PEEBLES triathlete Iain Veitch is preparing to ‘face up to the mountain’ at the ROC Scotland event this weekend.

The Borderer successfully defended his ROC England title for a third time last month, his first major win since a bad back injury.

It started with a swim in Lake Windermere in near-perfect conditions, with Veitch coming out of the water in around eighth place.

He then worked his way into second spot on the first bike ride to Scafell Pike.

Next came a run up the mountain. Veitch said: “By now it was actually really hot. Hydration and pacing would be key.

"I caught the leader after about 3k, just before the base of the first climb.

"Despite stopping at several streams to splash water on myself I made good progress."

With a lead he then got back on his bike to finish the race and take his place on top of the podium.

Now Veitch faces the Scottish ROC event on Saturday (October 5).

It takes in the Highlands for a second year and includes summiting the UK’s highest mountain.

The swim will take place in Loch Leven, then participants will get on their bikes along the West Highland Way to Fort William. After a run up Ben Nevis and back, the finish line is in Kinlochleven.

Veitch won the event in 2023.