World champion couple Owen and Lindsy James prepare to defend Duathlon titles despite injury challenge

HUSBAND and wife world champions Owen and Lindsy James are embarking on more gruelling months of training and competition, hoping to cement their titles as the best on the planet in their age group.

The couple (both 44) will take part in the World Duathlon Championships (10km run, 40km bike and 5km run) in Ibiza on April 30.

Before then, they are competing at domestic events including in the English championships in Derbyshire, before the European tournament at Caorle, near Venice.

Then it is on to the ultimate challenge of defending their world titles, this time having been moved up to the 45-49 age group.

For Lindsy, a former pupil at Laughton All Saints primary and Dinnington High school, it represents a test made slightly more difficult by a niggling injury.

“Around September I began struggling with nerve problems stemming from my back to my left leg,” she said.

“My body was somehow breaking down a little bit.

“I did a lot of physio and strength work.

“My cycling was ok, but I wasn't able to run.

“But training is coming together now.

“I am pain-free and training is spot-on and I've delivered some of the strongest test bike results so far.

“By the time I get to the big competitions I should be in decent shape.”

Lindsy was the first woman home in a 5K at Sandall Park on January 21 and hopes to warm up for the bigger events on her and Owen's calendar.

The pair, who up until recently were members of the Kimberworth Striders Running Club, have different motivations for retaining their world titles.

“We are really supportive of each other, there is no competition between us,” said Lindsy.

“For me, getting on a podium is great, but (before a race) I don't put that kind of pressure on myself.

“I just want to know at the end of it that I have done the best that I could have in both running and cycling.

“My son Archie (seven) loves to see me on there with a medal, though!

“Owen is more competitive than me, podium means more to him.

“He says he's been doing this longer and it's been a tough journey for him so the podium is really important to him....all the work and hours that you put in.”

Lindsy, who lives in Tickhill, says she and her husband are now on a strict nutritious diet... although they allow themselves the occasional chocolate treat.

She admits to having a stash of Dime Bars hidden in a cupboard!