European Middle Distance Traithlon Championships Banyoles 19th July 2026

26 July 2026 - By Anita Grainger

Heydon Mizon and Vikki Suett represented Team GB Age Group at the European Middle Distance Triathlon Championships in Banyoles, Spain, last weekend. The event consisted of a 1.9km swim, 90km bike ride, and a 21.1km run, more commonly known as a 70.3 or Half Ironman.

Due to extreme temperatures, reaching 39°C, organisers made the sensible decision to shorten the run from 21.1km to 14km. While this was absolutely the right call for athlete safety, it was also disappointing for both competitors, as the run is their strongest discipline and they would undoubtedly have benefited from the full-distance course. The swim was completed in bath-like water temperatures of 29°C, while the bike leg was raced in a challenging 34°C heat on a hilly course.

Heydon battled through the swim, his weakest discipline, without the advantage of a wetsuit, exiting the water in 35th place. He then produced the 20th-fastest bike split before delivering an outstanding run, recording the 3rd-fastest run split despite the shortened distance. He finished 21st overall in a highly competitive age group. Had the run been the full distance, there’s every reason to believe he would have climbed even higher up the rankings.

Vikki enjoyed an excellent swim, exiting the water in 5th place. She lost a few positions on the bike, recording the 10th-fastest bike split, before showcasing her running strength with the 2nd-fastest run split even with stomach issues 2.5miles in. She finished 5th overall and was the 2nd British athlete home, securing automatic qualification for next year’s European Championships—an outstanding achievement.

Congratulations to both Heydon and Vikki on outstanding performances in exceptionally tough conditions. Racing in such extreme heat is an achievement in itself, and they should both be incredibly proud of their efforts.

Splits below.

 

Name	Swim	T1	Bike	T2	Run	Position	Total Time
Heydon	0:49:31	0:02:57	2:45:02	0:02:24	1:00:47	21	04:40:42
Vikki	0:35:53	0:03:22	3:01:51	0:01:57	1:03:48	5	04:46:52