MICHELLE Parsons was crowned European Age Group Duathlon champion for the third successive year in Hungary.

The Evesham ace's success was no surprise given her recent form on the European stage but her margin of victory in almost torrential rain showed her undoubted strength.

The race was over the standard duathlon distance of 10K run, 40K bike and 5K run and, after the first run, Parsons had amassed an impressive lead.

In her favoured part of the race the Vale star stormed further away recording the fastest female bike split of the day.

Parsons could afford to ease back on the final leg coasting to the finish line in an overall time of two hours nine minutes and 40 seconds.

Looking forward

She is now looking forward to completing for the Great Britain Elite Team in the World Long Course Championships in Italy later this month.

Pinvin veteran Les Bailey finished fifth in his age group category.

Last Sunday was a successful day for Worcester Triathlon Club members at the annual Sprint Triathlon at Malvern College.

Fifteen-year-old Rune Dige produced an exceptional performance to finish 18th overall to easily win his Youth category (1.11.59).

Training partner Dan Keen was also having a good race until he suffered a puncture midway through the bicycle leg.

Both teenagers will in action on Sunday in the Tewkesbury Tri Club Sprint Triathlon starting at Cascades Leisure Centre at 3pm.

In the Childrens Aquathon held after the main Malvern race, there were some excellent performances from members of both Worcester Tri Club Junior section and Evesham Swimming Club.

Official results have yet to be released but winners in their respective age categories were David Jubb, Jorden Parsons, Tegan Parsons.

Also finishing strongly were Alec and Will Russell and James Bartram - all Evesham SC members.

On Saturday Northampton Swimming Club held its first ever Childrens' Triathlon at Brackley Leisure Centre and Tegan Parsons from Worcester Tri Club finished runner-up in the Girls Tristar 1 category (aged 9/10).

She is looking forward to competing in Sunday's Tri Team Gloucester Triathlon.