Four members of Petersfield Triathlon Club represented Great Britain in the European Age Group Championships for sprint distance triathlon in Munich.

Alongside all the athletes competing in the elite events, David Robbins, Linda Robbins, Julie Gadsden and Rose Beddington were representing GB in their respective age groups against triathletes from across Europe.

The atmosphere in the Olympic Village was electric in the run-up to the race, which was held early on Sunday, August 14.

A split transition called for all the triathletes to be very organised as the 750-metre swim was to be held at Karlsfeldersee, around 15km outside the city.

On exiting the lake, the transition to the bike would be followed by a 22km ride on beautiful, closed roads back to the Olympic Village in the city, where the bikes were exchanged for running shoes.

The final section was a 5km run around the Olympic Village, taking in a rather steep climb just to test the legs.

Having spent the day before the race ensuring their equipment and kit were in the right place, the PTC triathletes were up at 4.30am for a quick breakfast and a bus ride to the race start at Karlsfeldersee.

It was a beautiful morning, not too hot and very calm, and the lake looked wonderful. A final kit check and it was time to get the wetsuits on and head for the start.

David in the men’s 60 to 65 age group was first off at 7.10am, and Linda (65 to 69), Julie and Rose (both 70 to 74) followed 20 minutes later.

The swim was a mass start so there is always a bit of ‘contact,’ but then it was a matter of relaxing into the swim and making sure the course was followed around the large orange buoys.

Exiting the lake, the wetsuits came off as athletes ran to the transition area to get their helmets and cycling shoes on, grab their bikes and run out to start the bike section.

It was vital to make sure all the swim kit went into the box by the bike, otherwise there would be a time penalty.

The bike route of flat, closed roads was wonderful, with lots of support from marshals and local residents lining the way.

David made short work of the bike section and was then into transition to swap his bike for his running shoes.

Julie, Linda and Rose followed on and eventually everyone was on the run.

The run course was mostly flat around the Olympic Village but there was a nasty little climb up the “Olympiaberg” at around 1.5km.

Fortunately the GB team manager had staged himself at the bottom of the hill to spur everyone on.

David gained several places before crossing the line next to the Olympic pool and was able to take photos of Julie, Linda and Rose as they crossed the finish line.

It was a tough race all round but with some great results for Petersfield.

David finished in tenth place in his very competitive age group.

Julie put in a very good performance to claim third in the women’s 70 to 74 age group, with Rose coming in behind her in fifth place.

Linda placed ninth in the 65 to 69 age group.

After picking up their race medals, the PTC crew regrouped to congratulate each other. It was only then Julie realised she’d got third place – her first podium finish in an international competition.

After getting cleaned up and fed at the hotel, it was back to the Olympic Park for the medal ceremony to watch Julie receive her hard-won bronze medal.

It was an experience to remember as the first three in each age group, men and women, from different European nations lined up to be awarded their medals.

The GB Age Group Team did amazingly well, winning nine golds, nine silvers and seven bronze medals, and taking the first six places in the women’s 65 to 69 and 70 to 74 age groups.

It was a wonderful atmosphere to be competing with fellow triathletes from across Europe.

David Robbins