Always Aim High Events have confirmed that the Snowman Triathlon has been cancelled for 2020 and moved to next year. The Snowdonia-set event had been set for the first weekend of August and follows AAH’s Harlech and Cardiff Triathlons in being moved to 2021.
Advertisement
September’s Sandman in Anglesey and Snowdonia’s Slateman races are still on their race calendar for 2020, and there’s an Always Aim High virtual series of races.
Here’s the statement from the race organisers…
Click Here: liverpool mens jersey
“Thank you to everyone for their continued support since our last update on the impact of COVID-19 on our 2020 events.
Working closely with everyone involved, we have taken the difficult decision to postpone the 2020 Odlo Snowman Triathlon & Duathlon, and the Aqua Sphere Snowman Swims to next year.
As always the health, safety and well-being of everyone at our events is at the heart of everything we do. Our decisions have been based on discussions and with Plas y Brenin, public bodies, sports governing bodies, and other parties, as well as taking note of any official Government guidance. Our priority is to minimise disruption and do everything we practically can to support and protect our athletes, staff, volunteers, spectators and suppliers.
If you have entered the 2020 Odlo Snowman or Aqua Sphere Snowman Swims, you will already have been sent an email giving further information about the options available to you. Currently, all events in our calendar after the Odlo Snowman Triathlon weekend will remain in place. However, we are constantly monitoring the situation and taking advice from all relevant bodies. We will communicate developments as they unfold and will maintain regular contact about the status of our events.
Advertisement
In the meantime, we have been working hard behind the scenes on ways to keep the Always Aim High Community active. Our Virtual Events have been extremely popular helping to keep you active while raising very welcome funds for some amazing local charities. Thank you for your continued support with this not for profit community initiative. Thanks again for all your patience and understanding.”
Always Aim High Events have confirmed that the Snowman Triathlon has been cancelled for 2020 and moved to next year. The Snowdonia-set event had been set for the first weekend of August and follows AAH’s Harlech and Cardiff Triathlons in being moved to 2021.
Advertisement
September’s Sandman in Anglesey and Snowdonia’s Slateman races are still on their race calendar for 2020, and there’s an Always Aim High virtual series of races.
Here’s the statement from the race organisers…
“Thank you to everyone for their continued support since our last update on the impact of COVID-19 on our 2020 events.
Working closely with everyone involved, we have taken the difficult decision to postpone the 2020 Odlo Snowman Triathlon & Duathlon, and the Aqua Sphere Snowman Swims to next year.
Click Here: liverpool mens jersey
As always the health, safety and well-being of everyone at our events is at the heart of everything we do. Our decisions have been based on discussions and with Plas y Brenin, public bodies, sports governing bodies, and other parties, as well as taking note of any official Government guidance. Our priority is to minimise disruption and do everything we practically can to support and protect our athletes, staff, volunteers, spectators and suppliers.
If you have entered the 2020 Odlo Snowman or Aqua Sphere Snowman Swims, you will already have been sent an email giving further information about the options available to you. Currently, all events in our calendar after the Odlo Snowman Triathlon weekend will remain in place. However, we are constantly monitoring the situation and taking advice from all relevant bodies. We will communicate developments as they unfold and will maintain regular contact about the status of our events.
Advertisement
In the meantime, we have been working hard behind the scenes on ways to keep the Always Aim High Community active. Our Virtual Events have been extremely popular helping to keep you active while raising very welcome funds for some amazing local charities. Thank you for your continued support with this not for profit community initiative. Thanks again for all your patience and understanding.”
In sad if unsurprising news, the Ironman Europe team have just announced that early September 2020’s edition of Ironman Wales has been cancelled.
Advertisement
The race, long sold out in 2020 and one of the most popular events on the worldwide Ironman calendar, will next be held in Tenby on 11-12 September 2021. Ironkids Wales is also off until 2021.
Here’s the short statement from Ironman on the cancellation.
