IT WAS a pretty quick turnaround for Isle of Wight triathlete Jan Fletcher, who transitioned from the Island Games in Guernsey to the World Age Group Sprint Triathlon Championships in Hamburg, Germany.

Having taken a creditable tenth spot in the Island Games triathlon on its opening day of competition — her best-ever Island games result in a top international field — Jan was in Hamburg five days later taking tenth spot in her 45-49 age group from another strong field of 71, which made her the second fastest British athlete. 

The swim was a deep water start — one lap of a 750m course, part of which was done in pitch darkness under a bridge, then emerging to the sound of cheering crowds. 

Jan exited the swim in 13.35, in the top half of the pack,and starting make up places on the long run into T1. 

Having located her bike, she made the long 700m run to the mount line and found herself off the back of the pack, but quickly bridged the gap. 

The bike leg was a two-lap 20km course of the main roads around Hamburg, which was fast and furious at times, and frightening, but also great fun to be cycling so close to so many others knowing any little mistake would be costly and painful. 

Jan was in a huge pack all vying for space and position, but she completed the bike in 32.33.

Jan entered T2 with a flying dismount, with no idea of her overall position. 

She was just behind a number of athletes exiting T2 and overtook them almost immediately, to start the one-lap, 5km run. 

She passed a number of athletes, a lot of whom were in the younger age groups, and ran well, posting 20.43 and crossing the finish line in 1.13.24. 

As a result of her position, Jan gained automatic qualification for next year's World Age Group Triathlon Championships in Malaga.

Jan will also be there taking on the standard distance event.