A BROTHER and sister came away with the top honours in a gruelling sporting fixture which brought 41 all-round athletes to Sandbanks.

The fourth annual Poole Audi Hex-treme tested their ability in four water sports and two land-based activities in a close-fought contest.

Thirty men and 11 women battled it out, cycling five miles, swimming 500 metres, sailing three laps round a triangular course off Sandbanks beach, kayaking 1,000 metres, windsurfing twice round a triangular course and running five kilometres.

Unlike in a triathlon, there was no panic about losing vital seconds as competitors struggled out of wet suits and on to bikes - they were allowed time to change and to prepare equipment.

Overall winner was Richard Vail from Wimbledon, who won the title in 2001 and 2002.

His sister Tisha Vail, who won the women's event last year, retained it this year.

Gary Willingham of FC Water Sports said the event was very popular.

Speaking from the event's HQ at the Sandbanks Hotel, Gary said there were little "white horses" with winds gusting up to force four or five but the sailing was fractionally offshore which meant it was less rough.

"It's very busy here with a big crowd," he said.

"The event showcases watersports and shows what Poole can offer.

"It's all about an outdoor lifestyle and fitness with the combination of land and watersports.

"You don't have to be brilliant at any one thing but you have to be a good all-rounder.

"It's for people who love watersports but who also love to ride their bike and go for a run."

Bill Daws of Boards, the specialist watersports magazine, commentated the event, of which Olympic pentathlete Kate Allenby is the patron.

The Daily Echo's own in-house athlete Scott Neil, chief reporter at Poole, commentated the run.

The prize winner gets a £500 cheque, a trophy and a bottle of champagne.

First published: Sept 14