HUNDREDS of people dived into Stithians Lake on Sunday morning for the latest race in the Cornwall Tri Series.

More than 170 athletes entered the 2014 edition of the Stithians Triathlon which saw racers swim 1,500m, cycle 39km and then run 8km.

Participants ranged from regular competitors of the other events which make up the ten leg series and those looking to get fitter and take on a challenge.

In the men’s race, Cycle Logic team member Neil Eddy came first with a time of 1:49:59, finishing 50 seconds ahead of David Bartlett in second place while Jonas Gummesson was third after completing the course in a time of 1:58:22.

After the race, Eddy said: “It was a great day with top conditions for racing.

“It was a challenging course with a few big hill climbs on the bike, to the off road trail run around the lake. My legs were tired from training so I was pleased to get a Cornwall Triathlon series win.

“I still have a few more races to do in the series and the competition is tough at the top so I know I will have to keep the effort up at Siblyback which is my next triathlon.”

Melissa King came first in the women’s race, Melissa King was the victor with a time of 2:09:12 beating Alice Nicholas, who won the Falmouth Triathlon last month, who finished second a minute and seven seconds later.

Lisa Picton was third, finishing the race in 2:14:53.

Organisers from Tempus Leisure said they were delighted with how the day went and are now looking forward to the next race, which takes place in Siblyback on September 14.

Ceri Harvey, the head organiser, said: “The early morning mist on the lake lifted just in time to start the swim and as the day went on the weather only improved.

“The Tempus Leisure team and all the volunteers were fantastic. We had a great turn out with 170 taking part. Porthtowan SLSC and Naomi Connon provided the water safety cover and they did a brilliant job on the lake.

“Triathlon is such a great way to get fit and have fun and it is such a social sport.

“It is always great to see the varying ability of people taking part from our age group GB competitors through to those who come with old mountain bikes and borrowed wetsuits to take part in their first ever event.”

For more information or to enter the races, visit www.tempusleisure.org.uk.