A LEDBURY -based triathlete has finished fourth Briton home in his age group in the European Cross Triathlon Championships in Sardinia.
Leslie Dalley, who is 49 and works in Hereford has been a triathlete for just three years.
"I had to start from complete scratch with both the running and, with more difficulty, the swimming," he said.
"However, I already had a good base fitness on the bike after riding for many years and this has helped my continuing progression from complete novice."
A string of strong results last year qualified him to represent Team Great Britain in his age group at the event , which comprised a very aggressive 1,500m sea swim, a 30k mountain bike, with tough climbs, rocky descents and loose sandy sections. Then followed by a tough off-road 10k trail run, on rocky trails, lagoon bridge crossings and sandy beaches.
"I was delighted to complete the race in 2hrs 58 mins, with a pb of 27 mins in the swim," he said.
"My final position was 75th overall out of all ages, 15th in my age group and 4th Brit home.
"It was a fantastic experience and a race that I will remember for many years.
"And to represent my country among all the other nations was something I only dreamed of."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here