TAVISTOCK triathlete Ollie Beilby faces some of the world’s best middle distance competitors at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Chatanooga, Tennessee.

Having qualified at last year’s Weymouth 70.3 Ironman, Ollie also took part in the European Champion-ships held in Denmark earlier this year where he placed 89th overall.

The middle distance race consists of a 1.9 km swim, 90km on the bike followed by a half marathon.

Ollie said: ‘A big part of the race is about mental endurance and although the training is tough the challenge and satisfaction on race day are worth it.’

As a member of Tavistock Triathlon Club Ollie trains with fellow triathletes at weekly coached sessions as well as his trusty running partner Nora the dog!

Many of the club’s members are competing at this year’s Weymouth 70.3 race held on September 17 and Ollie will also be joining them the weekend after the World Championship race.

You can follow Ollie’s journey on his Instragram @obeilby

You can also track his progress on Sunday, September 10 from 12.30pm UK time by visiting eu.ironman.com and using his bib number 1709.

Article and photo by Tommy Hatwell.