TEN members of the Wessex Wyvern MPC competed at the National Biathle Championships in Salford Quays, writes CAT COVENEY.

After a team-supper carb-loading in a local pasta restaurant, it was an early start the next morning for the younger members of the team.

Charlie Coveney was the first team member to brave the chilly dock waters, but he ran a superb race, winning his age group and becoming British Biathle Champion.

Alexis Hornsby was next and with a super-fast swim she claimed second place in her age group.

Gemma Bigg showed her world class form in this event, and won her Senior Ladies group, while Cat Coveney ran a personal best time to claim second place in the Masters Ladies competition.

Despite the gathering storm clouds and threats of thunder and lightening, which could have cancelled the event, the later races went ahead and Lily-Mae Lancaster-Evans, Isabelle Law, Ruby Hanvey-Meyer, Maddie Kingston and Cameron Coveney all competed well in tough age categories and while they missed out on medals, we are proud of their efforts and continued dedication to their sport.

As a result of this competition, five of the 10 Wessex competitors have qualified for the GB Biathle team at the World Championships which will be in America in October.