Three Oxford Tri members have qualified for the world sprint championships in Australia after impressing in a trial event.

Adam Moore, Richard Dunbabin and Jane Bell all made the grade in their age groups following strong performances at the Grendon Triathlon in Northamptonshire.

They can now form part of the Great Britain team for the ITU Sprint Triathlon World Championships in the Gold Coast, Australia, in September.

The sprint distances are half the Olympic lengths – 750m swim, 20k bike and 5k run.

Bell (right) was Oxford Tri’s leading performer, winning the women’s 50-54 year-old category, while Moore (20-24) was the first club member to finish.

After completing the course in 1hr 19mins 4secs, Bell said: “I joined Oxford Tri two years ago and the support and benefit of other members and club coaches has been amazing.

“Having enjoyed success at 2007 and 2008 world championships, it is great to have qualified for the European championships in Holland and the worlds again in September.

“And where better for it than Australia, the home of the Olympic triathlon?"

Moore, a sales executive with the Oxford Mail’s sister papers the Herald series, clocked 1.08.34 to finish the fourth qualifier in his category.

He said: ''The conditions were perfect for a good race and I am delighted to be going to the world championships in Australia.”

Dunbabin finished fourth in the 50-54 men’s category in a time of 1.14.10.

He said: "I am extremely delighted to be joining the Great Britain team for the third time at this year's world championships.

“I hope to improve on my sixth position last year, in Vancouver, and hopefully bring a medal back this time."

Another to qualify was Mark ‘Sharkie’ Jaggard, a manager with Oxford City Council, who competes for Thames Valley Triathletes.

Jaggard clocked 1.06.19 to win the 40-45 event and finish 11th overall.