WOODTHORPE'S Simon Hedley has been selected to compete for Great Britain in the European Cross Triathlon Championships in Sardinia on June 1.

Hedley has competed in numerous events this year, including mountain bike duathlons and triathlons which have resulted in podium positions.

However, the 32-year-old’s preference is the cross country triathlon, the event that is being held in Italy.

The sport has only come to the fore in the last few years and the European Cross Triathlon Championship is seen as the final selection process for the Great Britain squad.

Hedley’s best performance this year was at the Ampleforth Sprint Mountain Bike Triathlon, where he finished seventh out of 95 competitors.

“First, second and third were recognised Great Britain athletes, and fourth had previous experience on track so I was very happy with that result,” he said.

Regarding his selection as an age-grouper, the York Triathlon Club ace aims to stride to greater things in the triathlon field.

“I have always wanted to have my name on a Great Britain tracksuit, especially after the Olympics," he said.

"I would love to be equivalent to Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee. It might seem unrealistic, but that goal is what pushes me.”

Hedley is excited about the prospect of competing for Great Britain in Sardinia.

He said: “I have always been interested in mountain biking since I was a young boy so I started doing triathlons.

"I started to find the mountain biking triathlons a bit boring and I have more confidence in cross country than quite a lot of the other athletes which helps, so I just want to improve on that.

“I am not expecting to win. There will be athletes who are the equivalent to Great Britain, but I am hoping to get a good placing, meaning that I could get selected for Great Britain and maybe get more funding. It is an expensive sport."

Hedley is looking for sponsorship to help him compete to the highest level.

He can be contacted by phoning 07834 539949 or by emailing si_hedley@hotmail.com