Aaron hits the top 30 (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Aaron hits the top 30

8:30am Sunday 28th June 2009 in General

OVERTON triathlete Aaron Harris |finished 30th at the under-23 European Championships.

The 20-year-old finished seven |minutes behind winner Dmitry Polyansky of Russia at the event, which was held in Italy, completing the course in a time of 1:56:19.

Triathlon is an Olympic event and sees competitors complete a 1,500m swim, followed by a 40km bike ride and 10 km run. Harris performed well in the swim completing that section in 18:20, just 40 seconds slower that the leaders.

However, he fell down the field during the cycling section and was four |minutes behind the leaders going into the final part of the race.

He lost more time during the run, completing 10km in 35:28, three |minutes slower than the fastest athletes.

Harris will now be looking to put in a good performance at the London Triathlon as he attempts to qualify for a place at the World Championships, which will take place in Australia during September.