Introduction
The 11th edition of Ironman UK came to Bolton and it was definitely one to remember! The event featured a brand-new bike course which was 112 miles long. The day also included a 2.4-mile swim and to finish it all off…a marathon. Thousands of triathletes took to the streets of Bolton as the famous event returned.
The Winner
Our very good friend; Brian Fogarty, swept away the competition to secure victory, finishing with a time of 09:27:12. Brian is no stranger to racing in Bolton. He was the fastest Age-Group athlete in 2017 and 2016. Furthermore, by repeating that in 2019 he was also the first athlete across the line in front of Bolton Town Hall.
Fogarty, who works for the family insurance firm in Blackburn, said: “It is the best feeling ever. It is something I have dreamed of since I got into the sport.”
“I have always done well on this course. I knew I could win, but just needed a bit of luck. The run was tough, but I held it together.
The victory was in stark contrast to last year when two crashes on the cycling stage saw the 35-year-old former Lancashire Telegraph ad rep fail to finish
He said: “Last year was a disaster. It was heartbreaking for my family and friends who came out to support. I will enjoy it while I can.”
The Race
A total of 1,900 competitors, spanning a huge age range, set out from Pennington Flash in Leigh at 6am. The youngest entrant was 17-years-old, while the oldest was an incredible 70-years-old. Although the majority of entrants came from across the UK, there was also a fantastic showing by international competitors.
As the race started, row after row of competitors were out and on their bike in less than an hour with Slovakian-born Siska taking an early lead in the men’s race. As the cyclists took to the road, they headed towards Bolton, through Bury and up the hills into Lancashire.
Around halfway through the cycle, pole position was snatched away from Siska by 35-year-old Fogarty. Brian quickly established a healthy lead. In fact, heading into transition two at Queens Park, he was more than 13 minutes in front of his nearest challenger.
Despite the best efforts of Masciarelli, who managed narrow the gap slightly, Fogarty held on for a major victory. As he crossed the finish line, he lapped up the admiration of the home crowd that had gathered in Victoria Square.
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References
- ri247com, J.L. 2019. Tri247com. [Online]. [30 July 2019]. Available from: https://www.tri247.com/triathlon-news/age-group/ironman-uk-2019-champions
- Ironmancom. 2019. IRONMANcom. [Online]. [29 July 2019]. Available from: https://eu.ironman.com/triathlon/events/emea/ironman/uk/results.aspx
- Lancashiretelegraphcouk, P.M. 2019. Lancashire Telegraph. [Online]. [30 July 2019]. Available from: https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/17769808.blackburn-39-s-brian-fogarty-ironman-winner-triathlon-makes-e-lancs-debut/
