The Melin Sospan Sizzler Middle Distance Triathlon takes place this Sunday (August 26).
The event was postponed earlier this summer when the heatwave was rudely interrupted by a very unwelcome storm.
Race organiser Noelwyn Daniel said: “It was unfortunate that bad weather arrived on the weekend of the scheduled race. It forced us to make an early announcement about a postponement, saving competitors the trouble of starting their journeys.
“Hopefully, the postponement didn’t cause too much trouble for competitors as we kept them well informed throughout about weather conditions and the new date. We obviously keep health and safety in mind and conditions were impossible at the time. Hopefully, the weather will be much kinder to us on Sunday.”
More than 200 athletes have entered for the popular annual event – sponsored by Melin Consultants, providers of sustainable building and construction solutions.
Melin Consultants are delighted, once again, to be the main sponsor of this year’s Melin Sospan Sizzler Middle Distance Triathlon.
The event is being staged by the non-profit organisation Healthy Life Activities. It will run alongside the scheduled Burry Port RNLI Triathlon on Sunday.
It’s the third time for the middle distance triathlon (a demanding ‘half Iron Man’ event) to be held in Burry Port – and it’s the second year of Melin’s generous sponsorship.
This is the only middle distance triathlon to be held in Carmarthenshire and the challenging hilly bike course attracts athletes from across the UK.
Entry numbers doubled in 2017 and the aim is to make sure 2018 is even bigger and better.
The Melin Sospan Sizzler Middle Distance Triathlon involves a 1.9km sea swim followed by a challenging 90km bike course through the countryside around Burry Port and the Gwendraeth Valley. The bike ride includes the legendary Meinciau climb.
The 21km run is flat and will provide athletes will a great chance of posting a quick time.
Most competitors will be looking to complete the event in under nine hours.
The winning time for the inaugural year in 2016 was an impressive 4hrs 53min.
That was bettered in 2017, when the race was won by Stephen Evans, of Bynea Cycling Club, in a time of 04:39:15.20.
Jamie Best, Director of Melin Consultants, is a keen triathlete and has competed in events across the UK and abroad.
Jamie said: “Like all triathlon competitors I love a challenge. I am sure that the Melin Sospan Sizzler will attract interest from athletes from throughout the UK and they can be assured of a warm West Wales welcome and some first-class race organisation from Healthy Life Activities.
“We are all hoping for very kind weather conditions at the weekend and we hope it will be a splendid event both for spectators and competitors.”
As part of the event sponsorship, Melin will be looking to attract a number of corporate relay teams from Carmarthenshire and further afield.
As well as the opportunity for the winning team to lift the Melin Sospan Sizzler Challenge Cup, Melin will also be donating £100 to the nominated charity of the winning corporate relay team.
Jamie Best added: “At Melin Consultants, we’re proud to be involved in such a worthwhile event.
“I’m an active participant in triathlon events so I’m particularly pleased that our company is able to provide sponsorship.
“By helping Healthy Life Activities encourage attendance to the Melin Sospan Sizzler middle distance triathlon, we can ensure that people not only enjoy the challenge but also have the satisfaction that they’ve given back to the local community.”
Website link to Melin Sospan Sizzler
http://www.healthylifeactivities.co.uk/melin_sospan-sizzler-middle-distance-triathlon
See earlier stories about the Melin Sospan Sizzler Middle Distance Triathlon –
http://www.melinconsultants.co.uk/weather-forces-postponement-of-the-melin-sospan-sizzler-49.html
and
http://www.melinconsultants.co.uk/melin-sospan-sizzler-middle-distance-triathlon-46.html
Photos:
Preparations are well underway, with race packs and display boards ready for Sunday’s Melin Sospan Sizzler Middle Distance Triathlon.
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