Weston Athletic Club member Paul Snelling became world champion at the 2016 ITU Duathlon World Championships in Spain.

Weston Athletic Club member Paul Snelling has earned himself a world title at the 2016 ITU Duathlon World Championships in Spain.

The sprint event, which comprised a 5k run, a 20.5k bike ride and another 2.5k run, attracted elite and age-group athletes from all over the world.

Paul’s category featured athletes from across Europe, Canada, the USA and Australia. Paul put himself in a strong position right from the start, and although the 5k run was a tough one, he finished with a lead on the second placed competitor of well over a minute and a half.

He maintained his advantage over the hilly bike course before tackling the final run. It was here that he found a final burst of energy to increase his lead by a further two minutes.

This overall performance, plus his swift and practised transitions, enabled Paul to romp home a clear winner and world champion for his age group. His time of 1.18.03 was almost five minutes ahead of his closest rival.