Triathlon
2009 IronMan UK Championship Photos
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I’ve never done a Triathlon, and I’ve never taken pictures at one before, so I hadn’t got a clue what to expect. A friend of mine told me on Friday that the event was taking place, so no chance even to reccy the course. Thankfully the organisers at IronmanUK had maps of the course on their website, so I had an idea of where the action might be caught.
It was dark when I left Hayfield, just after 4am, so that I was in plenty of time for the start. Once at the Anderton Centre, things looked quite familiar. A muddy campsite, which seems to be a prequisite of British summer time sporting events.
The athletes were already heading towards the start. Lots of muddy bare feet.
Pensive people consider what is ahead.
The triathletes line up in the reservoir before the start.
After the start, the swimmers fairly quickly moved towards the middle of the reservoir. Not much to photograph even with a 400mm lens, so I headed round the other side towards where they’d be heading once they had made the transition to their bikes.
Less than an hour after the start the fast folk were already heading up the first hill on their bikes.
This was one of the quick ladies.
Onwards and upwards they went. (Lots of pics in the gallery).
Over the worst of it, but not at the top yet.
Still not at the top, but respite for some at the first feed station.
Once at the top, the first descent. Slow…..
Then Fast.
That was as far as I was following them on their bikes. Time to head back to catch them after they’d left their bikes to embark on their run. Of course I got a few shots on the way back down as some were setting off on their last bike lap.
From Rivington the Triathletes now on foot headed for Bolton Town Hall.
Passing their supporters en route.
After just walking 20 miles, time to go home for me. I was knackered.
Well done to all those who took part. Just short of 300 pictures to view or purchase here.