Oxford triathlete Emma-Kate Lidbury kicked off her 2008 campaign with a win at the Swindon Duathlon.

Despite heavy snowfall and freezing conditions, race organisers allowed the event to go ahead and Lidbury was one of 150 athletes to brave the start line.

She completed the 10k run, 40k bike and 5k run course in 2.11.46 to win the women's 25-29 age group race and finish as second woman overall.

The 28-year-old said: "It was a tough race simply because it was so cold, but after a winter of solid training it was good to be racing once again.

"It's only when you race and push yourself that you can see where you're really at with your fitness, and I was pleased with how I felt.

"I'm looking forward to a successful season."

Lidbury, who lives in Headington, completed the 10k run in 38.33 and the 5k run in 19.23.

Her bike split of 1.13.39 was the fastest women's cycle time of the day.

It was Lidbury's first outing racing for Wiggle.co.uk, an online bike retailer which has this year launched its own triathlon team.

She said: "I was fortunate enough to secure a great sponsorship deal from Wiggle at the start of the year.

"They have been providing me with all the kit and equipment I need and it's brilliant to be part of their set-up.

"It was good to be able to bag a win for them."

Lidbury, who this season is also sponsored by Savills of Oxford and Swindon-based accountants Morris Owen, will be in action again in a fortnight's time at the Duston Triathlon near Northampton.

She will be using this race as a warm-up ahead of the highlights of her season, the European Championships in Portugal in May and the World Championships in Vancouver, Canada, in June.

She added: "With the World Championships coming early in the season this year, it's important to start getting race fit now."