CHEPSTOW triathlete Rich Munday is celebrating a double whammy after defending his European age group title and being the first Brit to cross the finish line at Challenge Rimini.

The 36-year-old battled through the first section of his triathlon in wet and windy weather before running a half marathon along the promenade in hot sunshine to finish in four hours 40 minutes.

His proud mum, Julie watched from the sideline as her son took on the Italian challenge alongside hundreds of other competitors.

Rich said: "I had a 1.2 mile sea swim and a 57 mile uphill cycle into the mountains past San Marino before running a half marathon.

"I didn't know what to expect as it was a different field with more Italians racing. There was a lot of pressure with the team expecting me to win but I'm glad to say it was a success even with a knee injury halfway along the bike. I was also the first British athlete to finish overall which was great."

In six weeks time Rich is travelling to Geneva, in Switzerland, for the European Age Group Olympic Distance triathlon.

He added: "It's half the distance of Mallorca and Rimini so should be very competitive. I will also compete in the full Ironman Distance at Ironman Barcelona in October. It will involve a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile cycle and 26.2 mile marathon – that will be a long day!"