“With the health and safety of our community being an utmost priority, and in alignment with Pembrokeshire County Council in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, we can confirm that IRONMAN Wales and IRONKIDS Wales originally scheduled for the September 5-6 weekend cannot take place in 2020 and will return on September 11-12, 2021. Athletes that are registered for the event are receiving an email with further details.
“While we are prevented from holding the event on the original event date, we are looking forward to providing athletes with an exceptional event experience in the future.”
Advertisement
More information can be found at ironman.com.
In sad if unsurprising news, the Ironman Europe team have just announced that early September 2020’s edition of Ironman Wales has been cancelled.
Advertisement
The race, long sold out in 2020 and one of the most popular events on the worldwide Ironman calendar, will next be held in Tenby on 11-12 September 2021. Ironkids Wales is also off until 2021.
Here’s the short statement from Ironman on the cancellation.
“With the health and safety of our community being an utmost priority, and in alignment with Pembrokeshire County Council in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, we can confirm that IRONMAN Wales and IRONKIDS Wales originally scheduled for the September 5-6 weekend cannot take place in 2020 and will return on September 11-12, 2021. Athletes that are registered for the event are receiving an email with further details.
“While we are prevented from holding the event on the original event date, we are looking forward to providing athletes with an exceptional event experience in the future.”
Advertisement
More information can be found at ironman.com.
The triathlon racing calendar may be on hold, but that doesn’t have to mean that competition has to stop. Since April, triathletes have been racing virtual events from back gardens, conservatories and garages around the globe.
Advertisement
While it’ll never match the real thing for enjoyment and satisfaction, virtual racing has plenty of benefits for keeping athletes focussed, helping with training goals and technique refinements, and getting you to use some of that dusty race kit.
As we’ve personally found at 220 via the Ultra X virtual run series this summer, they’re also a massive amount of fun; a (slightly) competitive venture to look forward to at the weekend and a reason to create another WhatsApp group between your mates. And a good excuse for a celebratory glass of your preferred cold tipple on a Saturday night.
CASTLE VIRTUAL SERIES
WHAT A series of three-day weekend events from the Castle Triathlon Series organisers
When The Cheshire Cat 19-21 June; The Kentish Horse 3-5 July
COST £10-20
CHARITY 20% of the entry fee to Macmillan Cancer Support
DISTANCES 40 race types, including Duathlon, Triathlon, Run only, Swim only, Cycle only, Aquabike and Aquathon
WEB ENTRY
www.castletriathlonseries.co.uk
ALWAYS AIM HIGH EVENTS
WHAT Monthly challenges from the race brand behind the Slateman and Sandman Triathlons
WHEN From 1-30 June
COST £12
CHARITY 20% of the entry fee going to five charities via Always Aim High Community Events
FREE STUFF Bespoke slate coaster and Always Aim High Events buff
DISTANCES
DUATHLON 25km RUN – 100km BIKE
RUN/WALK 25km,50km, 75km, 100km
RUN Half Marathon in 24hrs
CYCLE 100km, 150km, 200km, 250km
KIDS 3km, 5km, 10km
STAIRCASE30 Climb the cumulative height of Mont Blanc (4808m) in 30 days
WEB ENTRY alwaysaimhighevents.com
XTERRA CONNECT SERIES
WHAT Less a virtual race series than a collection of instructive videos on training tips, strength and conditioning advice, and skills tutorials to aid improvements in off-road triathlon performance while Xterra’s race calendar is on hiatus.
WHEN Ongoing
COST Free
WEB INFO www.xterraplanet.com
IRONMAN VC
WHAT Ironman’s Virtual Club is the brand’s hub for virtual racing and information, with the Ironman VR (Virtual Racing) element seeing athletes compete in challenges while earning points. It’s since become the platform for Ironman qualification as well, with 70.3 Worlds slots up-for-grabs via a duathlon race format (cycling is restricted to a stationary bike on the Rouvy platform) on the Ironman VR Championship Series.
