The Castle Triathlon Series have added three new events to the Bastion iron-distance triathlon weekend on Sunday 10 July 2016, including the middle-distance Gauntlet race.
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The Castle Triathlon Series have added three new events to the Bastion iron-distance triathlon weekend on Sunday 10 July 2016, including the middle-distance Gauntlet race.
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The long-distance Bastion challenge will be joined on the July calendar by the Gauntlet middle-distance triathlon, the Hever Long Swims and the Hever Long Aquabike.
The full list of races are:
The Bastion (3.8km swim/180km bike/42.2km run)
The endurance challenge kick-offs with a 3.8km lake swim before a 180km bike takes competitors around the Kent countryside. A 42km marathon run completes the Castle Tri Series’ only long-course race.
The Hever Half-Iron Gauntlet (1.9km/90km/21km)
The 1.9km swim is a single loop taking in the main Hever Castle lake and a tributary of the River Eden. The 90km cycle winds its way through the stunning High Weald of Kent and the Ashdown Forest. The 21km run course follows largely off-road tracks and bridlepaths between Hever Castle, through the historic local village of Chiddingstone, and the grounds of Chiddingstone Castle itself.
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The Hever Long Distance Swim (1.9km or 3.8km)
The swim course leaves from the Italianate loggia taking competitors down the length of the main lake and heading into the scenic river section. This tributary of the River Eden wraps around 16 Acre Island allowing spectators to watch and cheer competitors on from only a few metres away.
The Hever Long Distance Aquabike (1.9km swim/60km bike or 3.8km swim/120km bike)
After the swim you’ll head out on the bike course with supported feed stations. This circular cycle route will take competitors out of Hever Castle, up through the High Weald of Kent before passing through and over the Ashdown Forest and into the village of Maresfield. Competitors return to Hever via the Evillages of Groombridge, Fordcombe and Penshurst and have the option of finishing with a 4km run.
The Hever Long Distance Aquathlon (1.9km swim/10km run or 3.8km swim / 21km run)
After the unique swim (1 or 2 loops), competitors will embark on the 10k/21km run course, which follows largely off road tracks and bridle paths between Hever Castle, through the historic local village of Chiddingstone, and the grounds of Chiddingstone Castle itself before finishing right in front of the Castle.
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All the events, including The Bastion iron-distance triathlon, are now open for entry with an early bird 25% discount, with race places limited for 2016. Enter here.
Strava has announced a partnership with Zwift, a leader in fitness entertainment for indoor cycling. Every year, Strava Premium cyclists will now receive two consecutive free months of Zwift, the premier multiplayer online indoor cycling experience. Strava Premium cyclists will be offered two free months of Zwift starting in early November.
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“We want Premium athletes to have the most engaging experience possible – all year long, whether they’re indoors or outdoors,” says David Lorsch, Strava’s VP of Strategy and Business Development. “This makes for a natural and compelling partnership with Zwift. Strava Premium cyclists will now have access to an incredibly engaging indoor platform and will get even more value out of their membership.”
Zwift has confirmed its monthly subscription price for the UK will be £8 per month. Strava Premium, for £3.99 per month (£39.99 per year), grants access to Strava’s most innovative technology. In addition to two free months of Zwift, Premium athletes will have access to a new suite of indoor cycling features, including customizable indoor training plans, videos and tips from the world’s best coaches.
Strava will also be updating its feed to distinguish Zwift activities. Additionally, virtual miles ridden with Zwift and other trainers will be split from outdoor activities and real-life segments. Trainer activities will have their own leaderboards, providing indoor cyclists greater engagement and delineation between indoor and outdoor rides.
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More info is at www.strava.com and www.zwift.com
Strava has announced a partnership with Zwift, a leader in fitness entertainment for indoor cycling. Every year, Strava Premium cyclists will now receive two consecutive free months of Zwift, the premier multiplayer online indoor cycling experience. Strava Premium cyclists will be offered two free months of Zwift starting in early November.
