WEYMOUTH’S David Butt has secured a silver medal at the European Duathlon Championships.

The competition took place in Soria, Spain at an altitude of 1,100 metres, and saw Butt finish runner-up following a race which included a 5km run, a 20km bike ride and then a further 2.5km run, which he completed in 72 minutes.

The 63-year-old’s second place finish in his age-group finish was an excellent achievement as he competed against 25 other competitors from around Europe.

Each competitor has to pre-qualify at one of three events sanctioned by the British Triathlon Federation in order to compete for Team GB, however, after finishing first in the 2016 Championships, Butt gained automatic qualification.

Speaking of his achievement, the athlete said: “Competing at European level representing your country was an absolutely amazing experience and one I would recommend to anyone.

“The highlight had to be when your name was called out at the medal presentation ceremony and you were presented with your medal by the president of the ETU on the stage in front of all the other competitors and about 600 spectators.

“I would also like to thank my coach Greg Parker of Greg Parker Cycle Coaching whose meticulous attention to my training needs helped me to achieve my goals and without whom I would never have succeeded. Also thanks to Andy at Mud, Sweat n Gears for providing me with an excellent bike and fantastic servicing and finally, thanks to my wife Jane for being my number one supporter. and putting up with my obsessive training behaviour!”

Butt is a member of Maiden Newton Runners and CC Weymouth, where he will now continue his training in the hope of qualifying for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Albi, France.

For anyone interested in sponsoring Butt, then get in touch by emailing dhb6654@hotmail.com