THE SWISS countryside felt the full force of Westbury Leigh’s Chris Roxburgh as he roared to a top-20 finish at the Powerman World Championships.

Roxburgh missed out on selection for the British team in the elite race but still had the consolation of a runners-up finish in his 30 to 34-year-old class, as well as 20th place overall.

Wiltshire paramedic Roxburgh clocked an impressive time of 7 hours 9 minutes for the near 200km race in Zofingen, which included a 10km run, 150km bike ride and final 30km run.

“I was aiming for seven hours but I finished just outside and I am not too disappointed,” said Roxburgh.

“I didn’t make the elite team as I just haven’t done enough races this year.

“We’ve just had a baby (Charles) and I’m not full-time, so I have to train alongside my work – it’s been a busy year.

“I felt good up to the last 15km of the final run, when it felt like my legs were going to fall off.

“It was very hilly and a hard course. It was the toughest duathlon I’ve ever done and I think most people who were there would say it’s the hardest race in the world.

“I think I might have a bit of a break and not have such a full year next year, and spend the time with my new-born. I want to be a dad. I don’t want to miss things because I am away racing.”