A NEWLY formed triathlon club in Barnoldswick held its first full event in near ideal conditions last Sunday.

The Barlick Tri Club was established by a small group of local people keen to train for the triathlon, which combines the three disciplines of swimming, running and cycling.

Based at the West Craven Sports Centre, the club hopes to attract people of all abilities, from those looking to improve their fitness to those wanting to compete in top level events across the country.

Sunday's full triathlon was the culmination of the club's "Mini Series" - a succession of events each combining two of the three disciplines.

The series started back on March 11 with a 500m swim followed by a 7.65 km run. It attracted the biggest turnout and the top three were David Hartley with a finish time of 44 minutes and six seconds (44:06), second place Andy Drake in 45:51, and third Simon Beech in 46:10.

The second event, on March 25, was a 750m swim followed by 22km bike ride. With a slightly reduced field, top honours again went to David Hartley finishing in one hour and 12 seconds, second Sean Kirkwood in 1:01:10 and third Bruce Brockett in 1:01:23.

This set the scene for the first full triathlon of the year when members embarked on a 500m swim followed by a 22km bike ride and finished of with a 5km run.

Top honours again went to club captain David Hartley with a final finishing time of 1:19:05. In second place was Philip Atkinson in 1:23:58 and third was Sean Kirkwood in 1:31:51.

Overall series winner was David Hartley. Second was Sean Kirkwood and equal third were Philip Atkinson and Bruce Brockett.

Unfortunately the annual Pendle Triathlon, due to be held on April 29 at the West Craven Sports Centre, has been postponed until September 2 due to the foot and mouth crisis. The news has come as a disappointment to the Barlick Tri Club, although members will now travel to Stratford-upon-Avon on April 28 to compete in a triathlon there.

Captain and co-founder of the Barlick Tri Club, David Hartley said: "Our hearts go out to Pendle Leisure, as yet again it seems that the powers-that-be haven't a clue what they are doing. Great Harwood has infection, so has the Ribble Valley, and since the outbreak came to light how many vehicles will have travelled from those areas to pass through and stop in Barnoldswick? Surely, if by running over a piece of disinfected carpet or straw can do the trick for every other area of the country, then why can't they do this for the events to take place here?"

If anyone wants to join the Barlick Tri Club, contact David Hartley on 01282 816094 or Sean Kirkwood 01282 843130. You do not need to be an accomplished athlete as training is available at many fitness levels.