Are Ironman’s virtual 70.3 worlds qualifiers a good idea?
WHEN Weekly. Virtual races will begin on Fridays at 6pm (GMT) and close on Sundays at midnight GMT.
COST Free
DISTANCES A range of distances, the 5-7 June Ironman VR10, for example, was a 3km run, 40km bike and 10km run.
WEB ENTRY www.ironmanvirtualclub.com
OUTLAW LOCKDOWN TRIATHLON
WHAT A monthly series of races from the Outlaw Triathlon organisers, OSB, with the aim of involving the whole family as well as Outlaw entrants.
WHEN 30 June 2020
COST Free
DISTANCES Three events are on offer. The Future Outlaw involves one “lap” of swim-specific S&C exercises, an 8km turbo bike and 1.5km run. The Outlaw Sprint is two laps, 25km on the turbo (or 35mins on a bike if no smart trainer) and a 5km run, while the Outlaw Half is three laps, 56km (or 86mins) and a 13km run.
Advertisement
WEB ENTRY www.resultsbase.net
The triathlon racing calendar may be on hold, but that doesn’t have to mean that competition has to stop. Since April, triathletes have been racing virtual events from back gardens, conservatories and garages around the globe.
Advertisement
While it’ll never match the real thing for enjoyment and satisfaction, virtual racing has plenty of benefits for keeping athletes focussed, helping with training goals and technique refinements, and getting you to use some of that dusty race kit.
As we’ve personally found at 220 via the Ultra X virtual run series this summer, they’re also a massive amount of fun; a (slightly) competitive venture to look forward to at the weekend and a reason to create another WhatsApp group between your mates. And a good excuse for a celebratory glass of your preferred cold tipple on a Saturday night.
CASTLE VIRTUAL SERIES
WHAT A series of three-day weekend events from the Castle Triathlon Series organisers
When The Cheshire Cat 19-21 June; The Kentish Horse 3-5 July
COST £10-20
CHARITY 20% of the entry fee to Macmillan Cancer Support
DISTANCES 40 race types, including Duathlon, Triathlon, Run only, Swim only, Cycle only, Aquabike and Aquathon
WEB ENTRY
www.castletriathlonseries.co.uk
ALWAYS AIM HIGH EVENTS
WHAT Monthly challenges from the race brand behind the Slateman and Sandman Triathlons
WHEN From 1-30 June
COST £12
CHARITY 20% of the entry fee going to five charities via Always Aim High Community Events
FREE STUFF Bespoke slate coaster and Always Aim High Events buff
DISTANCES
DUATHLON 25km RUN – 100km BIKE
RUN/WALK 25km,50km, 75km, 100km
RUN Half Marathon in 24hrs
CYCLE 100km, 150km, 200km, 250km
KIDS 3km, 5km, 10km
STAIRCASE30 Climb the cumulative height of Mont Blanc (4808m) in 30 days
WEB ENTRY alwaysaimhighevents.com
XTERRA CONNECT SERIES
WHAT Less a virtual race series than a collection of instructive videos on training tips, strength and conditioning advice, and skills tutorials to aid improvements in off-road triathlon performance while Xterra’s race calendar is on hiatus.
WHEN Ongoing
COST Free
WEB INFO www.xterraplanet.com
IRONMAN VC
WHAT Ironman’s Virtual Club is the brand’s hub for virtual racing and information, with the Ironman VR (Virtual Racing) element seeing athletes compete in challenges while earning points. It’s since become the platform for Ironman qualification as well, with 70.3 Worlds slots up-for-grabs via a duathlon race format (cycling is restricted to a stationary bike on the Rouvy platform) on the Ironman VR Championship Series.
Are Ironman’s virtual 70.3 worlds qualifiers a good idea?
WHEN Weekly. Virtual races will begin on Fridays at 6pm (GMT) and close on Sundays at midnight GMT.
