SUNDAY'S National Triathlon Show at Stratford Leisure Centre and the Stratford 220 Triathlon attracted almost 1,000 competitors.

Local triathletes again took part with great success. Most notably, Lee Perry of Team Tri UK claimed second spot in the male open event in a formidable time of one hour two minutes and 16 seconds, just 41 seconds behind the winner.

The event comprising a 500m pool swim followed by a 23k bike and then a 5k run was being used by many top athletes as a warm-up for Olympic distance Shropshire Triathlon.

Perry's second place finish looks promising then for the longer distanced event.

Not the first time this season, the Evesham College lecturer recorded one of the fastest bike splits and then followed up with the fastest overall run time of the day completing an undulating course in 17.36.

Perry was followed home by Phil Parsons (1.04.41) and Adrian Mayhew (1.05.47) both of whom recorded top 15 placings - subject to confirmation.

Michelle Parsons finished a creditable 13th overall in the ladies event.

In an event where the swim discipline plays a major part, Parsons clawed back a large amount of the time she conceded in the swim to record the sixth fastest bike and run splits of the day.

After competing in the individual event, she then teamed up with fellow 'Michelles' as Team Michelle in the female team event.

Michelle Dige finished the 500m swim leg of the race in a fantastic time of 6.54 and passed the wristband to Parsons for the 23k bike, who in turn left Michelle Kimberley to complete the 5k run.

A total time of 1.09.51 saw them have more than six minutes to spare over their closest rivals.