MONMOUTH Tri Club member Jak Smith continues to wow this season with a definitive win at the Bassenthwaite Standard Triathlon, near Cockermouth in the northern Lake District, writes KELLY SALTER.

Jak led in all three splits, devouring the 1500m Bassenthwaite lake swim in 20:22, followed by the 35km bike ride in 54:22, and the 10km run in 40:28, ending with a superb race time of 1:56:36, and first place.

Meanwhile, fellow member Nick Cuttlefish is celebrating completing the Ironman Kalmar Sweden.

Taking on a 3.8km swim in the Kalmar Strait, followed by an 180km bike ride crossing the iconic 6km Öland Bridge, Nick finished the race with a 42.2km run through the city, finishing at the cathedral in 10:51:18.

Keeping with the international theme, Phil Bryant enjoyed a return to racing in the French Alpes d’Huez Triathlon M.

The beautiful but gruelling course included a 1.5km swim in the chilly glacier-fed Lac du Verney, followed by a 28km bike up the iconic ascent to Alpe d’Huez, tracing the route of Tour de France legends, and topped off with a 6.4km run along mountain trails.

Supported by daughter Maddy and partner Claire, Phil is now looking forward to his next tri challenge.

Back in Wales, an intrepid group tackled the demanding Five Valleys Sportive Prostate Cymru.

Founded in aid of raising funds and awareness for Prostate Cymru, and beginning at Margam Park, the Sportive offered a 72 or 54-mile route running through some of the most challenging climbs in Wales, such as the Bwlch and Rhigos Mountains.

Organiser Phil Tilley was joined by Luige Frigé, Andy Howells, Tori Baker and Tony Deacy for the 72-mile epic, which included 5,000 feet of elevation.

Interested in triathlon? Mon Tri are a small and friendly club, with mixed abilities – see www.monmouthtri.club