THREE Malvern Triathlon Club members have qualified to represent Great Britain in the European Standard Duathlon Championships.

Rob Hurley, Lisa Hurley and Vikki Sivertsen will head to Alcobendas, Spain, for the event on April 26.

The standard distance duathlon will involve 10km and 5km runs, sandwiching a 40km bike section.

The trio qualified at one of three UK qualifying races by finishing in the top four in their age groups.

Sivertsen made the Euros at Oulton Park, Cheshire, in early October, but also raced again at Althorp, Northamptonshire, where the Hurleys earned their spots.

The muddy Althorp challenge consisted of an 11km run on mixed terrain around the grounds of the Spencer family home and neighbouring villages.

It was followed by a 42km bike section on undulating roads in the Northamptonshire countryside surrounding the estate.

The competitors and their bikes were covered head-to-toe in a layer of dirt after the race, which ended with a 6km run finishing in front of the house.

Being a European qualifier, the field was extremely competitive and all about positions rather than personal bests.

The bike race proved to be fast and fun for the trio, despite the mud, wind and rain, but the runs were especially tough.

The event was followed by a nerve-wracking week waiting for Euro confirmation, but all three were extremely proud to get the chance to represent GB.