A day after securing his second World Triathlon Series victory in a month, the Launceston 24-year-old produced another sprint finish in the anchor role to land third place for Australia in the new Olympic discipline.

"It was always going to be a close finish," Birtwhistle said.

"I don't think I've seen too many relay events come down to such a big group so late on in the race with the third athletes still all bunched together.

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"(We) worked pretty strong on the bike to try and do what we could, but it came down to the run, and thankfully I was able to get up for Australia and get on the podium once again."

Backing up their 2018 silver medal, the Australians secured their second mixed relay podium finish of the season as France successfully defended their title.

Taking advantage of slow starts from the US and GB, Natalie Van Coevorden set the Australians up before Aaron Royle pushed them up to fourth place.

Emma Jeffcoat found another gear in the swim to push the Aussies into the lead before Birtwhistle began his leg in fifth place.

With France's Vincent Luis and Germany's Justus Nieschlag vying for the win, Birtwhistle produced another signature powerful finish to overpower New Zealand and claim bronze for the Australians.

The WTS travels to Edmonton on July 20-21, with both individual and mixed team racing featuring again.

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