Triathlon titan Iain Veitch considers tilt at winning his third Edinburgh New Year title

Triathlon titan Iain Veitch is keeping options open about bidding for a third Edinburgh New Year Triathlon title after a stunning run of success culminating in the annual Craggy Island title.

The 41-year-old prevailed in “horrendous” conditions off the coast of Oban from a field of 247 who had to swim 900 metres to the isle of Kerrera then undertake an 18km cycle and 8k hill climb, all off road.

It enhanced a 2022 record that includes successful defences of his English and Welsh championships as well as wins in the Borders series and the Keswick mountain festival.

“I’ll probably wait until the last minute before deciding to compete again in Edinburgh at New Year as my wife, Joanna, is expecting our third child around Christmas” said Veitch, from Peebles.

Iain Veitch is considering a bid to win his third Edinburgh New Year Triathlon title

“But if things fall into place I’d love to line-up. What particularly appeals is the New Year's Day atmosphere with lots of families out in the Holyrood Park fresh air. It is a tremendous event.”

Among the highlights of the current campaign for the property consultant – apart from watching son Reuben, 8, debut in a race – was winning the English title in the Lake District.

“I’d been told I had no chance as a local competitor, unbeaten for three years, was in the field and ‘going to wipe the floor with me,” he recalled.

“I came in under the radar, maybe because I have a patch of grey hair. It was easy to dismiss me as a serious contender, but it was great to show a few younger ones!”