A RUGBY union referee flew the flag for North Wales at the Ely Duathlon.

Llyr ap Geraint-Roberts, member of North Wales Road Runners Club (NWRRC), competed at the event last Sunday and claimed third place in the 45-54 age category.

The running and cycling competition, held near Cambridge, allowed entrants to compete in person, which is currently prohibited in Wales, and it meant an early 8am start for the talented athlete, a high-calibre rugby union referee.

It included two 5k runs and lengthy bike race totalling 36km, which Llyr completed in a top time of 1 hour 25 minutes 50 seconds.

Both of Llyr's runs were faster than the overall event winner, however he lost seven minutes on his bike due to strong headwind. He said he plans to change his cycling training routine ahead of his next competition.

"It was something different for me today, but I was happy with my overall performance and transition. I finished 16th out of 150 entrants and came third in my category," he said.

"I was pleased with my runs – 17 mins 58 seconds for my first effort and in 10th place, and 18 mins 33 seconds for my second run and eighth place."