HOCKLEY triathlete Matt Leeman has admitted he was delighted to finish fifth on his professional debut in the Ironman event in Wales.

And Leeman was pleased to produce an impressive performance, which allowed him to come in the top five.

Leeman said: “I was absolutely delighted to finish fifth.

“I didn’t expect to place that high because I knew there were 22 great triathletes at that level.

“I feel like I have a place now to race pro at that distance.

“It will be difficult to make a full-time career out of it in the long-term but I am looking to improve my position and work towards the World Championships and other competitions.”

The 26-year-old has been working with established coach Perry Agass for a little more than a year.

And Agass was delighted to see the highly-rated prospect complete the Ironman event and finish in fifth.

Agass said: “I have been working with Matt for a little more than a year now.

“We thought it would be a good idea for him to compete in the Iron Man in Wales, which is one of the top five hardest Iron Man courses in the world.

“He was up against some world-class triathletes as well, so to come fifth is a massive step forward in his progress.”

Leeman has enjoyed a successful season, having come first overall in the Paphos Olympic Triathlon, North Cyprus 70.3 event and the Bastion.

The Loughborough University graduate has also placed third in the Outlaw Full and fourth in the Outlaw Half since the turn of the year.

And Agass feels Leeman has a bright future ahead of him after making impressive progress.

Leeman’s coach added: “Only time will tell if he can move into the world class category, but Matt is showing very good signs at the moment.

“The Ironman event in Wales was the breakthrough performance from him.

“I think he has massive amounts of potential and is capable of performing on the world stage.

“Everyone develops at different stages of their career but he has turned a massive corner in the last six months.

“Matt certainly has a bright future ahead of him.”

Leeman trains in the winter in Cyprus with ETE TriCamps. For more information, visit etetricamps.com.