The organisers of this year's Ironman UK have confirmed changes to the bike route, including an extended two-lap bike course and a change of venue for the bike-to-run transition (T2), which will enable them to add 400 more race spots.
The new bike course (map here) now takes in the villages of Whittle-le-Woods, Croston and Mawdesley, while T2 is being moved from Rivington school to Bolton's Reebok Stadium, which will also host the event expo, briefings and awards dinner. Total vertical climb on the bike leg will be reduced from 1,600m to 1,270m
Having tested the proposed course, Ironman UK 2012 bronze medallist Paul Hawkins said: “This is a pretty challenging but well designed circuit in a fantastic location. It will certainly push everyone to the limits as it’s constantly up and down giving little respite.
"It also offers plenty of spectator spots to watch on race day which is great for the athletes - including a new addition of Hunters Hill to complement the Sheep House climb which is another belter, offering a shorter but steeper gradient.”
The 400 additional race spots will be available from midday tomorrow (Wednesday 12th March) for 24 hours to friends referred by existing Ironman UK entrants. Any remaining places will go on general sale at 12 noon on Thursday 13th March. These join the 2,000 existing entries from over 30 countries, which sold out in just 50 hours last September.
Online entry will be available here.