LAUNCESTON’S Dan Kinver represented Great Britain at the 2017 ETU Challenge Middle Distance Triathlon European Championships in Herning, Denmark on Saturday, June 10.

There were some 2,000 athletes from 34 different countries present, with Kinver competing in the 25-29 Male AG category.

In order to be eligible to represent Great Britain, as an athlete you have to apply based on your race times in the previous race year at a qualifying event of the same distance.

Kinver used his time from the half Ironman he did in June 2016.

The day starts with a 1.2-mile open water swim, then a 56-mile cycle and then on to the 13.1-mile run.

As an athlete you always hope for no wind, no rain and smooth road surfaces for the best race day experience. This wasn’t looking likely for Kinver, as there were three days of solid rain leading up to race. Thankfully, race day was sunny and nearly perfect race conditions.

Kinver finished with a time of five hours and four minutes, which would have been a bit quicker if he hadn’t taken an unplanned detour into a field on his bike with ten miles to go on cycle.

This ’detour’ actually ended up with Dan going over his handlebars and injuring his leg slightly, which did hamper his run speed. However, he managed to finish 26th out of the 35 who finished the race in his category.

One of the great things about Triathlon is the camaraderie between athletes and also those invaluable support crews on the day with Kinver pleased the support he received.

Kinver said: "It was brilliant hearing from lots of random people, shouting my name and encouraging me because they could see my name on my trisuit.”

Kinver’s personal trainer and fellow triathlete, Matt Luxton, was delighted with his client, saying: “Having helped Dan over the last few years with his incredible journey from someone who didn’t really do much exercise at all, it has been great to watch, coach and compete with him.

“He should be proud of what he has achieved and the dedication he has put into getting the results he has.”