DUATHLETE Darren Chaplin is hoping to impress in the World Duathlon Championships after sacrificing his place in the European Long Distance Duathlon Championships.

Chaplin was hoping to compete in the European Long Distance Duathlon Championships in Sankt Wendel, Germany, last month but had to pull out due to a lack of funding.

The Basildon-based postman was disappointed to not participate in the event but is now looking forward to competing in the eagerly-anticipated World Duathlon Championships, which will be held in Canada in August.

Chaplin said: “I was very disappointed to pull out of the European Long Distance Duathlon Championships as I had trained hard all winter and raced well in Mallorca to qualify.

“In terms of funding, I needed around £750.

“I had booked and paid for the flights but the cost of hotels, shipping the bike out and food would have been around £650.

“I had the funds myself but I had to choose whether to go or put it towards the flights for Canada, which I did.”

Chaplin, 42, will now turn his attentions towards the World Duathlon Championhips.

The eagerly-anticipated competition will take place in Penticton from Agust 18-27.

Chaplin will be competing in the Sprint Distance Duathlon race, which is scheduled for Saturday, August 19.

And Chaplin, who trains at Fit4Less Basildon, has high hopes for the event.

Chaplin added: “I was filled with immense satisfaction at qualifying for the World Championships.

“The race to qualify was in Stockton on Tees, where my mum and sister still live, so it was great going back to race in front of them.

“I raced the event two years ago to try and qualify for the World Championships, which were then held in Adelaide, Australia, but I retired with a mechanical bike issue so I knew the course and what I had to do.

“My target will be to finish in the top 20 in my age group, but I’m secretly aiming for the top 10.

“You just have to stick to your race plan, concentrate on your own performance and hope that others fall apart.

“You need to be able to look at other athletes and see if there is a weakness you can use to your advantage. Anything can happen on race day.”

Chaplin is accepting funding to help with the trip to Canada.

To donate, visit makeachamp.com/darrenchaplin_/28495.