EMMA-KATE Lidbury’s phenomenal rise up the international triathlon pecking order continued as she won the UK Ironman 70.3 event at Wimbleball on Sunday.

The former Swindon Advertiser reporter saw off stiff competition to claim victory in an impressive overall time of 5:01.01.

For Lidbury the win was made that little bit more sweet by a near-miss in the same race 12 months ago, as she explains: “This race was extra special for me.

“Not only was it on home soil, but at this race last year I had led for so much of it, only to fade to third in the closing miles.

“It was also special because, for the first time, I won the race on the run course - the very place I've lost so many races in the past.

“There has rarely been a day go by in training when I've not thought about how great winning this race would be this year.

“I think that goes some way to explain the totally pumped and crazy reaction I'm showing in the finish line photos.”

After coming second out of the water in 28.08 minutes, Lidbury produced a solid bike ride to maintain second place - completing the 50-mile course in 2:58.14.

Then the race really got down to its nitty gritty.

On the running leg, Lidbury quickly chased down then-leader Simone Benz of Switzerland - hauling in a four-minute deficit in the process.

But she was soon joined by Irishwoman Eimear Mullen, who holds a much faster personal best over the half-marathon distance.

However, although Mullen initially overtook Lidbury, the Swindon girl produced a sensational late burst to steam first over the finishing line.

“I didn't let her out of my sight and, although she caught and passed me, I managed to reel her back in,” she said.

“By mile 11 I was back on her shoulder and soon in the lead.

“With two miles to go I really focused on so much of the technique work I'm doing at The Running School and took the win by 45 seconds.

“I’m very pleased. It was certainly a race that was won in the mind.”

With her family in attendance, Lidbury was over the moon with her performance.

“As I turned into the chute and saw I was clear for the win I think I went a bit loopy.

“To say I was pumped might be a bit of an understatement, but this is a race I have wanted to win ever since last year when I lead for so much of it.

“It’s a great achievement for me and I couldn’t have done it without my family, friends and sponsors - Wiggle, Morris Owen and Virtua.”