World triathlon championships are open to Chichester quartet

Now the next challenge for the quartet is to see whether they will be able to fund their trip to the event in September.

Their qualification came on a busy weekend for the club when no fewer than 29 members were competing in various contests.

In Dartford, 11 members competed in The Bridge triathlon, which was a world championship qualifying race consisting of a 1,500m swim, 42k cycle and 10k run.

Some good results for the Chichester contingent saw Mary Campbell winning the females 35-39 age group, Chandra Morton winning the F45-49 category, Dan Bailey coming second among the 18-24 males and Mike Cooper third in the 45-49s. Out of a field of 300 competitors this was a truly remarkable achievement – and all four of those are now eligible for the worlds.

Another member, Steve Hasler, sustained a calf injury and could not complete the course.

Closer to home, Arundel hosted two triathlons on a very blustery and cold Sunday morning.

The standard race consisted of an 800m swim, a 37k cycle and a 9.25k run. Ten CWTC members entered and Persephone Hagan had an excellent race and came second in the female vet category.

The sprint race was a 400m swim, a 19k cycle and a 5.26k run. Seven members entered and Andy Matthews took first place in the male vet category, a great achievement considering he has not run since September because of injury.