Lara Nyman finished 11th in a top-class field at the Corus Elite Triathlon Sprint in Reading.

With more than 40 British and international contenders on the start list including the current European junior silver medallist, the European Under 23 champion and Olympic qualifiers, the 16-year-old’s aim was to be the first youth over the line and hopefully, in the process, finish in the first quarter of the field.

Full steam ahead: Lara Nyman was riding high in Reading

As one of only three youths participating in the select field, the event, held in the shadow of Reading football club’s Madjeski Stadium, also incorporated the Senior British Sprint Triathlon Championships.

A sprint distance novice, Nyman started the race ranked 33rd and finished in an 11th position, achieving her aims in the process with a time of 1:05.

A disappointing swim over 750 kilometres was followed by an impressive showing in a fast sprint as she caught up with the leading peloton on the bike to post the third fastest bike time overall in the 20 kilometre race. With the fastest transition time, Nyman commenced her 5km run in good form but her initial burst on the bike to catch the race leaders had taken its toll. Chased down by the leaders, she finished just outside of the money which was distributed to the top 10 finishers.

Pleased to have achieved her initial aims, Nyman felt disappointed to have missed out on the prizes. “I never dreamed I would finish anywhere near the top 10 so to come 11th in a field with world-class competitors was great. However, it would have been nice to have won a cash prize; it is rather like finding out that you have finished in fourth position and lost out on the medals.” She is aiming for a podium spot in her next national race at Blenheim in June.