A bog snorkel is among the three tests for triathlon competitors

It was for the mountain biking and triathlon versions of the world bog snorkelling championships in the Powys town of Llanwrtyd Wells.

Some 30 cyclists on bikes with tyres filled with lead and water pedalled across a underwater trench cut into the peat bog on Saturday.

Triathlon competitors on Sunday faced a run, bike ride and a bog snorkel.

Specially-prepared mountain bikes were given to those taking part on Saturday to help them power their way through the required two lengths of the trench, which was 135ft (41m) long and 6ft (1.8m) deep.

Snorkels and wetsuits were also among the essential equipment.

Victory went to Bryan Evans, 40, from Bridgend, who completed the race in 1 minute 1 second, to walk away with the winner's tankard.

It's very murky and you can't see much in the bog. It doesn't taste too good either Bryan Evans, world mountain bike bog snorkelling championship 2007

"I'm really relieved that it is over more than anything," said the new world title holder.

"You can't really train for this type of event and there is a big element of luck involved because you can go into a pothole and fall over.

"It's a bit of fun more than anything. It's very murky and you can't see much in the bog. It doesn't taste too good either!"

Due to the smell of the bog, Mr Evans anticipated not seeing his "missus" for a few days - nor anyone else coming anywhere near him.

Speediest among the female bog bikers, meanwhile, was Emma Wood, from London, who was crowned fastest woman after finishing in 4 minutes, 27 seconds.

Gordon Green, who organises the event, said the ninth annual world mountain bike bog snorkelling championships had gone well.

He said: "It was a great success and it was a lovely day with beautiful sunshine. After all the weather we've been getting, the competitors were very appreciative."

In order to earn the title of world champion bog snorkelling triathlete on Sunday, competitors had to conquer a fell run (12 miles/19km), a bog snorkel (120 yards/110m) and a "gruelling" mountain bike ride (19 miles/31km).

It is the third year the triathlon event has been held in Llanwrtyd Wells - a town that has become a hotspot for quirky sporting events.

Every August, it hosts the world bog snorkelling championships while in June it is home to the annual man versus horse race.