TRI'S TOUR DE FORCE

Norfolk’s Joe Skipper has become a triathlon tour de force, not just vying to become Britain’s No.1 male Ironman triathlete, but capable of duelling with the best in the world. Following two top-10 performances in Hawaii, the 32-year-old set a course record at Ironman Florida last November and backed it up with another in New Zealand in March. A self-coached maverick, always offering refreshingly candid and forthright views, Tim Heming caught up with him the day after his Taupo success to talk all things tri.

TIM HEMING Congratulations on another fantastic victory [a fifth iron-distance win], with a 7:54:18 course record. How are you feeling?

JOE SKIPPER I’ve felt a lot worse. I never feel as bad if I win. I worked my way to the front on the bike and had a buffer for the start of the run. With 7-8km to go, I knew I could cruise in and not risk going too hard and blowing up. Had I been in a battle, I’d have pushed harder, and that’s when I feel really bad the next day.

TH The tears flowed at the finish line. Can you explain why?

JS I was in Christchurch before the race, when my mum called to tell me