FIFTY-SIX local athletes took part in the first race of the British Biathle series 2016 held at Millfield School, Street, Somerset.

The team took seven individual gold, two silver medals and four bronze.

The event consisted of a run/swim/run competition with distances comprising of 400-1600 metre runs and 50-200m followed by the same distance run again, the distances varied with each age group.

This was the first race in the British Biathle Series, so the standard was very high.

The race was also a selection event for the Great Britain team for the European Championships being held in Setubal, Portugal in July.

There were wins for Jayden Coombs in the Under-8s category as well as Finn Pardy (Under-13s), Abby White (Under-15s) and Sarah Wilson (Under-17s).

Emma Fisher took the masters women Over-40 crown whilst Mary Collett did the same in the Over-60 category. Peter Collett won the Men’s Over-70 category to wrap up a successful day for the Dorset Pentathletes Biathle team.

The club had 24 club athletes selected for the Great Britain team for the European Biathle Championships.

For the GB Triathle team, results were taken from this race and the national triathlon in April with the club having 16 athletes selected for the GB Triathle team

Team coach Michael Flaherty said the team are looking in good shape for the forthcoming season and have got off to an excellent start in the British Biathle series.