PETIT BOT may not provide the longest race of the summer triathlon series, but it’s certainly one of the toughest.

With a steep stony climb from the beach to the first transition, followed by severe climbs on both the bike and run routes, it is not for the faint-hearted.

However, 43 members were undeterred and battled it out over the tough hilly course.

The three-lap swimming course took in a short run on the sand between circuits.

It resulted in some changes in the usual placings, but not at the front where Gail King took her accustomed place as first out of the water.

Leading the chasing pack were newcomers Ben Creasey, Jon Greenfield, Lee Sebire and Kerin Sargent.

Places quickly changed once more during the tough bike course with Greenfield returning in first place with Tim Johns (pictured) posting the fastest bike split of the day to be less than a minute behind.

It was clear that the winner was going to come from these two, and the two-lap run gave plenty of excitement for the spectators who firstly saw Johns close the gap down to take a narrow lead and then pull away on the second circuit for a 12sec. victory.

In third place was Hubert Nicolle and in fourth Richard Stapley.