Tyler Smith has been forced to reduce his training volume ahead of the triathlon season after being hit by truck while riding in Leeds, England.

Smith, 18, did not suffer any major injuries and will return to competitive action at the Central American and Caribbean Championships in Costa Rica on March 4 before the North American Championships in Sarasota, Florida, a week later.

Bermuda’s top junior elite male triathlete, who is in his first year at Leeds University, also plans on competing in two ITU Continental Cup races in April, the first in Bermuda and then in Barbados.

In May and June, Smith will turn his attentions to his university races as he builds towards the Junior Elite World Championships in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, in July.

Smith said he was coping well juggling his studies with training and competing this year.

“It’s looking to be a busy year, but I’m excited for my final year of junior racing, especially after training with the Leeds Triathlon Centre,” Smith said.

“The centre here is quite large, and includes some great triathletes with whom I’ve been lucky enough to train, including with four of the members of the GB Olympic team and several of the top under-23 and junior triathletes in the world.

“My training volume has definitely increased this year, and managing 28 hours a week can be difficult, but luckily the hours of my course are fairly flexible.”

Smith admits it has been tough adjusting to the harsher climes of the North of England.

“The weather presents another challenge, both physically and mentally,” said Smith, a two-times Junior Athlete of the Year. “I still haven’t got used to it, but wrapping myself up in four layers and a decent café stop are essential for getting through the long hours on the bike in the cold and rain.”