An amazing day of Ironman racing descended once again on Bolton and after 9 hours of racing, it was last years winner Dan Halksworth and Ironman UK debutante Lucy Gossage who came away with the wins.

The race had attracted a cracking elite field consisting of the winners, Stephen and Bella Bayliss, Joe Skipper, Dorian Wagner, Harry Wiltshire, Fraser Cartmell and Joanna Carritt.

There was a cracking atmosphere in Bolton and the surrounding areas, as 1,800 age-groupers joined the elites to race for pride, Kona slots or the personal challenge of crossing the line and hearing the iconic ‘you are an Ironman’ words from Paul Kaye.

A late decision by your editor to travel 800 mile round trip to watch the race live proved a good one, as the atmosphere in Bolton on race day is something that most should experience. The surrounding areas and city centre that hosts the race really embrace Ironman and there are some magical moments to savour, such as the Roth-like climb up Adlington, the superb lake-side support and then the finish-line magic.

This atmosphere would prove the backdrop to an exciting race, where positions were swapped frequently, mistakes were made by the elites that proved costly and races were won in moments of guts and glory.

As a new dawn broke on the flash, 1,800 racers got into the water ready for a long day of racing. The race horn went and we were off – former ITU boy Harry Wiltshire led the field for the entire swim, using that un-orthodox but effective high-arm stroke to set the pace in near-record breaking form. On his toes were some of the super swimmers of the Ironman circuit in the form of Team TBB duo Dan Halksworth, and Stephen Bayliss, with Fraser Cartmell and age-grouper Greg White in touch. Scott Neyedli was doing his best to stay in touch on the swim, but the experienced Ironman UK racer made a grave mistake and inexplicably swam off-course, losing minutes. As this front pack entered T1, it was Stephen Bayliss and Dan Halksworth who set a furious pace in the early stages of the bike – would anyone keep up?

In the ladies race, Lucy Gossage led the field out the swim with a lead of 1 minute over Bella Bayliss and 3 minutes on Joanna Carritt. This was ominous to the rest of the field; I had figured that if anyone stood a chance of preventing a Gossagefest at Ironman UK, they would have to make Lucy work hard on catch-up over the 112 miles to try to get her to burn some matches before the run. For her to have the early lead, I really couldn’t see anyone other than her taking the win today. Lucy continued her imperious form on the bike, putting time into everyone else and covering the course in 5:22:13. The times I saw her, she was racing with a smile on her face and even offered me a fist pump and a whoop when we spotted each other in Adlington – Go Lucy! She was obviously enjoying the course and so far ahead was she that many observers didn’t recognise her as being first lady.

Bella Bayliss was the only one keeping any kind of form that looked like posting a challenge to Lucy and even then, the best she could manage was 5:38:38, and would eventually end the bike course 17 minutes in arrears to Gossage.

The men’s race was playing out quite differently – the Team TBB pairing of Halksworth and Bayliss put the hammer down, taking turns in front and working well together to keep the rest at bay. I personally saw Bayliss take on Halksworth over sections of the course, so there were no favours given out here so make no mistake that these two were racing hard and fast.

Behind them, a titanic battle was occurring over the course. Wiltshire gave up any advantage he had over the swim by picking up a 6-minute drafting penalty and was effectively out the race. Cartmell, another former winner and experienced athlete apparently managed to take a wrong turn and went off course – it was catch up from him then on but effectively, he was out the race. On the third loop, Skipper and Neyedli put the hammer down and took on the race, using the mistakes and penalties behind them to take advantage and move up the field within touching distance of the race leaders. The rode hard and fast and set up a thrilling finale.

Onto the run, Halksworth and Bayliss ran neck and neck through the course until the later cracked after 12 miles and Dan moved into the lead. Looking comfortable, relaxed and with a fast leg turnover, he built a decent lead over his team-mate and apart from an amusing incident where he took a wrong turn and arrived at the finish line 45 minutes and 6 miles early (poor Dan realised his mistake and returned to the course) there wasn’t much anyone could do when he was in this kind of form and the returning champion claimed another victory to the emotional backdrop of him hugging and kissing his family before crossing the line. The old master, Stephen Bayliss was next and only 3 ½ minutes behind.

The battle for 3 and 4^th between Joe Skipper was thrilling and one that I was watching closely. The first lap of Bolton looked like Neyedli was going to claim it. He looked comfortable and was moving well, whilst Joe looked slightly distressed and tired on his legs. Six miles later and the situation was reversed – Neyedli still held onto the lead but Skipper had recovered from his dark place and the fast leg speed I had witnessed at the Vachery Triathlon was back. I shouted to Joe that the catch was coming and by the time the finish line came I was proved right. A delighted Joe Skipper crossed the line with time to spare and stopped to celebrate wildly. A big result for the 25 year old talent and a fantastic 2 week period of results for him. Scott Neyedli came through shortly after smiling with his 4^th place result.

In the women’s race, no one came near Lucy Gossage. She was one of the fastest marathon splits of the day – not only were the other elite ladies falling behind but she was doing damage on the overall results on the day – eventually crossing the line in 9:29:12 and 9^th OVERALL. The winner was delighted as she crossed the line, charming the crowds with her winning smile.

Further back, Bella looked seriously uncomfortable on the run – and although I’ve seen her race with pain etched on her face, this time the legs just weren’t answering the call. First Joanna Carritt moved past her for 2^nd and then heartbreakingly for Bella, Amy Forshaw pipped her for 3^rd. Credit to Carritt who was running with superb form.

So another year and another Ironman UK full of brilliant performances. The elite race is just a small (but exciting) part of the day, with many victories and stories emerging throughout race day in the North-East of England. As a spectator, it is quite a spectacle and I would urge anyone to go and enjoy race day.

Congratulations to everyone who completed the course and commiserations to those who didn’t make it this time.

Men’s results

Ladies Results