TRIATHLETE Emma-Kate Lidbury finished ninth at the Ironman 70.3 St George and then declared the Utah race one of the most difficult events she has ever tackled.

The Cricklade endurance ace clocked 4:28.41 to finish more than 11 minutes behind champion Meredith Kessler of the United States at the race that also doubles as the US Pro Championships.

Former Adver reporter Lidbury was keen to focus on the positives afterwards, saying she achieved a good placing despite not enjoying her best performance.

“It is, without doubt, one of the toughest races I've done,” said Lidbury, who is now based in Southern California.

“To achieve a top 10 finish at this race when I wasn't firing on all cylinders is a great achievement and bodes well for the rest of the season.

“It’s not often that races live up to all their hype, but Ironman 70.3 St George did exactly that and provided an epic day of racing for all involved.

“I’m recovering well now in Santa Monica and looking forward to the weeks ahead.”

Lidbury is normally a strong swimmer but did not find her top form at the weekend, emerging from the water ninth in 26:35.

The bike phase saw Lidbury haul in those ahead of her as she timed 2:28.17 for the 56 miles, and she arrived at the second transition in a group with reigning 70.3 world champion Leanda Cave and training partner Sarah Piampiano.

Those three athletes were fifth, sixth and seventh and faced ahead of them a run course that was equally as hilly as the bike section.

Lidbury slipped back slightly but managed to pass Cave in the closing mile and hold on for a time of 1:30.31 and ninth place.

Kessler’s time was more than a minute and a half ahead of Germany’s Svenja Bazlen, who had led for much of the race. Canada’s Heather Wurtele completed the podium places with a time of 4:20.26.

Next up for Lidbury is the 70.3 Raleigh in North Carolina on June 2 followed by 70.3 Kansas on June 9 just a week later.

Completing two races within seven days is not for the faint-hearted, even as a professional triathlete, with that feat known to those in 70.3 racing as the ‘dirty double’.

Lidbury would like to thank her sponsors - Old Town chartered accountants Morris Owen and telecoms firm Virtua - for their continued support.