A broken elbow has ended Olympic silver medallist Javier Gomez's hopes of challenging for gold in the triathlon at Rio 2016.

Gomez claimed silver in London four years ago, splitting Great Britain's Brownlee brothers Alistair and Jonathan, who finished first and third respectively.

However, while training for this year's event in Brazil, the five-time ITU World Triathlon Series winner, and reigning champion, suffered a crash while on his bicycle.

The Spaniard has subsequently been forced to withdraw from Rio 2016 but has vowed to make a strong return.

"I'm really sorry to let you all know that yesterday, when I was just about to finish my bike training, I had one of those silly crashes, no faster than 15 [kilometres per hour]," Gomez wrote on Instagram.

"Immediately I felt pain in my elbow so we went to the hospital. Scans have confirmed a displaced fracture in the radial head of my left arm. [I am] going into surgery today to fix it.

"Unfortunately this has forced me to pull out of competing in Rio. I need to be realistic, there is no time to prepare and to be fit on the start line of the games. The most sensible thing is to open my spot and allow someone else the chance to race.

"As you can imagine, this is a really tough time, it's a goal I have been working for over many years. I will keep fighting, I still have many goals in this sport, I'm not done yet.

"I feel sad and disappointed to give you this news, thanks for the ongoing support."