WIGHT Tri super-veteran Liz Dunlop added another medal to her vast collection with a podium spot at the European Age Group Triathlon Championships in Madrid — all thanks to a helpful Spaniard.

Liz earned a well-deserved bronze in the sprint triathlon.

Having qualified for both the standard and sprint triathlons, held on consecutive days in the centre of the Spanish capital, with the swim in the Lago de Campo de Caso. 

"I was hoping I could achieve a podium spot in the standard distance event, then just enjoy the sprint with tired legs," she joked.

Isle of Wight County Press: Delighted Liz Dunlop reaches the finish line to come third in the sprint event at European Age Group Triathlon Championships in Madrid.Delighted Liz Dunlop reaches the finish line to come third in the sprint event at European Age Group Triathlon Championships in Madrid. (Image: Liz Dunlop)

However, due to bad overnight weather, which stirred up algae readings in the lake, the first of the events suddenly became a duathlon — a 5km run, 40km cycle and 10km run.

Liz was disappointed the swim, one of her triathlon strengths, was dropped, but she started well and entered T1 (first transition) in third, in her 65-69 age group.  

Jumping onto the bike, Liz was determined to cycle hard to catch those ahead. 

However, she was not expecting to have mechanical problems, which scuppered any chance of a podium spot and withdrew, to save her legs for the  sprint event.

After several hours trying to find a cycle shop open in Madrid, Liz got her bike problem fixed, thanks to a chance meeting of a very helpful Spaniard.

The event's organisers again told athletes of another change to a duathlon. 

Liz was far from happy, as the sprint event featured several competitors who were faster runners.

However, Liz was delighted to enter T1 in second after a solid first run. 

However,  she was caught on the bike by a faster cyclist and, despite making up more than a minute on her on the second run, Liz could not make up the time she lost on the bike, to finish third in 1hr 17mins 25secs for the 1.7km run, 20km cycle and 5km run.

"I'm delighted to be awarded the bronze medal in my age group and gain an automatic qualification place for the 2024 European Sprint Triathlon — and all after such an eventful weekend of racing and mishaps," she said.