A local electrician and former pupil of High Arcal School, Sedgley, is swapping changing fuse boards for Lycra and a race bike when he sets off to represent Great Britain in the European Sprint Duathlon Championships in Germany next month (16th – 17th April).

Scott Palmer, who runs Dudley-based Electrix Installations and Maintenance, has qualified for the international competition for the first time and is hoping to finish in the top 20…just two years after he first started training for this specialism.

He will do battle in the 35-39 age group, taking on competitors from across Europe on the daunting course, which features a 5km run, 20km bike and then a 2.5km sprint finish.

“I’ve always been involved in sport, but never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be representing my country at the age of 35,” explained Scott, who has been battling a persistent back injury.

“It shows what you can achieve when you put your mind to it and I’ve had to fit my training programme in with running a small business and looking after my two young girls.”

He continued: “On average, I do nine hours training per week which takes in two running sessions and four outings on the bike. There’s a game plan in place and I’m hoping to get a personal best by making the most of my time on the bike – the discipline I feel I’m most strong in.”

Support From Black Country Businesses

Scott’s European challenge has only been made possible thanks to the efforts of a number of businesses and fitness specialists, including performance coach, Jacob Tipper, who is masterminding his training and bid for a medal.

Other sponsors include Nutrixxion UK (providing supplementation for nutritional needs), Cucumber PR (marketing and promotion) and RaceCo Cycles UK, with the latter supplying a new TT race bike.

The final supporter is Holly Cottage Chiropractic Clinic, which has been instrumental in helping him overcome a back injury and keeping him fit through qualification and training.

“It has been a real team effort and I’ve had to tap into the support of my family, friends, experts and my sponsors to get me on the plane to Germany,” added Scott.

He concluded: “Now I’m there I’m going to give it 110% and hopefully make everyone back home proud. I’d be pleased with finishing in the top 20, but when the adrenaline gets flowing you never know what might happen.”

You can read more about Scott’s progress at https://scottyduathlete.wordpress.com or follow him on Twitter @scottyp1980