EVESHAM’S Melanie Clarke tackled her toughest race so far at the European Middle Distance Triathlon Championships in Italy.
The practice owner and clinician of Melanie Betts Physiotherapy in Stratford finished second Great Britain competitor in the 45 to 49 years women’s category in Rimini.
Clarke produced a strong display in her first international at middle distance, coming fifth overall in a time of five hours 54 minutes 28 seconds.
Conditions were tough with heavy sea swells and rip tides on the 1.9-kilometre swim following a stormy few days in Italy.
The 90km bike section took racers up into the San Marino mountains, climbing more than 3,000 feet on a technical course, before returning to warmth and sunshine for the 21.1km coastal run at the end.
Clarke has qualified for the European Triathlon Union Middle Distance Championships in Austria next year and aims to make the International Triathlon Union World Championships in Chicago in September.
She said: “This was definitely the hardest race I have ever done but I loved the whole experience.”
The athlete has been supported by Dynamic Tape and coach Richard Goode.
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