Dillon was way back after the swim but finished fast on the run

The 32-year-old Briton put in a great run to earn the ninth World Cup podium finish of her career.

The result lifts Dillon to seventh in the world and boosts her hopes of appearing in a third Olympic Games.

Portuguese star Vanessa Fernandes won the women's race, while Spain's Javier Gomez triumphed in the men's race.

But Dillon's was not the only impressive performance from a British competitor.

The unlucky Andrea Whitcombe was part of a seven-rider bike crash in the last lap but managed to recover to finish in 13th place, which also brought important qualifying points for the Beijing Olympics.

And in the men's race, promising Under 23 athlete Olly Freeman raced to a World Cup career-best of fifth.

He was 24th after the swim but began the run in second place, just behind compatriot Stuart Hayes. Gomez, the 2006 World Cup winner, passed him on the run's second lap but Freeman held on for a top-five finish and substantial Olympic qualifying points. He also moved to number 10 in the world.

Other Brits also earning Olympic qualifying points were Richard Stannard, Will Clarke and Hayes.

Lisbon BG Triathlon World Cup - women's results:
1. Vanessa Fernandes (Por), 2hrs 4mins 45secs
2. Michelle Dillon (GB) 2:06:06
3. Christiane Pilz (Ger) 2:06:30
13. Andrea Whitcombe (GB) 2:07:26

Men's results:
1. Javier Gomez (Spa) 1:52:41
2. Filip Ospaly (Cze) 1:52:53
3. Brad Kahlefeldt (Aut)1:52:58
5. Olly Freeman (GB) 1:53:20
18. Richard Stannard (GB) 1:54:33
23. Will Clarke (GB) 1:55:13
28. Stuart Hayes (GB) 1:55:34