ASHLEY De Lotz represented Great Britain at the International Triathlon Union Cross Triathlon World Championships in the 30-34 Age Group.

The event was hosted in Svendborg in Denmark, with the race consisting of 1000m swim, 30km mountain bike and a 10km trail run.

De Lotz said: "As expected, the course was very flat, meaning the racing was extremely fast and there was little opportunity for a rest.

"The weather was perfect. It was sunny with a light breeze.

"It was my first event at this level so there were a significant number of unknowns associated with the race.

"I had moved up an age group from the European champs last year and I hadn’t raced in a world championship before.

The race started well for Ashley but for a lot of jellyfish during the swimming section. He was stung multiple times and was sore for a few days after.

After that came the 30km bike race. De Lots suffered a flat tyre halfway through which ate up three minutes of his time while he fixed the problem.

"I pushed really hard on the rest of the bike to make up for lost time and set off on the run," he revealed.

"The run was really tough, with beach sections and some really steep hills. It was so steep, there were ropes in place to help you pull yourself up.

"Unfortunately, my legs were pretty empty by this point from trying to make up the lost time on the bike. I crossed the line in fourth place in my category and 33rd overall.

"Not an ideal race and I managed to tear my Achilles tendon a bit on the run, which I am now trying to get sorted in time for my next race on August 12.

"Still, its just the way racing goes sometimes.

"Annoying all the same, but I felt a lot stronger than last year so I’m making progress."

Magnanimous after the race, De Lotz is hoping he's done enough to represent Great Britain again.

He added: "Hopefully I will get re-selected next year based on my performance so I can have another go at the title."