Collins does the double in Mexican heat wave

The age-group triathlete, 44, finished eighth in the sprint distance race (40 to 44) and was the top Briton.

Not satisfied with that, he then also competed in the Olympic-distance event.

Again he raced strongly in the heat to finish 11th and took the honour of being top GB representative in his category for the second time.

Collins, who was supported by his wife Lucy in Mexico, said: ‘From the moment we arrived it became obvious the heat was going to be a problem.

‘We were sweating just standing in the shade, it was very humid.

‘The sprint race was draft legal on the bike leg this year.

‘I got out of the water in the second group and we worked well together to catch the leaders.

‘Running in the heat was very difficult but I held it steady.’

After the sprint race, Collins had two days to rest up and get ready for his next challenge in the Olympic distance event.

He added: ‘I felt like I recovered really well from the sprint so raced well again.

‘It was a good swim and I had the third fastest bike split.

‘But once again, we were all suffering on the run course.

‘Every aid station had ice and water which was really needed to keep the core temp down.

‘Unfortunately for some it was too much and several athletes collapsed on course, like Jonny Brownlee, or at the finish.’

Collins is pleased with his season overall, after national success and strongly competing with the very best on the world stage.

‘It’s been a good year with podiums at nationals in both distances and I feel confident going up to the 45-to-49 age category next year,’ he said.