DAVID McNamee feels ready to take on the world after storming to victory in his first attempt at Ironman UK.

The 27-year-old Scot had time to milk the applause on the finishing straight in Le Mans Crescent, slowing down to high-five the crowd before eventually finishing in a time of 8hrs 46mins 37secs.

It was a performance of real promise and intent for the former Team GB triathlete, who finished seventh at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in the shorter Olympic distance.

After earning gold in his Ironman UK debut he is now eyeing a shot at the World Championships in Hawaii later this year.

“I had always decided to step up to Ironman but maybe not for a couple of years,” he said.

“After the Commonwealth Games last year, which were phenomenal, during this winter I took a step back and realised I had achieved everything I realistically thought I could achieve in the short distance and it was time to try to make the step up to the long course to see what happens.

“I now see myself as very much a long-course Ironman athlete.

“It will take me another couple of years to fully develop but it has started off well and next step I am off to Hawaii.

“This year I want to try to target a top 10 finish at the world championships. It’s going to be difficult but you need to aim high and that is the target.”

McNamee beat fellow countryman Fraser Cartmell into second place, overtaking the 33-year-old 2012 runner-up early in the 26.2-mile run after the pair had been nip and tuck in the 2.4-mile swim and 112-mile bike ride.

Cartmell ended up finishing more than four minutes back, while Joe Skipper, aged 25, once again had to settle for a podium finish, coming home in 8:55:38 after claiming second last year and third in 2013.

While McNamee knows tougher challenges lie ahead in his career, he savoured his first win in front of what he described as an inspirational support from the Bolton crowd.

“Victories seldom come by so when they do you have to enjoy them,” he said, after ditching the thought of a fast time to celebrate with fans in the closing straight.

“It was a fantastic feeling to win in Bolton.

“Obviously at the start it was a bit quiet because of the monsoon weather but as it dried up later on the crowds just got bigger and bigger and to see the support at the finish, it was a real inspiration.

“You don’t want to slow down, you just want to stay at your own rhythm, so for me I was completely focussed until 20 metres to go, when I finally realised that was it.

“After nine hours you have got to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy it. Thankfully, I had plenty of time to do that and it was nice to be able to say thank you to the crowd.”

Cartmell was gracious in defeat, admitting he was beaten by the better man on the day.

“I know how well David can run so it wasn’t unexpected when he overtook me,” he said.

“I anticipated that so once it happened I just made sure I did everything I could to keep second and I am really pleased.

“David is a superb athlete. He has got a huge engine and a brilliant work ethic. I am very pleased for him. If I couldn’t win then I am delighted he could. He is going to go far and it is just great to have two Scots on the podium.”

Cartmell also took time out to thank the Bolton support after repeating the second place he achieved three years ago.

“I always love coming to Bolton,” he added.

“It is a great place to race. The great crowds on the run really lift your spirits.”

Third-placed Skipper, who was trained by Whitefield coach Peter Savage during his time at Manchester Tri Club while a student in the city, vowed to keep coming back until he secures victory.

“Every time I have come here I felt like I was going to win it, and again I felt like it was going to be my year,” he said.

“So I am gutted, but maybe 2016 will be my year.”