IRONMAN will offer this 2021 the Bike & Run option without swimming

The IRONMAN franchise is aware of the difficulty that thousands of triathletes have had to train swimming this 2021 due to the restrictions that have been taken by the authorities.

Competing in a test that begins with 3.800 meters of swimming requires a planned training and having the option of training in a pool, whose facilities are very restricted in Europe.

For this reason, IRONMAN this 2021 will offer the option to compete in Bike & Run, skipping the swimming segment

This is the statement

"Over the past 14 months, many athletes in Europe have seen their access to swimming venues for training severely limited due to COVID-19 and its effect on all of our lives, ”said Stefan Petschnig, Managing Director of IRONMAN Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). wrote to competitors yesterday.

“We know this has made preparing for triathlon races in 2021 tremendously difficult. Many of you have reached out to us and expressed your desire to compete this year while raising concerns about your lack of swim training. We hear you loud and clear."

“We have taken your feedback into account and we are pleased to offer you a unique option to decide if you want to complete the swim in the race in which you are registered”

While we will continue to host the three disciplines of swimming, cycling and running, we understand that some athletes have had little or no swimming training due to circumstances beyond their control.

It will remain an individual decision for each athlete to select the best option for them based on their personal situation.”

Athletes will receive an email four to six weeks before their race with information on how they can opt for the bike race and run, and must make the decision at least 14 days before the event.

Once an athlete has opted for the bike and run option, they will not be able to return.

 Athletes will continue to receive a race package, athlete bag and finalist medal, but will not be eligible for prizes for either the Ironman World Championship or the Ironman 70.3 World Championship slots.

Those who complete a FUll race will also have that performance tally for the Ironman Legacy Program.