This weekend long distance first timers Michael Day & Richard Springall headed out to Germany to take part in Ironman Hamburg. Sadly due to blue-green algae conditions in the Alster the organisers cancelled the swim split and replaced it with a 6km run loop, effectively turning the race into a duathlon. Undeterred by this last minute set back, Michael completed his first ironman race in a fantastic 9:44:35 him 545th overall and 85th in his 45-49 age group. Richard raced home in 10:09:08 making him 789th overall and 116th in his 30-34 age group.

Meanwhile James Thomas was ripping up a storm at the Outlaw Triathlon (2.4mile / 112mile / 26.2mile) with no swim split problems, completing in 97th place with a great time of 10:54:57. Well done guys 'You are Ironmen!'

Also this weekend GB athlete Chris Belcher was braving a 14 degree sea swim at the Redcar Sprint Triathlon, a qualifier for the 2019 World Championships in Lausanne. Chris finished 17th in his age group in this draft legal event, with a speedy time of 1:11:21. Go Chris!

Richard Springall & Michael Day at Ironman Hamburg.