Team GB's Gordon Benson might have won the triathlon at the 2015 European Games on Sunday, but teammate Thomas Bishop also impressed with a 16th-place finish in his first multi-sport games.
Bishop, whose strong swim set him up for a top-20 finish, led the cycling in the early stages, which certainly helped Benson's pursuit of gold.
Shortly after the showpiece event, Sports Mole spoke to a delighted Bishop following his strong performance at the inaugural European Games.
Congratulations Thomas, you must be delighted with 16th?
"Oh yeah, but my place doesn't really matter too much, it was all about trying to get a gold medal for the team and I knew that a good swim position was important and I got into the front group.
"I knew Gordon was behind and we had to get him forward, so I was playing with the guys when I attacked off the front to tire out as many people as possible and on lap three, Phil [Graves] and Gordon got up with the others and we just gradually pulled away. I tried to do as much work as possible on the bike to protect Gordon and Phil.
"I knew we had a decent gap and all I could do is hope that Gordon could hold onto it and he did an absolutely amazing job. He got the gold, it was so good and I am so happy. The third lap was painful, but it was awesome knowing that Gordon had won the gold."
Your swim is something that you worked on pre-competition, so it must have been pleasing to leave the water in sixth position?
"I really wanted to make sure I got up there and I am really pleased with it. I wanted to work as hard as I could on the bike and into the run, at one point I thought top 10 was possible, but I just wanted to finish."
And what about Azerbaijan? Have you enjoyed the experience?
"This is so cool. I have never been to a multi-sport Games before but this was a great opportunity to come to Azerbaijan and experience the Athletes' Village and it is really cool.
"All Team GB support each other and it is a shame that we have to go home tomorrow as it would have been great to cheer everyone on. I will try and follow as much as I can back home. I am glad we have our first medal and I hope it keeps on rolling."
Matt Law
