A HANDFUL of local youngsters made the short journey to Sandfield Farm Park in West Bromwich on Sunday for the Oldbury Triathlon Club's Children's Duathlon.

The event was a run/bike/run race over varying distances dependent on age.

First to race was Daniel Keen in the 13-14 boys' age group and, after the 3000m run, he was in the leading group of three that entered transition.

A swift change and on to the 8000m bike course saw the youngster struggle to keep pace with the leaders on their road bikes as he worked hard on his mountain bike.

His strength showed on the second 1200m run when he clawed back two places to finish third in his first duathlon.

Next to race were Jessica Wheatley and Jorden Parsons in the 11-12 girls category.

Covering a slightly shorter course of 1600m run, 6000m bike and 800m run they both performed well in their first attempts at the distance.

Jessica maintained third position throughout the majority of the race and Jorden, again riding on a mountain bike, did well to finish sixth overall.

Callum Tustin went in the 11-12 boys and was first to his bike after the 1600m run.

Again riding a mountain bike he gave an advantage to the athletes riding conventional road bikes on the 6000m ride but managed to stay in contention before finishing with a storming 800m second run to snatch fourth place.

Last to go was the youngest competitor, Tegan Parsons, racing in the eight-year girls event.

She was first to complete the 400m run and leapt on to her bike for the 1500m test.

Racing like many others on her mountain bike she maintained her lead going into the second 400m run. After a couple of stumbles, she regained her form on the run to finish in first place in her age group.

Jessica and Callum have both received excellent news following their efforts in last month's World Biathle Championships. Point were awarded after the event and Callum now stands top of the world standings in his age group, while Jessica is ranked second.

Jessica's younger brother Alex is also showing great promise and is the second ranked Great Britain athlete in his category.