Despite seeing off the challenge of his nearest rivals an unbelievable performance from one triathlete has threatened to scupper Fermanagh man's Gavin Noble's dream of competing in the Olympics. In his own words below Gavin talks us through the race. More information on Gavin and his racing exploits can be found on www.gavinnoble.com

"I was 28th in the European Champs in Lisbon on Saturday. Good enough to see off the Croation challenge for Beijing and good enough to stay ahead of the Hungarian, Liptak.

I had a secret smile when I saw no one standing next to Britain Richard Stannard - probably the best swimmer in Europe and arguably the world .....

I took my position beside him and hitched a ride to the first buoy ...... 'tickets please' is what he should have printed on his wetsuit ..... It was the most pleasurable 5mins of the entire race. The bike was technical and fast - I lost my water bottle on the first lap on a cobble section and could find no one willing to give me a few 'sups' of theirs. It was hot and I was feeling drained.

The run was again technical and with the wind picking up at the same rate as my dehydration, it was a struggle. As I crossed the line I was initially relieved as I had cancelled out the Croatian challenge for Beijing and had done enough to maintain Ireland's position ahead of Hungary. But then it hit me!

There had been a breakaway on the bike and in that pack there was a Slovak - 20th in Greece and 44 minutes behind in Spain a couple of weeks earlier - he wasn't on our radar or anyone else's. It was a remarkable turn around in fitness and increase in form in a short period of time. He needs to bottle that and sell it. Not only did he bike well but he was strong enough to hold it together for the run, not even the World number 1 Javier Gomez could run him down. He took his chance and has reaped the reward.

I had made it to the alter and was about to kiss the bride before she was whisked away. I was in a bit of shock when I realised and I am still trying to get my head around it. His dream result had become my worst nightmare.

My battle with Hungary and Croatia is over. The Hungarian I have noticed has been taken off next weeks start list. He, like my Croatian friend, dust in the wind. From over a 300 point advantage I am now 199 points behind with 1 more race to come. With the top 20 getting points and approx 200 points to win, my battle too is drawing to a close. Technically I still have a chance but for the first time in 2 years I am not in control.

I will go to the race in Czech Republic and do my best.

This is elite sport. Suck it up."