TEENAGER Bryn Davies has become the British XCycle Triathlon Champion in the 16-19 age group with a stunning performance in the Lake District.

Woodhey High School pupil Davies, aged 16, also finished 17th overall, pitting his ability against several professional triathletes, many of whom were benefiting from lucrative sponsorship deals.

The youngster completed a 1500m swim on Lake Coniston embarking on a 28-mile bike ride and 9k run around Coniston and Grizedale to seal his win.

His victory was rich reward for a punishing training schedule which includes six hourse swimming, five hour cycling and four hours running a week.

“My coaches help me follow a structured approach to training and racing,” said the level headed youngster. “This helps me to train hard and keep focused on my goals.

“Once I have completed all my exams (GCSEs) I will increase my training hours and focus on my main event in September, the inter-regional championships (IRCs). I have my sights set on a podium finish this year.”

Davies – a member of Bury Athletic Club and Ramsbottom Rascals Swimming Club – is currently ranked 10th in his age group nationally, despite the win in the Lakes, which was over off-road terrain on the bike and in the running.

The IRCs take place on roads and Davies will need to modify his skill set to excel in those events.

“I owe my achievements to my parents and coaches,” added Davies, who is intending to study sports science at Bury College after leaving Woodhey.

“My parents fund all my training and sacrifice the majority of their spare time to take me to various training sessions and competitions around the country.”

Davies’s pedigree as a competitor stretches back into his childhood. At the age of 13 he was the 2010 North West winter and summer triathlon series champion.

He was sixth overall in the Isle of Man Youth Road Cycling Tour, racing as a novice, and was selected for the Olympic Talent Programme with British Cycling in 2010.

Davies has recently won the Bolesworth duathlon in his age group – third overall – and was first in the Wilmslow Triathlon – 13th overall.