Ironman Wales returned to Tenby and Pembrokeshire once again today, with a rousing rendition of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau on North Beach and thousands of spectators and competitors observing a moment of silence ahead of the swim start as a mark of respect for the Royal Family following the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.
British long-course racer, and two-time Ironman UK winner Joe Skipper won the men’s race, completing the triathlon in a time of 08:35:49 (unofficial).
It was the second time that the thirty-four-year-old Norfolk-based athlete had raced in Tenby, stating before the event: “I’ve just had the best four weeks of training that I’ve ever done, it was just a block where everything went to plan.”
Second was Germany’s Boris Stein, with a time of 08:43:54; third was France’s Kevin Maurel in 08:50:38.
Local boy Finn Arentz came in the top ten, finishing in an impressive seventh place, with a time of 09:08:47 in his home town triathlon;
Oliver Simon also of Tenby won the age 40 to 44 category in a time of 9 hours, 51 minutes and 14seconds.
Great Britain's Hannah Saitch, won the women's race with an impressive time of 10 hours, 47 minutes, 38 seconds.
Returning to Tenby after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the triathlon was back to full capacity racing as it celebrated its long-awaited 10th anniversary with a sold-out race and weekend of activity.
The sporting event saw the seaside town of Tenby come alive to a stunning sunrise swim, and a fan-filled town, as thousands of spectators surrounded the North Beach to cheer on those entering the choppy waters.
The swim started at 6.55 am with the professional men’s field; followed by the rolling age groups entering the sea at 7 am, with amateur athletes ranging from 18 to 76 beginning their 2022 Ironman Wales journey. The 2.4-mile swim course takes athletes twice around Goscar Rock in Carmarthen Bay before running up the infamous zig zag staircase on their way to transition.
The next leg of the triathlon event comprises a 112-mile bike ride, as athletes cycle through the picturesque Pembrokeshire countryside on a challenging two-loop course known for its steep hills, epic descents, and over 2,000 metres of climbing.
Passing numerous castles and iconic landmarks, athletes will take on the crowd-supported cycle up St Brides Hill in Saundersfoot, known as Heartbreak Hill for its gruelling elevation, before rolling down into Tenby’s town centre to start the final section of the Ironman event.
The race finishes with a 26.2-mile run, or full marathon, as athletes settle into a four-loop course exploring the mediaeval town walls and incredible beachfront of southwest Wales - all set to the cheers of tens of thousands of supporters along the way.
The new Ironman Wales Champion is expected to cross the finishing line at approximately 3.50 pm on Sunday, with the final finisher making their way down the red carpet at 12.15 am on Monday morning.
Ironman Wales is a qualifying race for the 2023 VinFast Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, offering 55 of the top athletes a chance to race internationally on October 12 and 14, 2023.
