A PENARTH triathlete has made the grade after placing 15th in his age category in the ETU Powerman Long Distance and Sprint Duathlon European Championships in Holland.

Simon Marks travelled to Horst to represent Great Britain in the European Championships last weekend.

Simon, a member of Penarth and Dinas Runners and Cardiff Tri, finished the duathlon in 3.08.39.

He completed his first 10k run in 38 minutes, cycled 60k in 1 hour 42 minutes, and his second run in 42 minutes.

Simon, of Windsor Road, said it was an “amazing” experience.

“The standard of athletes was very high and there was good camaraderie between the GB team,” he said.

“The course was amazing, as was Horst in the Netherlands where the event was hosted.”

He added: “We also went over with James Elger, from NEWTS in Newport, who also represented GB and performed very well, placing 8th.”