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Jonathan and Alistair Brownlee
You use each race as a building block to the Olympics because that's the ultimate goal.
Alistair Brownlee
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There is nothing like a battle for Olympic gold to bring out some healthy sibling rivalry.
At least, that is the opinion of brothers and Olympic triathlon hopefuls Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee, who have both fixed their sights firmly on London 2012.
Alistair, the eldest of the two Leeds-based brothers at 21, already has an impressive string of achievements to his name and last year added the title of ITU triathlon world champion to his collection.
Jonathan, 19, is not far behind after sweeping aside the majority of junior competition to earn himself the European junior champion crown and land silver at the Junior World Championships.
And both siblings, who train up to seven hours a day to excel at a sport that combines a 1,500 metre swim, 40 kilometre bike and 10k run, agree the competition between them is a powerful driving force.
"The biggest motivation is if he's going out training and you're sat down," admits Alistair.
"It makes you feel like you should get up and go with him.
"It's really good for both of us, we're both really competitive. The rivalry is quite intense and it drives us both along."
Friends
The brothers are also close friends and train together for the most part, with neither put off by the recent cold snap.
"We train a lot together and it's really good having someone to train with. It makes it easier because we're really good friends," said Jonathan.
"With this winter being so cold and the weather being bad, it makes it easier to have someone training with you."
With a runner for a dad, a mum who is a swimmer and an uncle who was a triathlete, the Brownlees seemed destined to do well in the event.
Jonathan, who manages to balance his training with studying for a history degree at Leeds University, confesses his interest in the discipline sprang from wanting to be like his older brother.
"We both started off as swimmers but I started after Alistair," said Jonathan.
"You always want to copy your big brother and I wanted to be off doing what he was doing. He inspired me to get into it really."
The younger Brownlee reveals he still looks to Alistair for inspiration, particularly when it comes to his brother's more high-profile achievements.
"It's amazing that Alistair is world champion. It makes me think 'I can do that... that could be me'," added Jonathan.
"His achievements inspire me to get out there and do well."
Despite enjoying an outstanding 2009, Alistair has refused to let the success go to his head and insists he has plenty of work to do if he is to reach his full potential ahead of the Games.
"I'm always looking to improve on absolutely anything, there's always room for improvement," he insists.
"Even the smallest thing like the transitions and changing your shoes, or the massive things like how you train - it's all important."
Alistair, who secured 12th place for Great Britain on his debut Olympic outing at the Beijing Games in 2008, is dedicated to defending his title at the Worlds this season, but admits he sees every event as a stepping stone to 2012.
Fantastic
"It's the next big thing for Britain, so it's a fantastic opportunity to be involved. It's just really exciting," said Alistair.
"You use each race as a building block to the Olympics because that's the ultimate goal.
"I've got the World and the European Championships coming up this year and each one is the next step to 2012.
"Every competition is an experience and a chance to learn from your mistakes. It's a big learning curve."
Jonathan is also intent on reaching the Games, but is happy to take a more relaxed approach to his preparation.
"I don't get out of bed in a morning and instantly think about 2012," he insists.
"But it's the definitive goal and you just have to keep making small improvements.
"It would be incredible to get there but I just need to take small steps."
With Olympic medal expectations high for both brothers, Jonathan admits the ultimate result would be claiming a fraternal podium double for Britain in 2012.
"A British one-two would be incredible, just a dream come true," said Jonathan, then adds: "With me winning the gold, obviously."
Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee launched the 2010 British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) Championships, which will be held in the Yorkshire region from the 10 - 14 March 2010.
