A PEEBLES athlete has won The Roc Wales triathlon – breaking the previous course record by completing it in four hours and 42 minutes.

Iain Veitch took part in the brutal race which showcases some of the most breathtaking and rugged scenery the UK has to offer.

The field this year was particularly strong with the top four athletes all beating the previous course record.

A 1500m sea swim at the Welsh coastal town of Abersoch was followed by a demanding 50km ride through Snowden national park.

It was then on to running the famously tough Watkins path to the summit of Snowden itself.

After coming back down, athletes then rode the 50km back to Abersoch where the race concluded with a 1km run on the beach.

The 39-year-old told us: “The course was brilliant. A beach start sea swim in cold but calm waters off the gorgeous beach of Abersoch.

"An honest rolling bike course and a run up the infamous Watkins Path of Wales highest mountain. It really has that wow factor.

“Despite the good swimming conditions I swam poorly and quickly fell to the back of the elite pack and stayed there until coming out the water.

"The support at the event was brilliant. The noise from supporters giving a real boost regardless of position.

“The bike conditions were almost perfect. No strong winds, dry and a reasonably hilly undulating course from the coast to the main feature of the event – Snowden. Even though the racing was tough the scenery en route was stunning.

"It was also quite intimidating as you could clearly see at all times what lay ahead on the run.

“The run up the mountain was brutal. The Watkins path is often described as the toughest but most scenic path up the mountain and lived up to this.

"The terrain is relentlessly steep reducing everyone to a scramble near the top.

"The views though made up for the suffering. Jaw dropping.

“By the time I was back down the mountain I had taken the lead.

"Despite being halted at a level train crossing and having a very anxious wait for the train to pass and the barrier to raise I was able to hold onto that to the end of the second bike leg and really enjoy the last 1k run on the beach."