COST Free
DISTANCES A range of distances, the 5-7 June Ironman VR10, for example, was a 3km run, 40km bike and 10km run.
WEB ENTRY www.ironmanvirtualclub.com
OUTLAW LOCKDOWN TRIATHLON
WHAT A monthly series of races from the Outlaw Triathlon organisers, OSB, with the aim of involving the whole family as well as Outlaw entrants.
WHEN 30 June 2020
COST Free
DISTANCES Three events are on offer. The Future Outlaw involves one “lap” of swim-specific S&C exercises, an 8km turbo bike and 1.5km run. The Outlaw Sprint is two laps, 25km on the turbo (or 35mins on a bike if no smart trainer) and a 5km run, while the Outlaw Half is three laps, 56km (or 86mins) and a 13km run.
Advertisement
WEB ENTRY www.resultsbase.net
Click:Concrete Block Machine
Tri returned to the British Isles on Sunday 7 June with the Grandes Rocques Guernsey Triathlon super sprint. Unfolding over a 400m sea swim, 10km bike and 3km run, it will forever be known as the first live British triathlon event to be staged since lockdown started at the end of March.
Advertisement
As Club President of the Guernsey Triathlon Club, I felt pretty proud of both the club and the island to be able to put this event on. Guernsey has been Covid-19-free for 40 days, so we were able to relax some restrictions and crack on with the show!
Unsurprisingly, even with the restrictions relaxed, it meant the race was a bit different to your normal triathlon. To adhere to the new guidelines we split competitors into two waves, with a maximum of 30 athletes going off in each; released in groups of five at one-minute intervals; doubled our draft zone on the bike; and asked athletes to maintain social distancing on the run – unless overtaking.
Guernsey Tristhlon returning towards normal service. @BritTri @220Triathlon https://t.co/mOCItEk51c
— Guernsey Triathlon (@GuernseyTri) June 11, 2020
We had around 60 athletes take part in total, and I arrived early to do the race briefing. It was just so great to see everyone and also see how most of our top athletes have maintained their fitness throughout lockdown! The first race was for our island’s most competitive athletes, so those wanting to represent Guernsey at the Island Games. I went in the second race, and as it was my first actual race for about eight months it was a bit of a shock to the system!
The weather had been amazing throughout lockdown, and the sea had been looking inviting… until race day, obviously! By the time race two set off the swell had really picked up. I’d been put into the first swim wave, so we lined up in groups of five with one metre in between us. It took a while to get through the swell, and sighting was virtually impossible, but fortunately one of the water safety crew put on a bright jacket, so we all headed towards him. I was pretty pleased with my swim, but unfortunately my wave included a Channel swimmer and one of Guernsey’s top pool swimmers. It was their first triathlon experience – they left me for dust!
The bike course was a technical out-and-back along Guernsey’s coastline. I’ve been mountain biking a lot through lockdown, so the TT bike hadn’t been out much. My transition skills were also a bit rusty as we’ve missed our duathlon season. With the wave starts it was hard to know who you were racing, but I managed to pick off a couple of people from my wave!
The run was fast and furious as always, even along the coastal paths where there were several areas of deep sand. On finishing, and once the results had been sorted, I was thrilled to find out I’d come second! All in all it was a great event, and the whole club is now really looking forward to being able to race a full calendar of races from here on in.
Check out the September issue of 220, on sale 6 August, for a seven-page race report from another Guernsey competitor and more great images from the British Isles’ first event.
Advertisement
You can subscribe the 220 Triathlon magazine here
Tri returned to the British Isles on Sunday 7 June with the Grandes Rocques Guernsey Triathlon super sprint. Unfolding over a 400m sea swim, 10km bike and 3km run, it will forever be known as the first live British triathlon event to be staged since lockdown started at the end of March.
