Hales shows he's Scot what it takes (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Hales shows he's Scot what it takes

3:53pm Wednesday 20th May 2009 in Search

Twickenham’s Bradley Hales finished in 14th place in the British Triathlon Super Series at Strathclyde Country Park, Scotland, on Saturday.

The event doubled up as the British Elite Championships over the standard distance triathlon, and involved a grueling 1,500m swim, followed by a 40km bike ride and 10km run.

Hales, 19, took to the start line along with 36 other elite athletes, including 2006 world champion Tim Don and fellow Olympian Will Clarke.

Racing for Kew-based Optima Racing Team, he was not daunted by the task at hand and lead the race after the swim leg, exiting the water in first place in a time of 18 minutes, 25 seconds.

Unfortunately, he could not hold on to the lead group over the bike and run sections, finishing just outside the top 10 in 14th position in one hour, 57, minutes and 59 seconds.

Incredibly, this was Bradley’s first outing over the standard distance. Clarke, the reigning national champion, retained his 2008 title in claiming first place.

Hales said: “It was a fantastic experience to race against such distinguished athletes and it was great to lead the field out in the swim leg. I am pleased with the result as this was my first experience of standard distance triathlon.

“Up until now I have been racing over the shorter sprint distance. I will keep working hard and hope to continue improving so that next year I can be mixing it at the top of the field.”

James Beckinsale, Hales’s coach, said: “Bradley is going from strength to strength. He suffered from lower limb injuries over the winter, which has limited his run training. With consistent training, I am sure he will continue to improve his times and be pushing for a top-five finish next year.”