Well, if I were reporting a horserace, I’d be saying that there is one horse with its neck in front and three other horses more or less in a line thundering along and all heading for a fantastically exciting finish. Fortunately, I’m not reporting a horserace, but the positions at the end of July in the UK National Triathlon/Duathlon League. But it really is that exciting.

Since the last update, Tri London have improved their points tally by substituting two good results for two of lesser substance, and they have held their position at the head of affairs. League Champions Derby Tri have, however closed the gap on Tri London and moved from fourth to second place. Oxford Tri, second at the last update, are now in third place, but still there with a great chance of a trophy, and just over five points, less than the shine on a horse’s nose, behind Derby Tri.

In fourth place is Black Country Tri, very close up, and still a possible trophy winner in this year’s League. At the last update, the lead among ladies’ teams was closely, very closely disputed by Oxford Ladies and Tri London Ladies, but by the end of July both these teams had been overtaken by Leeds and Bradford Ladies, who have established a lead of some four hundred and thirty points.

The League table follows here (as at the end of July), together with the tables for the top seven places for males and females.