Advertisement
As Club President of the Guernsey Triathlon Club, I felt pretty proud of both the club and the island to be able to put this event on. Guernsey has been Covid-19-free for 40 days, so we were able to relax some restrictions and crack on with the show!
Unsurprisingly, even with the restrictions relaxed, it meant the race was a bit different to your normal triathlon. To adhere to the new guidelines we split competitors into two waves, with a maximum of 30 athletes going off in each; released in groups of five at one-minute intervals; doubled our draft zone on the bike; and asked athletes to maintain social distancing on the run – unless overtaking.
Guernsey Tristhlon returning towards normal service. @BritTri @220Triathlon https://t.co/mOCItEk51c
— Guernsey Triathlon (@GuernseyTri) June 11, 2020
We had around 60 athletes take part in total, and I arrived early to do the race briefing. It was just so great to see everyone and also see how most of our top athletes have maintained their fitness throughout lockdown! The first race was for our island’s most competitive athletes, so those wanting to represent Guernsey at the Island Games. I went in the second race, and as it was my first actual race for about eight months it was a bit of a shock to the system!
The weather had been amazing throughout lockdown, and the sea had been looking inviting… until race day, obviously! By the time race two set off the swell had really picked up. I’d been put into the first swim wave, so we lined up in groups of five with one metre in between us. It took a while to get through the swell, and sighting was virtually impossible, but fortunately one of the water safety crew put on a bright jacket, so we all headed towards him. I was pretty pleased with my swim, but unfortunately my wave included a Channel swimmer and one of Guernsey’s top pool swimmers. It was their first triathlon experience – they left me for dust!
The bike course was a technical out-and-back along Guernsey’s coastline. I’ve been mountain biking a lot through lockdown, so the TT bike hadn’t been out much. My transition skills were also a bit rusty as we’ve missed our duathlon season. With the wave starts it was hard to know who you were racing, but I managed to pick off a couple of people from my wave!
The run was fast and furious as always, even along the coastal paths where there were several areas of deep sand. On finishing, and once the results had been sorted, I was thrilled to find out I’d come second! All in all it was a great event, and the whole club is now really looking forward to being able to race a full calendar of races from here on in.
Check out the September issue of 220, on sale 6 August, for a seven-page race report from another Guernsey competitor and more great images from the British Isles’ first event.
Advertisement
You can subscribe the 220 Triathlon magazine here
Ironman have announced that it will add a fourth race in Italy in 2021 – the Ironman 70.3 Venice-Jesolo triathlon. The inaugural event will be held on May 2, 2021 and joins the three existing Ironman events in Italy –Ironman Italy, Ironman 70.3 Italy, and Ironman 70.3 Sardegna.
Located 18 km Northeast of its world-famous neighbour Venice or “La Serenissima”, Jesolo today is one of the most popular tourism destinations in Italy and Central Europe. Jesolo boasts seemingly endless beaches and a distinctive natural lagoon overlooked by the famous lighthouse located at Jesolo Beach or Lido di Jesolo. The race site is easily accessible by car and train and located only 30 minutes away from Venice’s Marco Polo International Airport as well as 40 minutes from Treviso International Airport.
“The city of Venice and the surrounding region are arguably one of the best-known destinations in the world and we are thrilled to add this race venue to next year’s race calendar,” said Stefan Petschnig, Managing Director for Ironman Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Also, there is only one thing Italians are more passionate about than sports and that is their incredible hospitality. We are looking forward to our fourth event in Italy and an amazing race location right at the Adriatic Sea,” he added.
Starting at the popular Lido di Jesolo, athletes will complete a single-loop swim course of 1.9km (1.2 miles) in the Adriatic Sea. With the lighthouse as the backdrop, athletes will get a true feel for the destination right from the start before delving deeper into the Veneto region on the bike.
