TRIATHLETE Stephen Mavin finished fifth at the World Triathlon Championships in Budapest, then said he was already planning for next year’s competitions.

TRIATHLETE Stephen Mavin finished fifth at the World Triathlon Championships in Budapest, then said he was already planning for next year’s competitions.

The 35-year-old from Somersham won the European title in the 35-39 age category in July, and only made a late decision to compete in Hungary.

“As an athlete, you always want more, but I can’t be too disappointed,” said Mavin.

“I enjoyed it and I’m glad I competed, but I didn’t do what I wanted to do on the day.”

Mavin had to compete with fatigue from a season that had been built around the European Championships.

“I was a little short of mileage after the Euros. I usually like to start with long distances at low intensity and build up to the competition.

“Having made a late decision to compete I didn’t have time to start a new training schedule, so I had to maintain a high intensity. I probably went in a little tired, but it wasn’t like I could do any more.”

Mavin built up his customary lead on the swim, but found the 10-second margin tighter than he would like at the first transition.

“I dug in on the bike, and though I got passed by Tony Reed, who finished second to me in the Euros, I was still in the silver medal position.”

The run proved Mavin’s undoing, as he was passed by three more rivals and fell to fifth, with Reed taking the bronze.

“The winner Eduardo Beretta was a fantastic runner. He finished 2mins 20secs ahead of me at the finish, having run 2mins 25secs faster than me, so I know I need to work on my run.

“Now I just need to rest up, have a think then I can start to put together my plans for next year.”