This year’s route takes athletes through the northern countryside, starting with a point-to-point from Pennington Flash to Bolton for the first few miles. This will then become a 3-lap bike course with a 650 feet reduction in climbing.
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There will be a few technical descents through Edgworth, Turton and Chapeltown at the north end of the course, with a short stint on the A666. This will then lead into the descent through Egerton and Belmont. The 2020 bike course will no longer be using Pickup Bank, Eccleshill, Hoddlesden or Blacksnape Road towards Edgworth.
One of the most memorable part of the Ironman UK 2019 bike course remains, and athletes will still climb past Black Dog Pub in Belmont and onto Sheephouse Lane before heading back towards Bolton. From here competitors will continue east towards Bury and continue the 3-lap bike course.
Ironman UK has also removed the undulating climbs through Ramsbottom, Helmshore and Hoddlesden and as well as the long technical climbs and descents through Eccleshill and Blacksnape.
“Year after year we continue to be inspired by every athlete that has taken on the Ironman UK race. We want to make sure our athletes have the best experience possible and because of this, we have decided to make some changes the 2020 bike course,” said Sam Brawn, Ironman UK Race Director.
“As we always do, we wanted to make sure that the athletes experience was a focal point when planning the 2020 race. We are excited that this year athletes will get to experience more of the iconic Ironman UK spectators support, as their families and friends will get to cheer them on multiple times!”
Ironman UK takes place on Sunday 12 July. For more information on the new bike course and to register, please visit https://www.ironman.com/im-uk
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