A TRIO of triathletes will be gunning for glory at the European Age-Group Championships in Estonia this weekend.

David Pennington, Jennie Page and Louise Young - who are all members of the Rochford-based JBR Run and Tri Club - have earned international call-ups.

And their coach Jon Brown cannot wait to see them line up for Great Britain.

“We’re all really proud of their achievements and it’s a great reward for how hard they all work,” said Brown.

“It’s fantastic for the club to have three of our triathletes involved at such a high level and we will all be right behind them this weekend.

“I know all three of them will give it their best shot and smash it.”

Pennington - who is from Hullbridge - will be competing in the 30 to 34 age group event.

And his call-up is even more remarkable considering he only started the sport five years ago.

“My triathlon journey only really started in 2013,” said Pennington.

“I had competed in the London Triathlon but had done little if no training for the event apart from a couple of bike rides and runs.

“I finished the event in two hours and 43 minutes but it was that race which really made me want to give it a real go.”

As a result, Pennington soon started to be coached by Brown and has continued to improve ever since.

“My main goal was to get below two hours and 30 minutes, which we did and it was at that moment I started to look into racing at age-group level.

“It was a big ask but I was well and truly hooked.

“Since then I’ve had many great memories but racing in GB colours is by far the best.”

Pennington will be joined in Tartu this weekend by club-mate Page, who is from Rayleigh and will be taking part in the 40-44 age-group race.

“I can’t wait to get out there,” said Page.

“I got into triathlons after getting injured running and low intensity cycling and swimming was part of my rehab.

“Triathlons are addictive and I was lucky enough to represent Great Britain in 2016.

“Wearing a tri suit with your name and country flag is a truly amazing feeling and I’m excited to be doing it again.”

Young is also thrilled to be heading to Estonia and will be lining up in the 45-49 age group event.

“I think I first took up triathlon in 2013 during some kind of mid-life crisis,” laughed Young, who is from Thorpe Bay.

“I was inspired by the Brownlee brothers on TV and was instantly hooked.

“It wasn’t until I joined the JBR Run and Tri Club that I started to do more events and the longer distances.

“I never thought I would qualify for GB.

“But I’m shocked and thrilled to have made it and for the race to finally be here too.”