Thanet Roadrunners’ Sorcha Page sets new bests in swimming and cycling at the European Aquabike Championship in Belgium

Thanet Roadrunners’ Sorcha Page went up against international opposition at the European Aquabike Championship in Belgium, setting personal bests en route to 15th place in the 45-49 age group.

Aquabike takes the swimming and cycling disciplines from triathlon, with mum-of-three Page completing a 1.2-mile swim in 44min23sec and a 56-mile bike ride in 3hr08min42sec. Including transition, Page timed 3:57.55.

“The fact that I completed in my first European Championship in Belgium representing my country has been something very special,” said Page, who has just retrained as an open-water swimming coach and level 2 swimming teacher. She starts her triathlon coach training next month.

“When I first started out in triathlon nine years ago it has always been a dream and a goal to gain a GB age-group qualification spot.

“I competed in the middle-distance aquabike which comprised of a 1.2-mile swim and a 56-mile bike ride, all around the beautiful town of Menem. The race was fast, and I managed to get a PB in both disciplines for those distances, but still need to be faster to get up the rankings.

“I have learnt a lot racing with and against the top athletes in their sport and will continue through winter to improve. I’m just glad I gave it my best on the day and can proudly say I am officially a GB athlete.

“Next for me is to look at my time against the next age group as I will go up a category next year. Look at where I need to improve and concentrate on my winter training, with the outcome of qualifying again for next year’s championships where I want to get a better placing.”