Former Coopers pupil Sam Mileham suffered from cramp in both legs as well as a stitch, but still battled home in 21st place at the World Triathlon Championships in Rotterdam at the weekend.

Romford Recorder: Sam Mileham in cycling action (pic FinisherPix.com)Sam Mileham in cycling action (pic FinisherPix.com) (Image: Archant)

Mileham had collapsed at the event last year, but went into the under-20 field this time round feeling confident.

The event is a 750m swim, followed by a 20k technical bike ride and a 5km run and he started superbly.

“Setting off I felt brilliant,” said Mileham. “I was in control, smooth and powerful in the water and that showed as I exited 13th out of the 80 entries.”

It was a superb start and he was just 26 seconds off the lead at that stage, but things did not go so well on the bike for Mileham.

“We got off to a decent start with the lead pack in our sights, but the group was not working well together and we were losing time,” he added.

By the end of the bike ride the gap had grown to a minute, but during the transition, disaster struck.

“As soon as I racked my bike, I had cramp in both calfs,” he revealed.

“I tried to get rid of them running awkwardly and pretty slow and it took a good kilometre and a half to get rid of them, but as soon as I did I got a stitch.

“At that point I knew it wasn’t my day.”

Mileham actually felt good in the last kilometre, but could not get it back and finished in 21st place.

“It isn’t what I went to Rotterdam wanting or hoping for,” said the youngster.

“I know the top spot is not out of reach and I will go away and train as best I can to achieve what I know I’m capable of next year.

“If it’s good it’s wonderful, if it’s bad it’s experience and that is what I will take away from it.

“The positive experiences are always useful. This is only the beginning and I am looking forward to a few days off, before I get back into training for my 2018 goals,” he concluded.

Mileham also thanked his sponsors Pedal Potential, Sam Farmer, Zone 3, Vorgee, Swim Canary Wharf and Excel Physiotherapy for all their help during 2017. Hopefully next season will be an even more successful one.