I CAN CONQUER THE ALPS

Published 8 Jul 2010 09:00 0 Comments

Share this

Triathlete relishing challenge

A SUPERFIT Helensburgh athlete is preparing to compete for Great Britain in a world triathlon event in Germany.

Phil Dye, of Glen Drive, will test his imperious fitness to the limit when he travels to the Berverian Alps for the mammoth event next month.

The dedicated competitor knows there will be challenges during the gruelling long-distance race, but he insists he enjoys the triathlon experience - no matter how tough it is.

He told Sport Scene: "I am competing in a long-distance race which is 45km swim, 300km bike ride and 3km run.

"It is the international triathlon union long-distance word championship.

"I qualified by winning a race in Kent a few weeks ago.

"It is broken down into age groups and I have qualified in the 50 to 65 age group."

Phil's love of the triathlon began when he first entered the Helensburgh triathlon - an event which no longer takes place in the town - nearly a decade ago.

He said: "I have been involved in the triathlon for seven or eight years.

"I did the old Helensburgh triathlon after I saw a poster at the swimming pool and thought I would give it a go.

"I have also competed in the London triathlon and the half iron man, which is a bit shorter than the one I am doing. And now I have managed to qualify for this."

Phil may not be able to reach the heights of Olympic or Commonwealth glory but he will keep on entering events because it keeps his fitness in pristine condition.

He added: "I like to keep fit and to my mind it is a great way of getting fit.

"I enjoy running out of all the other disciplines. It exercises the full body."

This article appeared in Helensburgh Advertiser 08 Jul 10

Follow @helensburghadv

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our Sport archives.