IN preparation for the first Dartford Bridge triathlon on June 27, more than 40 triathletes gathered at the bridge on Monday to begin this season’s open water swim training in the development’s South Lake.

Councillor Jeremy Kite, leader of Dartford Council, joined the triathletes as they gathered beside the lake.

He said: “Triathlon is one of the world’s fastest growing sports, so I am delighted Dartford now has its own event.

“All triathletes have to be very focussed about training, so I am particularly pleased people have such excellent facilities for open water swimming.”

The open water swim training sessions are organised by the Dartford & White Oak Triathlon Club and will run every Monday at 6.30pm until dusk throughout the summer months.

In addition to club members, the training sessions are open to everyone with a valid British triathlon federation membership card.

Dartford & White Oak chairman John Setford said: “The Dartford Bridge triathlon is north Kent’s first ever standard distance triathlon and we have had a very good level of entries for both the standard and sprint distances as well as for the team relay.

“We are very fortunate to have such a large lake for both the event and for open water swim training.”

The bridge is a 264 acre mixed-use regeneration project which is being developed as a joint venture by ProLogis and Dartford Council.