Today, 11 June 2016, England’s top aquathletes were thrust into the spotlight as part of the Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds.

146 athletes took to Waterloo Lake to embark on the 750m swim, before taking on a tough, undulating 5km run.

Richard Allen (M20-24) was first over the line, finishing a shade under 30 minutes in 29:21. After exiting the swim in first place, he continued to dominate the race and crossed the line over a minute clear of second-placed Andy Tarry (M40-44) in 30:56. Ben Rhodes (M20-24) came third in 31:29.

Allen said: “It feels great. I knew I was in great shape so it was one of those races where I knew I could do really well if I put it all together.

“I’ve just finished my first year at the Leeds Performance Centre and I’d say this is the first race where I’ve really noticed the benefit of training with some of the best guys in the country.”

The Women’s race featured international presence in the form of New Zealand’s Maddie Dillon. The former U23 ITU Aquathlon World Champion showed her strength in the swim, exiting the water twenty seconds clear of her competitors. She went on to finish in 33:29. However, the first female National Champion of the day came in the form of Michelle Willcocks (W30-34). Finishing in 35:18, she took gold in her age-group and was followed home by Caroline Jones (W35-39) in 35:46.

Joanne Gorrod of Jersey (W45-49) was next to cross the line in 35:50.

For full results of the Triathlon England – National Aquathlon Championships, please visit here.