Oxford Mail reporter-turned-triathlete Emma-Kate Lidbury enjoyed a podium finish in her first race of the new season.

The 28-year-old joined more than 170 other racers for her first duathlon in Swindon and won her 25 – 29 age group.

She was also the second woman home overall in the three-part race – 10K run, 40K bike ride and 5K run – posting a time of 2h 11m 46s.

Emma-Kate said: “The first race of the season went well, albeit a little chilly.

“This race was always going to be an unknown for me as I’ve not raced a duathlon before and usually rely on my talent in the water to establish an early lead in triathlon racing.

“I came into the first transition in the top six or seven and worked hard on the bike to get up among the leaders and, in doing, so recorded the fastest women’s bike split of the day.

“Conditions were not ideal for riding fast and the weather was nothing short of arctic. It took me several hours to feel my hands, feet and face once again.

“Feeling strong on the second run, I posted a 19m 23s time to win my age group and finish second woman overall – a result I was quite happy with as a season-opener.

“The race has served its purpose. It was good race practice and I now know the areas which I need to focus on and fine tune in the lead-up to the races which really matter this year.”

Emma-Kate’s training over the coming eight weeks is in preparation for June’s World Triathlon Championships, in Canada.

She only took up the sport after trying it out for an Oxford Mail feature and took the decision to go part-time at the Newsquest daily earlier this year to concentrate on training.