THIRTY-FIVE local athletes took part in the first race of the British Biathle series, held at Cheltenham Sandford Lido.

The Leweston Pentathlon Academy took two individual gold, three silver and two bronze.

The event consisted of a run/swim/run competition with distances comprising of 400m, to 1,600m run 50m, to 200m swim followed by the same distance run again, with the distances varying with each age group.

This was the first race in the British Biathle Series, so the standard was very high as it is the first big race of the season.

The race was also a selection event for the Great Britain

team for the European Championships being held in Setubal,

Portugal in July, with team selection for the biathle top six from this event.

Team coach Mick Flaherty said: “This was an excellent start to the first big race of the season for the Leweston Pentathlon Academy Biathle team.

“Once again, the team gave each other great support throughout the event.

“The club had 15 club athletes selected for the Great Britain team for European Biathle Championships in Molly Colwell, Jamie Guy, Jayden Coombes, Darcy Dryden, Alice Anderson, Jack Amor, Jamie Robinson, Abbie White, Liam Openshaw, Sam Cobb, Sarah Wilson, Estella Depierre, Elliot Laville, Ryan Flaherty and Kay Evans.

“The team are looking in good shape for the forthcoming season and have got off to an excellent start in the British Biathle

series.

“As long as the athletes keep performing like this the team will have a few British Series winners.

“This is also a huge amount of athletes gaining GB selection for the European Championships.”

The last biathle race of the series will be at Greenhill, Weymouth on Saturday, September 2.

The club run regular training at Weymouth for running and biking, shooting at Dorchester, and training days and fencing and shooting at Leweston School, Sherborne.

For information on training and to get involved in biathle, contact Flaherty at flaherty121@aol.com