Bayliss wants top 10 spot

TARLAND triathlete Bella Bayliss is aiming high in this weekend’s ironman world championships at Kona, Hawaii.

Bayliss, who was seventh last year, is hoping to feature among the top 10 finishers in what is widely considered to be one of the world’s toughest endurance events.

Competitors tackle a 2.4-mile open-water swim in the Pacific Ocean, a 112-mile cycle stage and a 26.2-mile marathon run.

Bayliss said: “To get a top three position would be the absolute highlight of my career. But my aim is to be top 10 and I would be very happy. If I have the opportunity to go better I will take it. I am very determined to have a great race.”

Husband Stephen is also bidding for a top-10 spot in the men’s competition in which his rivals include Aberdeen’s Scott Neyedli, who has only recently shrugged off a calf problem.