Yorkshire honour earned at AJ Bell 2022 World Triathlon Championship Series Leeds

During a busy Sunday morning, which also saw the British Standard Distance Triathlon Championships held, the honour of being crowned Yorkshire champion was also earned as AJ Bell 2022 World Triathlon Championship Series Leeds hosted the Yorkshire Championships.

Tom Langdon and Sharon Leeming both became Yorkshire champion, completing the 1.5km swim, 36.2km bike and 10km run as the quickest male and female athletes.

It really was local bragging rights for Langdon, who lives in Potternewton just a couple of miles away from Roundhay Park in Leeds.

After collecting his trophy on the event village podium, 24 hours after also participating in the sprint distance on Saturday, Langdon said: “It feels amazing especially to achieve it in a place which is moments from my house, with the crowds it’s breath-taking, it’s fabulous.

“I did the sprint yesterday, so I came into today not really expecting to do that well, but it felt quick, it felt fast, it felt easy and it’s really good to come first. I was ill with a chest infection a few weeks ago and I didn’t think I would be competitive in the standard distance race today, so because it’s not going to be in Leeds next year, I thought I would sign-up to the sprint event as well, not expecting to be quick with being so ill, but it turns out I’m back to fitness.”

When Sharon Leeming’s name was announced over the PA system when the female champion was declared, there was a look of surprise on her face as she made her way to the podium.

“I wasn’t expecting it,” Leeming explained. “I came today to just have fun and enjoy the race rather than compete, so it’s fantastic. It’s a massive confidence boost. I’ve done triathlon for a bit but today I just wanted to come and enjoy it, it’s been a great event.

“I came down yesterday supporting some of the sprint and GO TRI and the atmosphere was fantastic. I saw the elites and then today it’s just been a brilliant festival atmosphere, it’s really supportive, the marshals on the course have been brilliant, everything has been really well signposted, it’s just a great event to be a part of.”

Full results from the Yorkshire Championships can be viewed here.