DETERMINED athletes battled tough conditions at this year’s Brighton Triathlon.

About 1,400 people tackled the choppy seas today before drying off as they cycled and ran through the city’s streets.

They could choose from a maximum 40km bike ride and 10km run, a 20km ride and 5km run or a 5km ride and 2.5km run.

But organisers had to slash the distance of the swim to 400 metres to ensure people’s safety.

Jonathan Young, 37, and his girlfriend Suzi Price, 38, came down from Archway, north London, to compete in the triathlon, now in its third year.

Jonathan said: “I’ve done a few triathlons before and the atmosphere in Brighton has been really good compared to them.

“Our friends suggested we do it here and we liked the idea of doing a triathlon in the sea like they do here.

“It’s been nice doing it on the beach, too. It’s a good location and a nice place to be. The swim was definitely the toughest part – the sea was really choppy.”

After their efforts, Jonathan and Suzi headed off for a well- deserved drink and some fish and chips – also a key factor, they said, in why they chose to take part in Brighton.

Before the adults set off, little athletes aged three to eight did a mini triathlon and handled the waves like pros without any trouble.

John Lunt, the event director, thanked the lifeguards and sponsors and said this was the biggest turnout so far.