Wight Tri athletes battled everything from blue-green algae and brutal climbs to a nail-biting 19-second margin during an eventful weekend of competition on the mainland.
The Leeds Ironman was forced to drop its swim leg after blue‑green algae was detected in Waterloo Lake, turning the event into a duathlon.
Wight Tri athlete Paul Edwards adapted quickly to the revised format and delivered a strong performance throughout the challenging day.
Edwards completed the 112‑mile bike leg through the Yorkshire Dales in 06:01:00, navigating rain, slick roads and more than 8,000 ft of climbing. He followed with a four‑lap marathon around Roundhay Park, finishing the run in 03:39:59 despite rising temperatures and fatigue.
He crossed the line in a total time of 9:46:31, maintaining full Ironman spirit despite the altered race structure. Edwards collected his medal before travelling back to the Isle of Wight the same evening.
Elsewhere at the Oundle Sprint Triathlon…
Chris Jackson of Wight Tri delivered a strong performance at the Oundle Sprint Triathlon in Northamptonshire, an event known for its 50‑metre indoor pool, quiet rural bike course and the immaculate grounds of Oundle School.
Jackson navigated the 600‑metre “snake” swim confidently before enjoying a trouble‑free 25km ride through the surrounding countryside. She maintained her pace on the 5km run, though a slightly over‑careful approach to her shoelaces may have cost her precious seconds.
She finished in 1:41:49, placing 24th of 47 women and securing second in her age category, just 19 seconds behind the winner.
