Who’s up for a new Olympic distance triathlon in beautiful North Devon? The Croyde Ocean Triathlon promises an exhilarating 1.5km sea swim in the Atlantic Ocean, a punishing 40km bike route along coastal roads with some steep hills thrown in, and finished with a demanding 12km trail run.
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With just 300 spots available, the race will start at Putsborough Sands, with marshals recruited from Croyde Surf Lifesaving Club to keep athletes safe in the water. Once out of the ocean, competitors will begin the gruelling bike route, designed by pro cyclist Chris Green, who marked out the London 2012 Olympic bike course and is heavily involved in the Tough Mudder events.
The bike course will take athletes through the villages of Croyde and Braunton before they start a challenging climb towards the town of Ilfracombe, then send them down a fast downhill stretch into the town, before returning them back to Putsborough via the hamlets of Pickwell and Pickwell Manor.
The trail run will require competitors to ‘dig deep’ as they embark on this hilly (and possibly muddy, sheep-filled) route. An inspiring run devised by local athletes the route is an additional 2km longer than the usual Olympic tri distance as it allows the competitors to take in the panoramic views of Putsborough, Saunton and Croyde bay.