Local triathlete Will Draper secured an excellent top-10 finish in the 2019 Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Nice, France last weekend.

The 19-year-old was competing in the 18-24 age group and first up was the swim which started in waves based on category and was a non-wetsuit contest as a result of the high sea temperature in the Mediterranean.

The swim was long and choppy and the Manx teenager completed the 1.9-kilometre distance in a time of 29 minutes 2 seconds which placed him 56th in his age group and 355th overall.

Then it was onto his favoured discipline of cycling where he was able to overtake plenty of competitors and work his way up the field on a hilly and technical course.

While still recovering from a recent crash, Draper used his experience and ability on the descents to make up lots of time and he completed the 90.1km ride in a rapid 2:29.58, moving up to 12th in his age group and 65th overall.

The final discipline was a 21.1km run and Will admitted to a few concerns during the early stages:

’I was worried during the first few miles that I was going to fade further and further due to heat and lack of good preparation [because of the crash]’ he explained.

’At mile six though, I managed to pick things back up and finish the run as fast as I started, which is always good in an endurance event like Ironman 70.3.’

Draper completed the run in a time of 1:19.59 which was good enough to claim a fine ninth place in his age group and 59th overall.

’Overall I was happy with the effort on the day and I’m really grateful for the support I’ve received,’ he commented.

’I know there is a lot more to come from myself and can’t wait to step things up this winter ahead of my races next season.’

l Fellow Manx Tri Club member Nigel Quaye was also competing at the world championship and produced a swim of 30m 2s, a bike ride of 3:18.22 and a run time of 1:31.41 to finish 427th in the 35-39 age group and 2,157 overall out of 3,690 athletes.

Isle of Man Childrens Centre’s Granite Mann Challenge takes place Sunday, September 22.

Sponsored by Browne Craine, the triathlon will again be held at Cringle Plantation, beginning with a 400-metre open water swim in the reservoir, followed by a 10km mountain bike ride on the trails round the plantation. Lastly is a 5km scenic run using the tracks.

It is open to individuals attempting to complete all three disciplines on their own, or to teams of up to three people to complete each discipline separately.

Entry is restricted to 40 teams and places will be given on a first come, first served basis. Solo entries are not restricted.

The entry fee is £40 per person or £80 per team which must be received by the charity along with entry form by next Tuesday, September 18. To enter online visit http://my2.raceresult.com/90290/info?lang=en