THE TOUGH GET GOING IN TENBY
WELCOME to Tenby... the town that today is being turned into the capital of the endurance sporting world.
From early this morning, 2,400 competitors from around the world were expected to hurl themselves into the sea at the start of the now-famous Ironman Wales – one of the toughest challenges an athlete can take on.
For the uninitiated, it amounts to a 2.4-mile swim, followed by a 112-mile bike ride, rounded off with a 26.2-mile marathon.
The pretty seaside town is decked out in Ironman banners, flags and decorations, and racks of streamlined racing bikes sporting their owners’ race numbers can be seen for miles.
The race takes part in and around Tenby and neighbouring towns Pembroke, Narberth, Saundersfoot and Carew.
Over the weekend athletes were taking advantage of a complimentary compression treatment, relaxing with their legs inside hi-tech compression boots designed to help athletes recover quickly.
Leonhard Wiedemann, who travelled from Germany to take part, took to the sea for a last-minute training session yesterday, while others went for a quick run and took in the countryside and idyllic coastlines.
Ahead of this morning’s crack-ofdawn start, race director Lisa Dent said: “This will be one of the biggest Ironman Wales events we’ve delivered in terms of athlete numbers.
“It’s an experience I don’t think you’ll get anywhere else because of the beauty of the course and support of the spectators.”
Some of those competing in this year’s event took to social media to share their excitement and nerves.
On Twitter, Grant Whiteside, who has race number 151, said: “All racked and ready to go for Ironman Wales. Not entirely sure the bike will still be there in the morning, with the wind and rain currently coming down. Going to be a tough old day!”
Iestyn Llewellyn said: “As some of you may know, I’m taking part in Ironman Wales. It’s been one hell of a journey so far and fingers crossed the gods will look down on and guide me across the line.”
Alongside the athletes, huge crowds were expected to gather from early this morning, with thousands of spectators lining the route.
That also means widespread road closures and parking restrictions today.
Pembrokeshire council said on its website: “Due to long delays motorists experienced last year on the B4318 with traffic attempting to cross the bike course north of St Florence, an alternating one-way system will operate on Devonshire Drive between 9am-4pm.
“Access into Tenby during these times will be via the A478, through Pentlepoir and via Devonshire Drive.
“Traffic leaving Tenby will be directed down Devonshire Drive for access to the A478 and destinations beyond.”