Birkirkara St Joseph triathlete, Dermot Galea (photo), currently completing a Masters degree in Exercise Physiology at Loughborough University, produced another great performance recently in the UK. Galea took part in the Blithfield Sprint Triathlon which forms part of the Blue Seventy Triathlon Series. Notwithstanding the very technical and undulating course, Galea won his age-group and placed fifth overall.

Galea came out of the water in ninth place in a good time of 10minutes 54 seconds following the 750m lake swim. Determined to catch up with the leaders, he set a strong pace during the bike segment of the race and was gaining time on the leading pack, especially in the uphill stretches, finishing the 20km cycle in 33minutes 42 seconds.

Back into transition area in fifth place, the Birkirkara man set off on the final 5km run, on a course with long stretches of rough terrain. Although not used to running on such terrain Galea moved up to fourth place.

However, in the final moments of the race, Galea was outsprinted by a Total Fitness Nottingham team triathlete and had to settle for fifth, finishing the race in 1hr 4minutes 38seconds. He covered the 5km off road course in 18minutes 20seconds and his finishing time was sufficient for him to win his age group.

Galea, who is sponsored by LINEBREAK compression clothing is currently in eighth in the General Classification of the Blue Seventy Triathlon Series.