Jessica Learmonth won the European title in Austria ©Getty Images

Jessica Learmonth led a British 1-2 as the women's elite race was held on the opening day of the European Triathlon Championships in Kitzbühel in Austria.

The 29-year-old worked well during the race with compatriot Sophie Coldwell, who took silver.

It was Learmonth who led following the swim and she built a solo lead on the bike leg.

Coldwell was behind in a chasing quartet with defending champion India Lee, another Briton, further back in another following pack.

Four triathletes managed to break clear with Learmonth and Coldwell joined by Italy's Alice Betto and Russian Anastasia Gorbunova at the second transition.

It was the British pairing who kicked on, creating a gap during the run and not looking back.

Sophie Coldwell did enough to win the silver medal ©Getty Images
Sophie Coldwell did enough to win the silver medal ©Getty Images

Learmonth then produced a pivotal burst to leave her team-mate behind and clinch gold.

Betto did enough for bronze with Lee back in 15th and Gorbunova fading to 11th.

"It's been a fantatstic day in Kitzbuhel," said British Triathlon performance director Brendan Purcell.

"Jess and Sophie worked superbly well together and showed their great strength on the bike. 

"It's a brilliant result and we're very pleased."

 The elite men's race will be held tomorrow.