Advertisement
“We want Premium athletes to have the most engaging experience possible – all year long, whether they’re indoors or outdoors,” says David Lorsch, Strava’s VP of Strategy and Business Development. “This makes for a natural and compelling partnership with Zwift. Strava Premium cyclists will now have access to an incredibly engaging indoor platform and will get even more value out of their membership.”
Zwift has confirmed its monthly subscription price for the UK will be £8 per month. Strava Premium, for £3.99 per month (£39.99 per year), grants access to Strava’s most innovative technology. In addition to two free months of Zwift, Premium athletes will have access to a new suite of indoor cycling features, including customizable indoor training plans, videos and tips from the world’s best coaches.
Strava will also be updating its feed to distinguish Zwift activities. Additionally, virtual miles ridden with Zwift and other trainers will be split from outdoor activities and real-life segments. Trainer activities will have their own leaderboards, providing indoor cyclists greater engagement and delineation between indoor and outdoor rides.
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More info is at www.strava.com and www.zwift.com
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Back in May this year we reported on the launch of a unique new two-day event, that will be held on a private island in the Bahamas this November (see the original story here).
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Organised by race directors and pro triathletes Luke McKenzie and Beth Gerdes, the race promises a $500,000 prize purse, to be paid 10 deep across both men and women. The start list is invite-only and this week the final list of 10 male and 10 female athletes has been announced.
Male start list
The male field includes GBR’s Tim Don, who most recently raced at the Ironman World Championships in Kona, placing 15th. Also racing in reigning WTS champion Javier Gomez. The final list is:
Barrett Brandon (USA)
Tim Don (GBR)
Cam Dye (USA)
Javier Gomez (ESP)
Leon Griffin (AUS)
Ben Hoffman (USA)
Luke McKenzie (AUS)
Richard Murray (RSA)
Tim O’Donnell (USA)
Trevor Wurtele (CAN)
Women’s start list
In the female race, two GBR athletes are confirmed – Rachel Joyce, who placed second in Kona – and Leanda Cave, who also raced but pulled out on the bike leg. Also competing is WTS world champ Gwen Jorgensen. The final list is:
Lauren Brandon (USA)
Mirinda Carfrae (AUS)
Leanda Cave (GBR)
Flora Duffy (BMU)
Gwen Jorgensen (USA)
Rachel Joyce (GBR)
Alicia Kaye (CAN)
Rachel Klamer (NED)
Lisa Norden (SWE)
Heather Wurtele (CAN)
The race will be held from 6-8 November 2015. The innovative race structure will include individual time trials and races that mix up the traditional order and distances of swim, bike, run. Similar to the cycling model, the Island House Invitational will feature swim, bike, run, and overall classification leader’s jerseys and prizes.
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To learn more about the race, visit the website here.
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The three-day event will be filmed for national broadcast in a one hour special to be broadcast January to March 2016. Live timing will be available throughout the event along with frequent twitter updates via @islandhousetri.
Back in May this year we reported on the launch of a unique new two-day event, that will be held on a private island in the Bahamas this November (see the original story here).
Advertisement
Organised by race directors and pro triathletes Luke McKenzie and Beth Gerdes, the race promises a $500,000 prize purse, to be paid 10 deep across both men and women. The start list is invite-only and this week the final list of 10 male and 10 female athletes has been announced.
Male start list
The male field includes GBR’s Tim Don, who most recently raced at the Ironman World Championships in Kona, placing 15th. Also racing in reigning WTS champion Javier Gomez. The final list is:
Barrett Brandon (USA)
Tim Don (GBR)
Cam Dye (USA)
Javier Gomez (ESP)
Leon Griffin (AUS)
Ben Hoffman (USA)
Luke McKenzie (AUS)
Richard Murray (RSA)
Tim O’Donnell (USA)
Trevor Wurtele (CAN)
Women’s start list
In the female race, two GBR athletes are confirmed – Rachel Joyce, who placed second in Kona – and Leanda Cave, who also raced but pulled out on the bike leg. Also competing is WTS world champ Gwen Jorgensen. The final list is:
Lauren Brandon (USA)
Mirinda Carfrae (AUS)
Leanda Cave (GBR)
Flora Duffy (BMU)
Gwen Jorgensen (USA)
Rachel Joyce (GBR)
Alicia Kaye (CAN)
Rachel Klamer (NED)
Lisa Norden (SWE)
Heather Wurtele (CAN)
The race will be held from 6-8 November 2015. The innovative race structure will include individual time trials and races that mix up the traditional order and distances of swim, bike, run. Similar to the cycling model, the Island House Invitational will feature swim, bike, run, and overall classification leader’s jerseys and prizes.
