YORK Triathlon Club pair Mark Harney and Stephen Phillips are hoping to come out on top Down Under after earning call-ups for next month’s World Duathlon Championships.

Harney and Phillips will travel to Adelaide to compete in the ITU Sprint distance on October 14 after securing automatic qualification for the Vet50 age group race by finishing in their category’s top four, with 66th and 79th overall finishes respectively, at the Stockton Duathlon in April.

The format will consist of a 5km run, followed by a 20km cycle, then a final 2.5km run.

It is a gruelling stamina test, but one that Harney relishes.

“I’ve been at York Triathlon Club for four years and I have always been a strong runner,” he said. “Someone at the club suggested I should go for it with the duathlon and I did.

“With two running parts, I know that can bring me back if people overtake when I am on the bike, so it works well.”

Harney, who works as a higher level teaching assistant in the English department at Fulford Secondary School, explained that his support for pupils extends beyond the classroom.

“I give extra help with sport on lunchtimes, helping out in athletics, tennis and girl’s football,” he added. “I’ve also been a Duke of Edinburgh leader for the last four years, which I have enjoyed immensely.

“The school have been, and continue to be, very supportive with my representation for Team GB and I’m grateful for their encouragement.”

The Australia trip will not be the first appearance for Harney in a Great Britain Tri-suit at a World Championships.

He represented his country two years ago in Ottawa, Canada and again in Spain last year.

On the preparations for his latest challenge, he said: “I’ve just competed in a final triathlon and will do the Great North Run, before getting ready to fly across.”

Harney is also currently looking for sponsorship, as participation in the World Championship is self-funding with competitors footing the bill for everything, including equipment, flights and entry fees.

Anyone interested in sponsorship opportunities, can contact the sports desk at sport@thepress.co.uk or call 01904 567136.