Super-fit David targets top-three place at Triathlon Age-Group World Championships

The 65-year-old is in the 65 to 69 age group, at the event in Rotterdam.

Hargreaves, who grew up in Clacton and now has a base in Frinton, is no stranger to competing on the big stage, having been part of the British team for the World Championships in 2002, 2007 and 2013.

Now, having retired from work two years, he admits he has dedicated his life to this upcoming event and would love to return with a medal.

"Since finishing work, I've trained twice a day for six days a week," he said.

"That's a dozen sessions a week - three bike rides, three runs, three swims and three weight sessions in the gym.

"That's a lot for an old guy like me and, ironically, thanks to all this training, I'm actually faster at 65 than I was at 50.

"I've had a good year so far, winning eight races, including the English Championships and the British Championships, up in Strathclyde, in May.

"Since I retired I've dedicated my life to this upcoming event and feel really good.

"I should finish in the top ten, with the potential to place in the top three."

Hargreaves, who will be up against triathletes from across Europe, as well as America, Mexico, Canada and Australia, placed 48th in the 2002 World Championships, in Cancun.

He was then 27th in 2007, in Hamburg, and 15th in 2013, in London.

The former Holland Park Primary School and Colchester Royal Grammar School pupil spends his time between Frinton and Florida.

"Since I retired I spend the summers and Christmas holidays at my home in Frinton, but go to Florida for the winter," said the former stalwart of Clacton Water Polo Club, from 1962 to 1987.

"It's much better for triathlon training.

"I've always thought of the Clacton area as home and have about 40 relatives living in Tendring.

"My wife, Linda, is also from Clacton and was a top long-distance swimmer who represented England.

"We both used to do the Walton Pier to Clacton Pier swimming race, which was held annually back in the 1970s."