A KEEN cyclist from Bidford-on-Avon has won the Warwickshire Triathlon for the fourth time in a row.

Richard Shephard, 35, of Bramley Way took part in the contest on Sunday, September 28, where he beat his own personal record with a time of 58 minutes and 43 seconds.

The contest consisted of a 400 metre swim at Stratford-upon-Avon Leisure Centre, followed by a 23 kilometre cycle around the Warwickshire countryside before he headed back to Stratford Leisure Centre for a five kilometre run.

Richard said: “It puts you under pressure when you have won previously. It was a shock because I hadn’t done short races recently as I had been at the Ironman companionships so I didn’t expect it to go as well as it did.

“The first thing I did was the Warwickshire Triathlon five years ago, having never done any cycling and swimming contests before. It is like a bug there is always something longer or bigger that you can do.”

On Tuesday, September 7, Richard took part in the Ironman world 70.3 Championships in Mont Tremblant, Canada, where he came 22nd in his age category.

Earlier this year, Richard qualified for the Ironman World Championships by placing second in Ironman UK, which was held in Bolton.

Richard is now due to take part in the global contest, held in Hawaii, on Saturday, October 11.

He added: “The competitors are so strong but really just to compete, just to race there is a big thing and an achievement.

“I think terms of the race it is very hot, something we’re not used to, very hot and very humid.”

His wife Ceri will be there to spur him on and provide physio.