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.”