In form Harris set for London (From Basingstoke Gazette)

In form Harris set for London

1:00pm Saturday 1st August 2009 in

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INTERNATIONAL triathlete Aaron Harris warmed up for this weekend’s London Triathlon by winning the British Sprint Championships.

The 21-year-old, who grew up in Overton, broke away during the cycling phase of the event to claim victory at Parc Bryn Bach, in south Wales, last weekend.

“I was looking for a podium finish so it was great to be able to win,” he said. “I knew there were a couple of people racing who would provide pretty good competition, but I did well.”

Triathlon is an Olympic event that involves swimming, running and cycling. The event in Wales was run over half the Olympic distance, with competitors swimming 750m, cycling 20km and running 5km.

Harris was in the leading pack after the swimming phase and broke away on his own midway through the cycle, building up a 20 second lead that he was able to extend during the run to claim victory.

“I felt tired for some reason during the swim but once I got on the bike I found some strength and pushed on from there,” he explained. “I wanted someone to come with me as I don’t normally go out on my own but I got a gap and took off from there.”

Harris is delighted to have claimed a race win after having some tough races on the continent. The former Testbourne pupil had hopes of a podium place at the European under-23 Championships last month but had a bad swim and eventually finished 30th.

Two weeks later, he claimed 36th spot at the senior European Championships in Holland. Again, he had a poor swim but made up ground during the rest of the race.

“There were a lot of positives to take from that race and I learned a lot about competing at a European level,” Harris said. “I was disappointed with my performance at the under-23s but learned a lot from it.”

Harris’ next race will be the London Triathlon, which takes place in Hyde Park at the weekend and will act as the British trials for the world championships in September.

“I want to make the world championships and have to win the under-23 class to do that,” he said. “The course in London should suit me as it is a flat and fast power circuit.

“It was good to win in the build-up to London because it will help my confidence and motivation going into that race.”