FOUR members of Weymouth-based triathlon squad BustinSkin have achieved eye-catching results during competition this season.

John Robinson, Matthew Papa, Giles Heaman and Daniella Bailey all excelled in their respective age groups, representing Team Great Britain across various classifications.

Robinson wore the GB colours in Australia’s ITU Grand Final Triathlon where he finished as the ninth Brit in the 50-54 age group amid the sweltering conditions of the Gold Coast.

Competing against his sister, who represented Australia, Robinson picked himself up after a nasty crash during the bike phase to determinedly finish the race.

Papa, meanwhile, raced in the ETU European Sprint Triathlon in Glasgow and secured ninth place out of 35 athletes in the 20-24 age group.

Heaman and Bailey both participated in the Ibiza ETU middle distance triathlon championships, Bailey having also appeared for Team GB in gymnastics.

After a huge thunderstorm that delayed the start, Bailey finished sixth in the 25-29 category and was the 17th-quickest non-elite female.

For Heaman, his third consecutive championships saw him earn ninth in the 40-44 class. His efforts also landed him 32nd place in the non-elite male standings.

Speaking to Echosport, Heaman revealed he had only begun competing in triathlon four years ago.

He said: “BustinSkin has been going for about 10 years. There’s nearly 200 people and I got involved just looking to start triathlon about four years ago.

“I did one or two races and I’ve gone on from there to be a club member and go away and race.

“The GB thing is slightly different. You do qualifying races and it gives you the chance to compete. We’re not Alistair and Jonny Brownlee – we have to pay for everything!

“We’ve got others that have raced (for GB) – I think it’s like a family and makes you want to do the sport.

“The club is very encouraging and gives a framework for people to do well.”

With the 2018 season completed, Heaman has his eyes set on the 70.3 Ironman in Nice next year.

Asked what he would do to maintain fitness during the winter, he said: “Probably some mountain biking and stuff like that to take a break.

“In the new year I’m hoping to race the Europeans. Dani and myself have also qualified for the 70.3 Ironman in Nice.”

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