FATHER and son triathletes Paul and Dan Harbidge are targeting a place at next year’s European Championships after representing Great Britain over a sprint distance this weekend.

The Appleton pair were competing for their country for the first time, with 23-year-old Dan coming 10th in his age group and Paul, 56, completed the Dusseldorf course in 1hour 22mins.

Dan was hampered by a crash on the cycling leg but says he still enjoyed the experience.

“We were just hoping to race our best and enjoy it,” he said.

“I had just pulled away from a group of other athletes towards the end of the bike course but entered a corner too fast and crashed.

“Luckily my bike was not damaged and I only picked up a few cuts and bruises.”

“We’re both hoping to qualify for next year’s event over a longer course in Estonia at the qualification race in September.”