Last week Steven Thomson, from our Eastbourne office, competed in his first major race of the triathlon season representing, Great Britain in the European Triathlon Championships (Swim 1.5km, Cycle 40km, Run 10km).  The event attracted over a thousand competitors from across the European community.

Held in Eilat, Israel, a resort town on the Red Sea coast, with warm clear waters, virtually pan flat, and good road surfaces promising for some fast racing. The desert winds took their toll on the athletes compounded by the heat resulting in some athletes having to withdraw from the race.

Steven exited from the swim joint second in his group but a 1minute 30seconds down on the lead. The uphill run to transition, which was further than normal, allowed Steven to get some distance on third place and a solid transition put him firmly in second as he got on the bike.  Steven who had his strongest bike to date had only been passed by 2 athletes on route who both posted some of the fastest bike splits of the day.  On to the run, half tarmac and half desert trail, the sun started taking it's toll on the athletes as the temperatures rose.  Steven managed to pass his age group competitior, who was first out the water, after 2km's and posted a good run split.

 Steven finished the race in 2:06:42, which he eventually found out put him in 1st place for the men's 25-29 age group, over a minute and a half in front of his next age group competitor, and 9th place overall.

Steven's gold medal has pre-qualified him for the 2013 European Championships in Alanya, Turkey and the 2013 World Championships in London.  Steven is now focusing on the rest of his season with key races such as the GB age group championships and a half ironman distance race later in the year (Swim 1.9km, Cycle 52miles, Run a half marathon).

 Well done Steve- we are all proud of your achievement!