A TALENTED athlete is setting his sights on turning professional after making a big splash at the annual Bolton Ironman on Sunday.

Lewis Eccleston, of Parnell Close, Astley, won the 18 to 24 year category for the second year on the spin and recorded the 15th best time overall.

The 24-year-old builder's performance in the gruelling 140.6-mile triathlon, which starts with a 2.4-mile swim at Pennington Flash Country Park in Leigh, secured qualification for the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii in October.

Lewis is targeting a podium finish in Hawaii but his ultimate aim is to make a living out of his athletic talent.

The former St Mary’s Catholic High School pupil said: “I am so happy and relieved to have qualified for the world championships.

“Hopefully I can get a podium finish there.

“I just want to keep going and see how far I can go in the Ironman competitions and see if I can turn professional.

“It would be great to do it full time, but for now I am just enjoying being in all the events and doing my best to keep improving.”

Lewis is a member of Manchester Triathlon Club after taking up the triple-event sport in 2012.

He won two European bronze medals before progressing to Ironman events.

His time at the Bolton Ironman was nine hours, 41 minutes and 21 seconds, 50 minutes quicker than his closest rival in the 18 to 24 year category.

The event, which returned for its ninth year, was won by Frenchman Cyril Viennot.

The 2014 champion completed the course in eight hours, 41 minutes and seven seconds.

Lucy Gossage retained the women's title, crossing the finish line in nine hours, 39 minutes and 48 seconds.

There were 2,345 athletes taking part and almost half were competing for the first time.

The elite athletes entered the water at Pennington Flash at 6am, with the amateurs soon joining them in the lake’s bracing waters.

The early start and wet weather did not dampen the enthusiasm of their supporters.

Friends and families lined the eastern shore in impressive numbers to cheer the competitors on as their race got under way.

Athletes descended on the course from all corners of the country and beyond.

Once athletes had completed two laps of the Pennington Flash course they jumped on to bikes for the second part of the race, a 112-mile bike course taking in villages including Belmont, Adlington and Rivington.

By then the sun was beating down and there was an almost carnival atmosphere in Rivington.

Cheering crowds supported cyclists tackling the gruelling incline of Horrobin Lane while a steel band provided the soundtrack.

Once the bike ride was complete, competitors dismounted at the Macron Stadium before heading off on a marathon run to Bolton town centre.

Supporters were again out in force to encourage the athletes as they embarked on the 26.2-mile course.

Cllr Cliff Morris, leader of Bolton Council, said: “Ironman UK is a brilliant event every year and Sunday was no exception.

“Even the weather held out and the sun shone on the inspirational competitors and the fantastic supporters who lined the route to cheer them on.

“It was a truly wonderful weekend and they created a real party atmosphere.”

Lewis is looking for sponsorship to help fund his bid for world championship glory in Hawaii.

Any businesses or individuals willing to sponsor him should call 07557 349223 or e-mail lewis93eccleston@hotmail.com.