A KIDDERMINSTER music teacher is ecstatic after being selected to represent Team GB in two international duathlons in 2020.

Holy Trinity School and Sixth Form teacher Sarah Paterson will compete in the age-group European Championships in Spain next March and the World Championships in Amsterdam in September.

Putting her qualification down to a good bike, her tenacity and a willingness to ‘give it a go,’ she was pleasantly surprised to be selected having only entered her first Duathlon in March earlier this year.

51-year-old Sarah said: “I love both running and cycling, so to be able to combine the two disciplines in a competitive arena is both challenging and exciting.

”I’m also really chuffed to be putting on a GB vest at my ripe old age. I won’t be threatening any podium place, but I will certainly be going out to compete at my very best. "The hardest part will be fitting in all the training during the winter months and staying injury-free.”

Kidderminster Shuttle:

The events will involve a 5km run, 20 km cycle ride before a final 2.5 km run.

Sarah had initially asked her students for advice on the transitions, as many of them compete at County level.

Now, she’s competing at international level and there are cost implications as all competitions are self-funded.

Sarah added: “The children have been fantastic and really supportive and often ask if I’m running or cycling home.

“I was very green before my first Duathlon, with really no idea about all the rules and borrowed a carbon-frame bike for the qualifying round, but now I need to fund my GB kit, flights and my accommodation so I’m actively focusing on finding sponsorship to ensure that I can take part and compete next March.”

People interested in sponsoring Sarah can contact her through the school by calling 01562 822929 or by emailing office@holytrinity.co.uk