Norway’s Gustav Iden thwarted the dream of Britain’s Alistair Brownlee to win a first Ironman 70.3 world title in Nice. Advertisement Yorkshire’s two-time Olympian, 31, had prioritised the race after finishing runner-up to Jan Frodeno last year in South Africa.   But while he was in the leading trio coming off the bike, he proved no … Continue reading "Brownlee runner-up to Iden in Ironman 70.3 World Championship"

Representative age-group racing should be celebrated as a great triathlon success story – at its best when those new to the sport realise they have a talent for swim, bike and run and find a route to sporting achievement. With the categories topping out with the 85-89-year-old age-group in last year’s ITU world champs on … Continue reading "Age-group triathlon: does the system need a shake up?"

Is it time for the World Triathlon Series to return to a one-off race for the world title? The question has been often posited since the International Triathlon Union first introduced the multi-race series in 2009 that demands triathletes accrue points throughout the season before lining up for an upweighted Grand Final. Advertisement The sport’s … Continue reading "How does the Olympics impact the World Triathlon Series’ multi-race format?"

Why has the PTO made the decision to try and buy Ironman? Ever since Providence Capital Partners first saddled WTC with $200 million debt and prepared for their exit sale, the business has been starved of investment. When WSG acquired WTC it burdened the operation with additional debt, thus restricting any ability of the dedicated … Continue reading "PTO announce intent to buy Ironman"

Ironman CEO Andrew Messick is categorical: “The race course has to be safe for everybody, not just people who are young and strong.” Ironman has its critics on many issues, but Messick knows this stance cannot easily be challenged. Whether it’s rough seas, blue-green algae, cold water, hot weather, flooding, landslides, bush fires or sharks, … Continue reading "Is triathlon going soft?"

With the UK being 11 hours ahead of Hawaii, it’s difficult for British tri fans to know what happens when at this year’s Ironman World Championship tomorrow. No worries – we’ve got you covered! Advertisement Start timings for the pro and age-group waves are below, and if you are in the USA you can watch … Continue reading "Kona 2019: what happens when, and how to watch the Ironman World Championships live"

Wanda, who own Ironman, have rejected the PTO’s (Professional Triathlon Organisation) offer to purchase Ironman and its assets. In a letter to PTO the CEO of WTC, Andrew Messick, said “I have discussed your letter with my Board. While we appreciate your interest, we are not prepared to engage in a discussion around a sale at this point.” … Continue reading "Ironman reject PTO offer"

It’s 30 years since 220 Triathlon first hit the shelves and almost three decades since we witnessed the greatest Ironman race in history. The Iron War of 1989 has gone down in endurance sport folklore as an iconic tussle between two triathlon icons on triathlon’s iconic stage. Iconic? You betcha. Author Matt Fitzgerald’s even devoted … Continue reading "Could 2019 see another Iron War at Kona?"

It feels like a recurring theme, but once again this year’s men’s field in the Ironman World Championship is arguably the strongest ever assembled. Despite the change in the qualification system for Kona the big name contenders are all present for what promises to be another fascinating eight-hour war of attrition. Advertisement Germany’s Patrick Lange … Continue reading "Kona 2019: Who will win the men’s race at this year’s Ironman World Championships?"

There’s a sense of deja vu about the women’s Ironman World Championship this year, with a red-hot favourite, a rising adversary and an improving supporting cast trying to figure out a way to upset the odds. If it’s the same script as 2018, it’s clear it’s going to take more than a jellyfish sting to … Continue reading "2019 Ironman World Championships predictions: Who will be crowned queen of Kona?"