LES Bailey became the oldest competitor to complete the gruelling Nice Ironman Triathlon.

The 68-year-old was one of two Worcester Triathlon Club members to tackle the demanding course in France.

Bailey and Phil Parsons, both making their debuts in the Ironman, battled against temperatures pushing 100 degrees for the 2-mile swim, 112-mile cycle and marathon run.

The race started at 6.30am with over 1,400 entrants but due to the heat only 1,103 managed to compete the course.

Bailey, from Peopleton, finished in 14 hours 44 minutes and 31 seconds for 1,007th position overall but second in his age group.

Evesham-based Parsons came home in 12-13-19 to take 433rd place in the overall standings.

The swim was a two-lap course starting and finishing on the pebble beach on the Promenade de Anglais. From there, competitors cycled out into the Nice countryside, taking in three major climbs totalling over 1,600-metres before returning back to the Promenade de Anglais for the marathon.

Temperatures soared on the cycle course and what little breeze only served to increase temperatures on the mountain passes.

Many competitors suffered the effects of dehydration on the bike and, when faced with the four-lap out and back run along the Promenade, decided not to attempt the marathon.

Temperatures passed 100 degrees again in the marathon, but there were sufficient drink stations en-route.