Oxford's Emma-Kate Lidbury was over the moon after winning her second Ironman 70.3 title of the season at Wimbleball, Exmoor.

The 31-year-old, from Risinghurst, gained sweet revenge for a third-place finish 12 months ago with a devastating display.

After completing the 1.2-mile swim in second place following a time of 28mins 9secs, Lidbury upped the tempo on the bike.

She completed the 56 miles in 2hrs 58mins 14secs, leaving her a four-minute deficit to make up on the lea-der.

And in the 13.1-mile run, Lidbury, who is sponsored by Wiggle, Morris Owen and Virtua, took the lead.

She held off her rivals to cross the finish line in 5.01.01 to take first prize by 45 seconds.

And she was understandably delighted at her success.

“This was extra special for me,” she said.

“Not only was the race on home soil, but last year I had led for so much of it, only to fade to third in the closing miles.

“The run became an extremely close affair. I closed down a four-minute gap on the leader, but was caught by a rival behind me.

“However, although she passed me, I reeled her back in and with two miles to go really went for it.

“To say I am pleased is an understatement.”

She added: “After winning the same-distance race in Mallorca earlier in the season, I could remember just how sweet it was to come into the winning straight in front and I wanted it all over again.

“But this time, I knew my family and friends were here too.

“As I turned into the chute and saw I was clear for the win, I think it’s fair to say that I went loopy!

“To say I was pumped might be a bit of an understatement, but this is a race I have wanted to win ever since last year, when I led for so much of it.”