THE season has started for Worcester Triathlon Club racing members with some impressive results.

Les Bailey won his age group competing in an international Powerman race held in the Peak District in Derbyshire.

It was the first time in eight years the event had been held on the mainland in the United Kingdom, and was a duathlon over a 12km run, 60km bike and 8km run - all hilly courses and a tough race so early in the season.

The race locations was Carsington Water, a huge reservoir near the town of Ashbourne.

The weather was dry but a very chilly, stiff easterly wind made conditions quite tough and energy was sapped during the bike section.

Bailey won the 65-69 years category by over 36 minutes in a time of 3.38.30 after fading over the second run of 8km - it was tough!

World champion Benny Vansteelant, an elite from Belgium, won the race in great style in a time of 2.35.13 with Vicky Pincombe (Elite) of Team MK winning the ladies race in 2.58.26.

The race was organised by the aptly named company "Punishing Events"!

Three members competed more locally in the Wombourne Sprint Triathlon, held in cloudy but warm conditions.

Competitors did a 400 metre pool swim, 20km bike and 5km run and the race was well organised by the Black Country Tri Club.

There were 205 competitors ranging from complete novice to elites.

Club competitors were Neil Ashton (1hr 2mins 28secs), a great time putting him in 28th overall position.

Gail Flanaghan clocked 1.14.17 which gave her 117th position and second in the ladies veteran class, and Alex Preston (1hr 14mins 40secs) finished 121st.

The winner with a remarkable time of 52 mins was Oliver Howton from Milton Keynes.