A VETERAN triathlete will be competing to be world champion after pushing himself to the limit in Ironman Bolton at the weekend.

Former teacher Dave Clamp, a personal trainer at The Heath, Business and Technical Park’s gym in Runcorn, qualified for Ironman Hawaii after securing first place in the age category 55-59 by crossing the line in 11 hours one minute and 38 seconds on Sunday.

The gruelling challenge includes a 2.4 mile swim, 110 mile cycle, followed by a marathon.

Dad-of-two Mr Clamp, from Frodsham, said: “I hope my age serves as a motivation and inspiration to people in their 30s.

“I took on a coach last year and we decided as a goal to try and win the world championships.

“We think there’s a possibility. I will go as a contender but I will have to raise my game.”

He was forced to bow out of Lake Garda’s Triple Deca Ironman last year, covering 4,000 miles in 39 days, due to a broken collarbone.