To learn more about the race, visit the website here.
Advertisement
The three-day event will be filmed for national broadcast in a one hour special to be broadcast January to March 2016. Live timing will be available throughout the event along with frequent twitter updates via @islandhousetri.
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This Sunday at 9am Hawaii-time, the Scotland born, San Diego-based Lesley Paterson will take to the Pacific waters of Honokahua Bay as one of the favourites to steal Flora Duffy’s crown as the reigning Queen of all-things off road.
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Yet Paterson’s journey to the 20th anniversary race of the Xterra World Championships in Maui, Hawaii, has been far from straightforward. Broken bones (x3) and Lymes disease have stood in the way of her race season, but she’s shown the ‘Braveheart brand’ by battling on; tackling Xterra Costa Rica with one arm and coming third in an 100km MTB race in Tahoe just three weeks after surgery.
Here the double Xterra world champ and reigning Xterra England winner talks with our friends at Xterra Maui about her love of the off road, swimming 1.5km with one arm and battling Duffy on Sunday…
ON… BEING BACK IN MAUI
First of all, I am feeling great. Fit and ready to roll. Just beyond grateful that I’m here and healthy – I simply cannot put it in to words. This island has so many amazing memories for me and to be back at “home” with my Xterra family is like a dream come true. This is where I feel the love. This is where the magic happens.
ON… LYME’S DISEASE AND BROKEN BONES
It’s been an incredible but challenging year so far. I have seriously had highs I’ve never experienced before but then I’ve had absolute soul crushing lows as well. I’m a woman of extremes so this suits me well! I spent November and December of 2014 getting treating for Lyme’s disease in Florida and that brought with it many challenges but also many ‘ah ha’ moments. I started off 2015 with the lowest fitness I think I’ve ever had but the highest spirit too! I did a combination of Xterra races and US World Cup mountain bike races and almost the first one out of the gate, I managed to break my shoulder!
ON… ONE ARM RACING
This led to me competing in Xterra Costa Rica with one arm! 1,500m is a long way with a single arm but I kept positive and ended up biking and running through the field to win. I guess the Braveheart brand is very much alive and kicking! I then spent a month sweating it out on my trainer in the garage, swimming masters with one arm and running with a sling. I came out and won Xterra West and East champs, plus won the overall (beat the boys, too) at the Laguna Beach Xterra… that was pretty cool!
ON… BRUSHING TEETH WITH NO HANDS
My focus was then set on mountain biking and picking up valuable UCI points for Olympic qualification [in mountain biking]. I went on to win my first US Pro MTB race and the week later, days before heading out to Europe for my world cup debut, I crashed out and broke my left wrist and right hand. Devastation again! After surgery I spent the month up in the mountains, back on the trainer, learning how to brush my teeth and wipe my own arse with no hands! Only 11 days after surgery I won the June Lake Triathlon in Mammoth and another week later, came 3rd overall in the Leadville qualifier 100km MTB race in Tahoe. Crazy, I know, but hey, that’s me!
ON… SINGLE DISCIPLINE MTB
I then did my first UCI Mountain Bike World Cup race in Windham. I seriously got my ass whooped and struggled to find any form. Determined to give it a good go, I then headed out to Italy for my second World Cup. I managed to go from 65th to 38th and had a blast doing it! This World Cup shit is a helluva journey and one that will take a good few years to master! Finally I finished off the summer with a glorious win at the Xterra European Champs in England (pictured). Joy of all joys!
