A 1,500m swim, followed by a 40km cycle ride, finished off with a gruelling 10km run might sound like madness to your average athlete, but not to super-fit Clark Schofield who is in training for his second World Triathlon.

For Clark, 27, of Moss Lane, Pinner, once was not enough. After pushing his body to the limit in last year's World Championships in New Zealand, he is ready to inflict more punshment on his weary limbs at the next meeting of the world's elite in Madeira in May.

The iron-willed athlete will be looking to better the creditable 224th place he achieved from a field of almost 2,000 competitors in the unforgiving heat of New Zealand in December.

Clark, who works for Kodak in Wealdsone, said: "I love the endurance test that the triathlon poses. I'm doing about 14 hours training a week which I manage to fit in around work. I recently injured my shoulder which limits the amount of swimming I can do, but it's allowed me more time to work on my running and cycling."

An enthusiastic mountain-biker, Clark took up triathlon four years ago, quickly working his way up to national level. After a series of British-based competitions, he qualified for his first World Championship in New Zealand.

His Kodak colleagues were delighted and the company raised £1,000 in sponsorship to help Clark fulfil his dream.

He said: "It was truly amazing. The highlight had to be the support we had from the British fans. Apart from the Aussies and Kiwis, we must have had the most support. I also loved getting to go bungee-jumping and white-water rafting."

Although New Zealand provided a breaktaking backdrop, May's event in Madeira promises another spectacular setting. Clark is looking forward to a happy reunion with friends in the 250-strong British squad.

He said: "There was great team spirit last time. It was a fantastic experience and I'll be drawing on this at the world championships."