AT 50-years-old, Richard Cross has won the Cirencester Off Road Duathlon.

He ran for two miles, completed 10 miles on a mountain bike before finishing with a two-mile run.

The Brimscombe resident, who was sponsored by Noah’s Ark bike shop, started steady on the first run coming into transition in 10th place but once on the second lap undulating bike course he was in his element and soon came to the front.

He crossed the finish line in 1:06:35, just 30 seconds ahead of Robert Abrahams, of Westonburt Tri and Ben Lang of Bath.

Richard has competed in the event for several years and has finished in the top three on a number of occasions.

The Cirencester Off Road Duathlon, which took place on Sunday, February 8, gives entrants a rare opportunity to ride in the picturesque setting of Bathurst’s Estate, Cirencester Park, on trails usually reserved for horses.

While some were out to do battle for prizes, many were completing the event as a personal challenge. The next duathlon is on Sunday, November 15.