ON… TACKLING FLORA
After a great block of training in San Diego, my sights have been laser focused on being in the best shape possible for Maui. Flora [Duffy] has been simply unbeatable this year so I hope to at least give her a run for her money. She’s an incredible athlete and has motivated me to train harder and stay committed this last few months.
ON… XTERRA AND SOUL
More importantly, though, I’ve realised with all that I have been through, that all I can control is my attitude. I can’t control how anyone else will go on the day, I can’t control what anyone else thinks, but I can control my attitude towards this race. It will be one of joy and celebration. Xterra is my soul and that will never change.
You can follow the 20th Xterra World Championships online at www.xterramaui.com, on twitter @xterraoffroad and on Facebook.com/xterraplanet starting at 9am Hawaii time (7pm UK time). 220 Tri magazine has a nine page Xterra special in issue 320, out on 8th December.
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Images: Light Trapper
This Sunday at 9am Hawaii-time, the Scotland born, San Diego-based Lesley Paterson will take to the Pacific waters of Honokahua Bay as one of the favourites to steal Flora Duffy’s crown as the reigning Queen of all-things off road.
Advertisement
Yet Paterson’s journey to the 20th anniversary race of the Xterra World Championships in Maui, Hawaii, has been far from straightforward. Broken bones (x3) and Lymes disease have stood in the way of her race season, but she’s shown the ‘Braveheart brand’ by battling on; tackling Xterra Costa Rica with one arm and coming third in an 100km MTB race in Tahoe just three weeks after surgery.
Here the double Xterra world champ and reigning Xterra England winner talks with our friends at Xterra Maui about her love of the off road, swimming 1.5km with one arm and battling Duffy on Sunday…
ON… BEING BACK IN MAUI
First of all, I am feeling great. Fit and ready to roll. Just beyond grateful that I’m here and healthy – I simply cannot put it in to words. This island has so many amazing memories for me and to be back at “home” with my Xterra family is like a dream come true. This is where I feel the love. This is where the magic happens.
ON… LYME’S DISEASE AND BROKEN BONES
It’s been an incredible but challenging year so far. I have seriously had highs I’ve never experienced before but then I’ve had absolute soul crushing lows as well. I’m a woman of extremes so this suits me well! I spent November and December of 2014 getting treating for Lyme’s disease in Florida and that brought with it many challenges but also many ‘ah ha’ moments. I started off 2015 with the lowest fitness I think I’ve ever had but the highest spirit too! I did a combination of Xterra races and US World Cup mountain bike races and almost the first one out of the gate, I managed to break my shoulder!
ON… ONE ARM RACING
This led to me competing in Xterra Costa Rica with one arm! 1,500m is a long way with a single arm but I kept positive and ended up biking and running through the field to win. I guess the Braveheart brand is very much alive and kicking! I then spent a month sweating it out on my trainer in the garage, swimming masters with one arm and running with a sling. I came out and won Xterra West and East champs, plus won the overall (beat the boys, too) at the Laguna Beach Xterra… that was pretty cool!
ON… BRUSHING TEETH WITH NO HANDS
My focus was then set on mountain biking and picking up valuable UCI points for Olympic qualification [in mountain biking]. I went on to win my first US Pro MTB race and the week later, days before heading out to Europe for my world cup debut, I crashed out and broke my left wrist and right hand. Devastation again! After surgery I spent the month up in the mountains, back on the trainer, learning how to brush my teeth and wipe my own arse with no hands! Only 11 days after surgery I won the June Lake Triathlon in Mammoth and another week later, came 3rd overall in the Leadville qualifier 100km MTB race in Tahoe. Crazy, I know, but hey, that’s me!
ON… SINGLE DISCIPLINE MTB
I then did my first UCI Mountain Bike World Cup race in Windham. I seriously got my ass whooped and struggled to find any form. Determined to give it a good go, I then headed out to Italy for my second World Cup. I managed to go from 65th to 38th and had a blast doing it! This World Cup shit is a helluva journey and one that will take a good few years to master! Finally I finished off the summer with a glorious win at the Xterra European Champs in England (pictured). Joy of all joys!
