Local builder Steve Rogers had a double reason to celebrate crossing the Ironman Wales finishing line - not only did he collect his second event medal, but knocked an amazing 37 minutes off last year's time - and all that despite suffering from a cold!

"I nearly pulled out the day before because I was ill," said 40-year-old Steve, who achieved a 12:20:14 finish, "but I told myself to man up and get on with it."

"I am over the moon to have achieved a personal best, especially as it is a gruelling hard race," he continued.

"I did Ironman Lanzarote in May, but this course is far, far harder."

Will Steve go for a hat-trick of Ironman Wales medals?

"Of course - it is on home soil!"