Athletes will enjoy a single loop 90.1km (56 mile) bike course, where they will discover charming locations that showcase the beauty of the Veneto region. Traversing the northern and southern expanses of Jesolo, the course will take athletes across both sides of the Sile river. After crossing the Sile, the course heads south taking athletes in the direction of Venice towards Punta Sabbioni where it skirts the Venetian Lagoon before returning north to Lido di Jesolo to start the run.
The 21.1km (13.1 mile) run course consists of two loops, crossing the Jesolo promenade for a beautifully coastal route taking in one of Europe’s longest pedestrian roads. An ideal supporter hotspot, the promenade not only offers views of the Adriatic, but also gives athletes the opportunity to enjoy the cheers from their supporters all the way to the finish line at the Lighthouse Beach.
The 2020 Ironman 70.3® Venice-Jesolo triathlon will offer qualifying slots to the 2021 Ironman 70.3 World Championship in St. George, Utah, USA.
General registration for Ironman 70.3 Venice-Jesolo will open on June 30, 2020. For more information please visit www.ironman.com/im703-venice-jesolo
15 of the best triathlon and multisport challenges to try
18 of the world’s best triathlons – that you’ve probably never heard of…
Ironman-distance triathlons: 10 of the cheapest
The 11 toughest Ironman-distance triathlons
Advertisement
Ironman have announced that it will add a fourth race in Italy in 2021 – the Ironman 70.3 Venice-Jesolo triathlon. The inaugural event will be held on May 2, 2021 and joins the three existing Ironman events in Italy –Ironman Italy, Ironman 70.3 Italy, and Ironman 70.3 Sardegna.
Located 18 km Northeast of its world-famous neighbour Venice or “La Serenissima”, Jesolo today is one of the most popular tourism destinations in Italy and Central Europe. Jesolo boasts seemingly endless beaches and a distinctive natural lagoon overlooked by the famous lighthouse located at Jesolo Beach or Lido di Jesolo. The race site is easily accessible by car and train and located only 30 minutes away from Venice’s Marco Polo International Airport as well as 40 minutes from Treviso International Airport.
“The city of Venice and the surrounding region are arguably one of the best-known destinations in the world and we are thrilled to add this race venue to next year’s race calendar,” said Stefan Petschnig, Managing Director for Ironman Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Also, there is only one thing Italians are more passionate about than sports and that is their incredible hospitality. We are looking forward to our fourth event in Italy and an amazing race location right at the Adriatic Sea,” he added.
Starting at the popular Lido di Jesolo, athletes will complete a single-loop swim course of 1.9km (1.2 miles) in the Adriatic Sea. With the lighthouse as the backdrop, athletes will get a true feel for the destination right from the start before delving deeper into the Veneto region on the bike.
Athletes will enjoy a single loop 90.1km (56 mile) bike course, where they will discover charming locations that showcase the beauty of the Veneto region. Traversing the northern and southern expanses of Jesolo, the course will take athletes across both sides of the Sile river. After crossing the Sile, the course heads south taking athletes in the direction of Venice towards Punta Sabbioni where it skirts the Venetian Lagoon before returning north to Lido di Jesolo to start the run.
The 21.1km (13.1 mile) run course consists of two loops, crossing the Jesolo promenade for a beautifully coastal route taking in one of Europe’s longest pedestrian roads. An ideal supporter hotspot, the promenade not only offers views of the Adriatic, but also gives athletes the opportunity to enjoy the cheers from their supporters all the way to the finish line at the Lighthouse Beach.
The 2020 Ironman 70.3® Venice-Jesolo triathlon will offer qualifying slots to the 2021 Ironman 70.3 World Championship in St. George, Utah, USA.
General registration for Ironman 70.3 Venice-Jesolo will open on June 30, 2020. For more information please visit www.ironman.com/im703-venice-jesolo
15 of the best triathlon and multisport challenges to try
18 of the world’s best triathlons – that you’ve probably never heard of…
Ironman-distance triathlons: 10 of the cheapest
The 11 toughest Ironman-distance triathlons
Advertisement