Will Draper produced an impressive performance on his Ironman debut in Staffordshire at the weekend.

The Ironman 70.3 event consisted of a 1.2-mile swim in Chasewater reservoir, then a 56-mile bike course through the countryside outside Lichfield, Burton-upon-Trent and across Cannock Chase area.

The competition concluded with a 13.1-mile run starting at Riverway before heading in and around Stafford town centre before finishing in Market Square.

Talented all-rounder Draper completed the swim in 28 minutes 24 seconds, the bike section in a rapid time of 2hr 17m and the run in 1hr 25m to finish in a time of four hours 18 minutes.

He was leading all age groups until the latter stages of the run but still comfortably held on to finish second in his age group and 16th overall, qualifying for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Nice later this year.

Speaking after the event, Draper commented: ’Initially I was annoyed and disappointed with how the race finished.

’However, upon the dust settling and the support from friends and family, I have realised it was a very positive debut race, giving me things to work on and think about in my training as well as my next race.

’My next middle distance race is likely the 70.3 Ironman world championship in Nice - I earned my qualifying spot in Staffordshire.

’I would like to thank my sponsors, especially Thornton Financial Planners for helping fund the trip.’