MARK Lewarne is hopeful of making the Great Britain team for the World Triathlon Championships in Chicago.

The Cornish athlete has set his sights on being part of the national squad who travel over to the competition which runs from September 15 to 19.

His season is being funded by Truro-based aggregate suppliers and haulage firm Maen Karne, who joined up as a sponsor for the triathlete.

Recently Lewarne, who comes from Redruth, took part in the British Sprint Triathlon Championships held in Nottingham which saw him complete the course featuring a 750m swim, 20km bike ride and 5km run in just over an hour.

Although admitting he was not quite at his best, Lewarne, a teacher at Penryn College, is still hopeful of putting down another marker at next month's National Triathlon Championships in Liverpool.

Lewarne said: "It was a tough race with some very strong athletes to race against, the overall standard of competition was very high.

"I was well below my personal best for the event from two years ago, but was really fit then after returning from racing in Dubai in the series over there.

"I hope the performance I gave last weekend is enough to get a spot on the GB team again, which will be my fourth world championship.

"I am under no illusions and there is still a lot of hard work to be done, I must make sure I enter each race with a positive attitude and remain mentally strong throughout the season.

"I have the backing of a top sponsor in Maen Karne, a proud Cornish company, and I just want to go out there and give them a performance to be proud of."

He will also be taking part in the British Aquathon Championships which take place at Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth on July 12.

"It will be fantastic to be racing so close to home in a national champs," Lewarne said.

"Falmouth is an ideal location down at Gylly beach for swim and running events, taking in the iconic Pendennis castle will be impressive and showcase this to the other competitors."