up a third consecutive title.
Brownlee was out of the running to reclaim the crown he won in 2009 and 2011 but found himself landed with a 15-second penalty on the Gold Coast for failing to go around a buoy during the swimming section.
That penalty was subsequently upgraded to a disqualification and the Briton opted against an appeal, despite continuing with his race.
"Really disappointed with today," he tweeted. "I thought I had a decent race in me.
"First ever DQ in any sporting event. Was on the wrong side of the buoy and I've seen it on video.
"But was disorientated after being hit and held under the water in the roughest swim I’ve ever done."
Mola, meanwhile, finished second behind Vincent Luis to add the 2018 title to previous wins in 2016 and 2017.
The Spaniard has featured among the top three in each of the last six years and finished ahead of Luis and Jacob Birtwhistle on this season's podium.
