BOLTON triathletes got the chance to learn from the best recently when four-time world champion Richard Varga dropped in to take a coaching session.

The Slovak took time out from his preparations for this year’s Olympic Games to coach and share his swimming knowledge with local triathletes at David Lloyd.

The visit was organised by Tri-Rivington UK whose founder and coach, Ray McGloin, approached Varga along with retired triathlete Lukas Siska who lives in Bolton.

"When Lukas and I approached Richard with an invitation to come to Bolton, he said yes without hesitation," said Mr McGloin.

"It was too good an opportunity to miss having one of the best triathletes in the world coach our local athletes at David Lloyd,” he said.

Gillian Ramsden, one of the triathletes who was coached by Varga – the world’s fastest swimmer in triathlon – at the session, said: "I feel very privileged to be coached by the best.”

Varga spent an hour answering questions followed by a two-hour coaching session of different groups in the David Lloyd indoor pool. He put the triathletes through their paces with a series of open water swimming drills.