EVESHAM’S Helen Russell is celebrating after winning the British Quadrathlon Championships.

It was only the second quadrathlon of Russell’s sporting career and she posted the fastest times in the bike and run and was second in the kayak leg.

Britain’s best quadrathletes battled it out over a 1,500m river swim, 7km kayak, 36km bike and 10km run for the coveted national title at Brigg in Lincolnshire.

Russell, who is already an accomplished triathlete and duathlete, had an excellent start, covering the up and downstream swim leg in 22.21.

Her time put her well ahead of second-placed athlete Jacqueline Davies, who exited the water in 24.37.

Russell only started kayaking a year ago but after a winter of solid training with Worcester Canoe Club she unexpectedly posted the second fastest kayak leg of the day.

She paddled the 7km course in 46.24.

Russell’s rival Davies capsized after getting into the river and was passed by the 2016 British Quadrathlon series winner Jean Ashley, who had the fastest kayak spilt of the day of 44.45.

However, Russell had a clumsy transition on to the bike but, with a reasonable lead, rode tactically to conserve energy.

She cycled the 36km route in 1.04.28 which, despite being a conservative ride for Russell, was still the fastest bike leg of the day.

The course was an out and back route and Russell knew she had to build a sizeable gap between her and second-placed Ashley.

She concentrated hard on holding on to her leading position. In very hot conditions, a fatigued Russell struggled to set a decent pace but increased her advantage even further.

She posted the fastest run and crossed the finish line in first place in 3.02.13, an impressive 11 mins and10 seconds ahead of Ashley.

Davies made up the podium, finishing in a time of 3.19.52.

Russell said: “I am delighted to take the British title in only my second race and my first race over this longer distance.

“I am excited about my future in this sport because I know that as a novice kayaker I can make big gains on the kayak leg.”

Russell is aiming to add the British Trophy Series title to her British Championship. The series rewards consistency and competitors must score in three races to challenge for the crown.