Exciting news for all those with a spot booked at this year's Ironman UK – hugely respected Aussie athlete Craig Alexander will be attending throughout the race weekend.
Unfortunately, due to his recent retirement from Ironman racing, we won't be seeing Crowie lining up at the start, but he will be on hand to share tips at the pre-race pasta party on Friday 18 July. He'll also be watching the Ironkids race in Bolton town centre on Saturday 19 July, and will hand out medals to Ironman UK finishers on Sunday 20 July.
“I am really looking forward to spectating at Ironman UK this July," he said. "I have heard the course in Bolton is beautiful and very spectator-friendly. It sounds like a great venue to really get behind the athletes and cheer them on to the finish."
Alexander, 40, won the Ironman World Championship in 2008, 2009 and 2011, and also won the double in 2011 when he secured 70.3 title as well. He retired from Ironman racing last March after placing fifth at the Ironman Asia-Pacific Championship Melbourne.
This year's Ironman UK has seen a raft of changes, including a new two-lap bike course and relocation of T2 to the Reebok Stadium, enabling the organisers to offer more race spots. Online entry is still available through www.ironmanuk.com.
(Main image: Nils Nilsen/N2PhotoServices)