A GROUP of 25 athletes from the area took part in the second race of the 2016 British Biathle series, held at Sanford Lido, Cheltenham.

The Dorset Pentathletes took six individual gold, four silver and three bronze medals.

The event consisted of a run-swim-run competition with distances comprising of a 500-metre to a 1500m run, then a 50m to 200m swim, followed by the same distance run again.

The distances were varied with each age group.

The standard was very high with competitors also trying to get qualifying times for World Biathle Series.

The weather conditions were ideal for racing with a warm sunny day and little wind.

DORSET PENTATHLETES RESULTS

Under-9 girls: Pippa Sproull (second), Evanna Bruce (third).

Under-9 boys: Jayden Coombes (first).

Under-11 girls: Bea Southcombe (fourth), Ginny Bruce (fifth), Holly White (eighth).

Under-13 boys: Finn Pardy (first), Ryan Openshaw (third).

Under-13 girls: Erin Horn (ninth),

Under-15 girls: Abbie White (first), Estella Depierre (sixth), Mimi Lecompte (11th), Ellie Sproul (13th), Sarah Carr (17th).

Under-15 boys: Liam Openshaw (first), Ajay Coombes (fifth), Josh Dreelan (ninth).

Under-17 girls: Amy Mills (first), Elizabeth Tolley (second), Izzy Watkins (sixth), Sarah Wilson (10th).

Under-19 girls: Katherine Townsend (third).

Masters women (over 40): Tracey Dreelan (second)

Masters women (over 60): Mary Collett (first), Margaret Smith (second)

A spokesperson for the club said: “This was another excellent result for the Dorset Pentathletes Biathle team. Once again the team gave each other great support throughout the event.

“The club had a great turnout for the race with the club once again top team in the event.”

Team coach Michael Flaherty said the team continued to race well from their first GB race of the season and are looking in good shape for the forthcoming season.

He added that, as long as the athletes keep performing like this, the team will have a few British Series winners.

The next race in the series will be the British Championships at Salford Quays in August, followed by the Weymouth race on September 3.

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

* For information on training and to get involved in Biathle contact Mick Flaherty at flaherty121@aol.com or go to Dorset Pentathletes website at, dorsetpentathletes.co.uk/index.html