A SPORTS retailer due to open a new store in Botley is backing a county triathlon.

Decathlon will be opening at Seacourt Tower Retail Park on Thursday, May 1, and the French company is encouraging people to take part in the Decathlon Good Fri Tri on Friday, April 18, at Radley College, near Abingdon.

The event includes a 200m pool swim, 11km loop cycle route through Oxfordshire countryside and finishes with a flat 3km cross country run, finishing on the college’s sports track.

Store manager Mike McHale, pictured, said: “We are proud to partner the Good Fri Tri and look forward to meeting hundreds of sporting newcomers and experienced triathletes on race day.

“We want our brand to make a real contribution to the community, offering new opportunities for residents, students, families, schools and workers to get involved in sport.”

The new store, which will be next to Homebase, will sell equipment for more than 70 sports including running, swimming, cycling and scuba diving.

A total of 30 jobs will be created.

Entry to the Decathlon Good Fri Tri, expected to attract 500 runners, costs from £45.

  • Visit trytri.co.uk for more information on the event or decathlon.co.uk for further details about the store.