ON… TACKLING FLORA
After a great block of training in San Diego, my sights have been laser focused on being in the best shape possible for Maui. Flora [Duffy] has been simply unbeatable this year so I hope to at least give her a run for her money. She’s an incredible athlete and has motivated me to train harder and stay committed this last few months.
ON… XTERRA AND SOUL
More importantly, though, I’ve realised with all that I have been through, that all I can control is my attitude. I can’t control how anyone else will go on the day, I can’t control what anyone else thinks, but I can control my attitude towards this race. It will be one of joy and celebration. Xterra is my soul and that will never change.
You can follow the 20th Xterra World Championships online at www.xterramaui.com, on twitter @xterraoffroad and on Facebook.com/xterraplanet starting at 9am Hawaii time (7pm UK time). 220 Tri magazine has a nine page Xterra special in issue 320, out on 8th December.
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Images: Light Trapper
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Josiah Middaugh and Flora Duffy were the winners of the 20th Xterra off-road Triathlon World Championships in Kapalua, Maui yesterday.
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Middaugh won the men’s title at the 15th time of asking, becoming the first American to take top spot since Michael Tobin in 2000. ITU star Duffy capped of a perfect Xterra season with five straight wins on the tour, and won her second championship in successive years. It meant a cool $20,000 for the winners from a total prize purse of $100,000, with prize money going to the top 10 male and female finishers.
Commenting on his victory (and beating favourite Ruben Ruzafa of Spain), Middaugh said:
“I felt really good on the bike. He put a minute into me on the last five miles but there’s nothing you can do, he’s an amazing rider.
On the run I was making back 20-30 seconds a mile on him. I was shocked! Last year he was climbing at the same speed as I was. I was charging as hard as I could, I was lifting my knees and pumping as hard as I could go and I knew I was coming back on him.
“A couple years ago I knew I had to win it now! I had to stop saying “one of these years” and start saying “this year…this year I’m going to win this race. I felt it more than ever this year and knew I could do it, I knew I had to do it.”
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In the women’s race, Bermudan Flora Duffy held pole position for the duration, posting the fastest swim split and fending off an inspired Lesley Paterson on the bike course.
Duffy said: “I had the big target on my back, and I came here with a mission. I wanted to defend, and got away with that by the skin of my teeth today. I really struggled on the bike course at times.
“It was so great to come down the finish chute and repeat as world champion. I was pretty glad to put my hands up for the win.”
Incredibly Paterson’s impressive result came despite spending large parts of the season recovering from injury and illness. Posting the fastest women’s bike split of the day, Paterson was catching Duffy on the bike and was in striking distance on the run, but had to settle for second place. She said:
“I was going for it on the bike, that’s where my strength is,” said Paterson. “I came off on the run and went for it and then I blew. It was really hot, it was brutal, and I deal with heat pretty well!”
“I’m just lucky to be here, I’ve spent the last few years getting over injuries and illness and I felt honoured to be in the fight today.”
Jacqui Slack (GBR) came 8th in of the women’s pro field. More than 800 athletes from 43 countries participated in the event, which started in relatively calm waters but included extremely tough 32km bike and 10.5km run sections, with over 1000m of climbing on the course combined.
Pro men – top 5
1. Josiah Middaugh (USA) – 2:35:32
2. Braden Currie (NZL) – 2:38:30
3. Ruben Ruzafa (ESP) – 2:40:40
4. Mauricio Mendez (MEX) – 2:40:54
5. Courtney Atkinson (AUS) – 2:42:27
Pro women – top 5
1. Flora Duffy (BER) – 2:54:17
2. Lesley Patterson (GBR) – 2:59:16
3. Emma Garrard (USA) – 3:03:28
4. Myriam Guillot-Boisset (FRA) – 3:07:27
5. Lizzie Orchard (NZL) – 3:09:57
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What did you think of the race? Let us know in the comments!
