Olympic Athletes Compete in Unique Jaguar XF Triathlon

Olympic triathletes Alistair and Jonny Brownlee have reignited their rivalry in a triathlon with a difference – behind the wheel of a Jaguar XF and XF Sportbrake.

Olympic athletes compete in unique Jaguar XF triathlon

The pair competed in a trio of challenges to show off the dynamic performance, increased load space and parking technology of both vehicles.

First was the swim, otherwise known as the ‘Smartcone Slide’, pitting the brothers against each other in a slalom contest on a wet skid pan that proved the all-wheel-drive capability, outstanding traction and overall performance of the Jaguar XF Sportbrake in low-grip conditions.

Round two put the pair on their bikes for ‘Pedal to Pack’ as they raced to stow their equipment the quickest in the 565 litres of rear load space and on the versatile roof rack of the new XF Sportbrake estate.

With all to play for in the final challenge ‘Race to Reverse’, the brothers were tested with a parallel park in the XF saloon. Alistair took the wheel and manually tried to park the car in the shortest possible time, while Jonny put his faith in the semi-automated Park Assist function, proving the difference as he triumphed over his brother to take overall victory.

Alistair might have got the better of me in the Olympics, but this one is really going to hurt him. He prides himself on his driving skills, so to beat him here will give me serious bragging rights. This might have been a little different to what we’re used to, but it was great fun to test the capability of the Jaguar XF and XF Sportbrake. They’re both very impressive cars.
— Jonny Brownlee, World Champion triathlete

With a maximum load space capacity of 1,700 litres and a flexible 40:20:40 folding rear seat split, the new Jaguar XF Sportbrake is a premium estate that sets new standards for practicality and convenience. This combination of space, driving dynamics and advanced technologies make it the ideal vehicle for customers with active lifestyles.

Sibling rivalry - Olympic athletes compete in unique Jaguar XF triathlon

It also boasts a maximum roof payload of 100kg and a number of different accessories and racks that can accommodate skis or snowboards, cycle racks and water sports equipment. The load space is also accessible with the convenient Gesture Tailgate, letting you open the boot when your arms are full with just a wave of a foot.

Its lightweight construction and optimised driving dynamics combine with near 50:50 weight distribution to deliver the ideal balance between ride and handling. All Surface Progress Control enables smooth, effortless traction on low-grip surfaces, while on-demand all-wheel drive and Intelligent Driveline Dynamics deliver optimum performance and capability.

Both the XF and XF Sportbrake feature Park Assist. There are semi-automated functions for both bay and parallel parking, with ultrasonic sensors to measure the space and steer the car into position. All the driver has to do is manage the accelerator and brake, while the car does the rest.

As a triathlete I’m used to being in control of my own performance. I’ve also always prided myself on my parking, so when it came to the final challenge, I wanted to make sure I was in charge. As it turned out, I would have been better off trusting the XF’s technology. I’ll get Jonny back next time!
— Alistair Brownlee, two-time Olympic Triathlon Champion

The new XF Sportbrake joins Jaguar’s award-winning XF saloon in its tenth year of production and delivers a compelling combination of design, driving dynamics and advanced technologies. Both are manufactured at Jaguar Land Rover’s Castle Bromwich plant alongside the XE and XJ saloons and F-TYPE sports car.

Note: Press release courtesy of Jaguar Engineering.

Staff