Thanks to Big Brum’s, Pembroke Dock, local triathlete Olly Simon has been able to get a great warm weather Ironman 70.3 race in before going to Lanzarote for another full Ironman.

Said Olly, of Tenby: “I would have loved to start my season with this race to get a warm weather 70.3 race under my belt before stepping up to the full Ironman South Africa which turned out to be hotter than expected. I am looking forward to getting 2016 back on track with a solid result.

“My flights, accommodation and all other costs have been covered for the trip, which means I can focus on my training and prepare properly for the race. I have been out to Mallorca in early March to look at the bike course and it promises to be a big test as well as a very enjoyable race.

“The race has sold out, with nearly 4,000 competitors and 66 top class male pros in my wave. The race will be a big early season test of race fitness as its going to be a very fast swim, which gets a bit nasty for the first 400m, but I am hoping to come out with the lead pack and push hard on the challenging bike course, with a fast flat half marathon to finish off.”

He continued: “Last year, the race conditions were very hot and with a climb on the course which will take nearly 30 minutes, I will have to pace myself properly. A 70.3 race, however, can be pushed a little harder than a full Ironman, so I won’t be holding back if my legs feel good and I will try and challenge some of the big names.

“I am looking forward to the great race atmosphere that I have heard about and getting a solid race under my belt for 2016, which should give me some confidence to go to Lanzarote to take on the full Ironman two weeks later.”

And Olly added: “I am working with new and old sponsors this season so I can train more, and coming out of a wet windy winter, I have plenty of time through the season to get some good results and show that I have improved on last year’s performances.

“Big Brum’s has been a long-term sponsor of mine and continue to help me get to races around the world, which is crucial for my career as a Pro in the sport of Ironman.”