ASTLEY triathlete Lewis Eccleston has capped a hugely successful year with another win – this time for performance of the year.

Members of Manchester Triathlon Club, where Lewis has trained since 2012, voted his age group finishes at Ironman UK and the World Championships in Kona as the best of the year.

Lewis faced tough competition for the award from fellow club members – World Duathlon Champion Melanie Hayes came second, while Paratriathlon gold medallist Dave Ellis was third.

The award was presented to Lewis at the Manchester Triathlon Club Annual General Meeting and Club Awards on Monday 04 December.

Lewis qualified for the World Championships after winning his age group (18-24) at Ironman UK in Bolton on 16 July. He finished 50 minutes ahead of the next athlete in his age group. At the World Championships, on 14 October, he finished seventh in his age group.

Manchester Triathlon Club Head Coach, Kate Offord, said: “Lewis thoroughly deserves this award. He’s a hugely talented triathlete who has worked incredibly hard to realise his goals this year.

“Lewis is a popular member of the club and this award is a fitting tribute from his fellow members and coaches in celebrating his achievements and recognising the commitment and determination Lewis needed to show to deliver the Ironman UK and Kona performances.”

Eccleston remarked: “I feel privileged to take an award like this at such a big club and appreciate everyone who voted for me.

“I am extremely grateful to be part of a club full of good people and great coaches who have helped me develop as an athlete and to get me where I am now. Without the help and support from people in and around the club I would not have been able to achieve all of my goals.

“I’m looking forward to the future with Manchester Tri Club and will continue to set the bar high and dream big.”