South London Harriers triathlete Matt Chapman from Caterham has been crowned national age group champion after an outstanding performance at the Milton Keynes Triathlon last weekend.

The English Standard Distance Age Group Champs saw more than 500 amateur athletes from across the country battle it out for national honours.

The competitors swam 1500m in Emberton Lake before taking to their saddles for a 40km bike ride on the surrounding roads and finishing with a 10km run around the lake.

Speaking about his success Matt said: "It's an amazing feeling to have been crowned national age group champion. Having recently suffered with an injury that has restricted my run training over the last few months, I knew that I had to have a good swim and a strong bike ride to be in contention. I managed to secure a big lead on the bike which meant that I was just able to hold off the other competitors on the run. At the triathlon club we have got a great training group and the successes of others in the squad have motivated me to train hard and seek further success, but most importantly they have made all those hours of training really enjoyable".

If you are inspired by Matt's success then he is helping to organise a race involving a 400m swim followed by a 5km run in the stunning grounds of Woldingham School on Wednesday 17th August at 7.30pm, for entries see www.thetriproject.co.uk