Matt stars in Australia

REDRUTH'S Mark Lewarne finished 12th for Great Britain at this year's ITU World Aquathlon Championships on the Gold Coast Australia to cap off a great season.

The event, part of the World Triathlon Championships and World Super Series Grand Final, saw a strong field of athletes line up from Australia, Canada, South Africa, , Brazil, USA and Great Britain, but it was the two German athletes who took Mark out of a top 10 finish.

He said: "After a strong first 2.5km run leg I went into the water in the leading pack, I managed to stick with them for a while during the 1k swim, but eventually a gap emerged and the first 10 athletes broke away. I was able to pick up the pace in the second run and a strong sprint finish down the home straight saw me secure 12th.

"I feel the heat was a major factor to contend with, it was so hot out there and we are not used to these conditions after our summer in Cornwall.

"But with thousands of supporters out on the course it really gave you a boost, and you really appreciate how much difference this makes when you are racing.

"The whole organisation of the event was professional and credit must go to ITU organising committee for this.

"It would a very competitive race and field of strong international athletes showed that it was going to be no easy battle. However, a bit of Cornish grit and determination was shown and I'm very happy with a top 15 finish at a major World Championship event, so im very happy with the result!"

"I caught up with the race winner Brent Schuster from Australia when we finished and he congratulated us athletes from Great Britain, and didn't expect such a tough battle out there. I didn't mention the Ashes!

"The plan now is to concentrate on swimming in the National League until December, then pick up the training again in preparation for next year's world championships in Budapest, Hungary, where I will aim for a top 10 finish.

"Also, the European Championships are over in Ireland next year so a busy year ahead."