Teign cyclist is a world Ironman champion

Having already secured his place as one of the UK’s most successful triathletes, the Mid-Devon Cycling Club’s Don Brooks is celebrating one of the biggest highlights of his medal-laden career.

Brooks, from Teignmouth, has just returned from winning the Ironman World Championships (Veteran 45-49yrs) at Kona, Hawaii.

The electrical engineer and father-of-two headed for the Pacific with eight European and World age-group titles to his credit, as well as scores of other honours.

But the Hawaii Ironman, featuring a daunting combination of 2.4 mile Swim, 112 mile Bike ride and 26.2 mile Run, is considered to be the ultimate test of the sport.

Brooks, 46, finished in 8hrs 34mins 56secs, good enough for 41st overall against the best long-distance triathletes in the world, and 23mins clear of his nearest 45-49 rival.

Closer to home MDCC riders continued their impressive campaign in the SW Cyclo-Cross League’s Fifth Round at Plymouth’s Newnham Park.

There were more wins for Under-14 leaders Lauren Fox and James Allen, while Lauren’s sister Eva also led home the Junior Women’s field.

Lauren Fox is also joint-leader of the National Trophy U14 group, and she and many rivals have their sights set on Round Three of that series at Paignton’s Torbay Velopark over the weekend of November 16/17.

Other Newnham Park results: U10 – 4 George Bleloch, 5 Freddie Simcock; U12 – 10 Jacob Cowes, 12 Will Cook; U14 – 5 Ben Simcock, 6 Oliver Gray, 8 Thomas Bleloch; U16 – 3 Ben Picton, 4 Sam Gray, 5 Omar Wilson; Vet40 – 6 Emily Simcock; Vet50 – 4 Cathy Kilburn, 5 Jackie Shute; Vet59 – 3 James Bovey, 21 Justin Cole.