EMMA-KATE Lidbury stormed to her first 70.3 title at the inaugural Ironman 70.3 Mallorca on Saturday.

The former Adver journalist had enjoyed positive results at TriStar Nevis and Abu Dhabi already this season but eclipsed those successes in Alcudia.

Emerging second out of the water following the 1,900m swim in 24:55, Lidbury took the lead at around the 60km mark on the bike course after powering through the initial climb.

Having completed the bike section in 2:35.43, she went into the run still in the lead, but was wary of those behind her having faded in the running section in the past.

Lidbury began the fourth and final lap of the 13.1 run in the knowledge that the athletes behind her were catching up, but she dug deep enough to hold on and win by 32 seconds. Hungary’s multiple title-winner Erika Csomor was second and Silvia Felt of Germany was third in 4:34.04.

Lidbury is next in action in the Switzerland 70.3 on June 5 before she takes part in the UK 70.3 on June 19.

She wishes to thank her sponsors Wiggle, Swindon chartered accountants Morris Owen and Brinkworth-based telecoms firm Virtua.