UCLan staff member crowned English Duathlon Champion 2022 for his age group

A sporty University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) staff member has been crowned English Duathlon Champion 2022 for his age group.

Steve Abbott, who works in the Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre, took the top title in the 45 to 49 age group and placed 13^th overall at the recent national event.

The 45-year-old, from New Longton, completed a 10km run, a 40km bike and finished with another 5km run in one hour 57 minutes 08 seconds.

Steve said: “I am delighted to have performed so well and got the gold medal but more importantly I’ve now claimed the English Championship title.

“It’s a race I was meant to compete in back in 2020 but I’m really pleased I’ve topped my age category despite it being rolled over due to Covid-19.”

The event, which doubles up as a qualification race to the 2023 European Triathlon Union Championships despite not having a swimming element, took place in and around Darlington.

Most of the race took place on Croft motor racing circuit. It included a mix of laps of the racetrack for both the run and bike sections plus included a picturesque undulating 14-mile bike circuit on the local County Durham roads.

Steve’s next physical challenge will be representing the Great Britain Age Group team at the 2022 European Championships in Bilbao in September.

See what’s happening near you by entering your postcode below or visit InYourArea