Josiah Middaugh and Flora Duffy were the winners of the 20th Xterra off-road Triathlon World Championships in Kapalua, Maui yesterday.
Advertisement
Middaugh won the men’s title at the 15th time of asking, becoming the first American to take top spot since Michael Tobin in 2000. ITU star Duffy capped of a perfect Xterra season with five straight wins on the tour, and won her second championship in successive years. It meant a cool $20,000 for the winners from a total prize purse of $100,000, with prize money going to the top 10 male and female finishers.
Commenting on his victory (and beating favourite Ruben Ruzafa of Spain), Middaugh said:
“I felt really good on the bike. He put a minute into me on the last five miles but there’s nothing you can do, he’s an amazing rider.
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On the run I was making back 20-30 seconds a mile on him. I was shocked! Last year he was climbing at the same speed as I was. I was charging as hard as I could, I was lifting my knees and pumping as hard as I could go and I knew I was coming back on him.
“A couple years ago I knew I had to win it now! I had to stop saying “one of these years” and start saying “this year…this year I’m going to win this race. I felt it more than ever this year and knew I could do it, I knew I had to do it.”
In the women’s race, Bermudan Flora Duffy held pole position for the duration, posting the fastest swim split and fending off an inspired Lesley Paterson on the bike course.
Duffy said: “I had the big target on my back, and I came here with a mission. I wanted to defend, and got away with that by the skin of my teeth today. I really struggled on the bike course at times.
“It was so great to come down the finish chute and repeat as world champion. I was pretty glad to put my hands up for the win.”
Incredibly Paterson’s impressive result came despite spending large parts of the season recovering from injury and illness. Posting the fastest women’s bike split of the day, Paterson was catching Duffy on the bike and was in striking distance on the run, but had to settle for second place. She said:
“I was going for it on the bike, that’s where my strength is,” said Paterson. “I came off on the run and went for it and then I blew. It was really hot, it was brutal, and I deal with heat pretty well!”
“I’m just lucky to be here, I’ve spent the last few years getting over injuries and illness and I felt honoured to be in the fight today.”
Jacqui Slack (GBR) came 8th in of the women’s pro field. More than 800 athletes from 43 countries participated in the event, which started in relatively calm waters but included extremely tough 32km bike and 10.5km run sections, with over 1000m of climbing on the course combined.
Pro men – top 5
1. Josiah Middaugh (USA) – 2:35:32
2. Braden Currie (NZL) – 2:38:30
3. Ruben Ruzafa (ESP) – 2:40:40
4. Mauricio Mendez (MEX) – 2:40:54
5. Courtney Atkinson (AUS) – 2:42:27
Pro women – top 5
1. Flora Duffy (BER) – 2:54:17
2. Lesley Patterson (GBR) – 2:59:16
3. Emma Garrard (USA) – 3:03:28
4. Myriam Guillot-Boisset (FRA) – 3:07:27
5. Lizzie Orchard (NZL) – 3:09:57
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What did you think of the race? Let us know in the comments!
Always Aim High Events have announced that entries for the Anglesey Sandman Triathlon are now open. The North Wales-set triathlon, which takes place on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September 2016, is expected to sell-out quickly, with athletes advised to secure their place here.
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From the makers of the Slateman, the Anglesey Sandman was first launched in 2011 and offers a challenge for everyone regardless of fitness and experience.
The triathlon sees competitors take on the clear-waters for a 1km open sea swim, some of the most beautiful roads of Anglesey for a challenging 60km bike leg and the Newborough forest for the final 10km trail run.
The Sandman sprint event features much of the same scenery and will again take place on the Saturday. The Sprint race features a 400m (swim), 25km (bike) and 5km (run). Triathletes also have the option of competing over two days at the Sandman Weekender.
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The Sandman has been a sell out event for three consecutive years and the 2016 edition is expected to be no different.
To register for the Anglesey Sandman Triathlon CLICK HERE.
More info is at angleseysandman.com or by calling 01248 723553
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Image: Gwynfor James