We ask industry insiders, amateur racers and pro athletes which triathlons, duathlons, 70.1s and road races they would love to tackle this year… here are their top picks.
Event: LEJOG (Land’s End to John o’Groats)
Says who: Danielle Welton, editor-in-chief, Casquette magazine.
Why: “I think it’s important to have a bucket list of awesome rides and try and tick off one a year. This year it’s LEJOG… and potentially the North Island of New Zealand… and I’d love to do L’Etape… and Japan… the list goes on.”
Vital stats: no official route but Sustrans has this down as a 1,200 miles as the crow flies (add on another 200 miles for A and B roads). They’ve even published a handy guide to aid your journey.
When: anytime. Visit Sustrans’ informative page to help organise your journey.
Event: Spring Chicken.
Says who: Phil Adkins, Bristol GP race director and owner of Le Sportif.
Why: “I wasn’t any great talent as a racer but my favourite race was the Spring Chicken. It’s in March and has the flavour of a Spring Classic, flat and often windy.
Vital stats: 70km race for 3rd & 4th category riders held on a rolling circuit in the Claydons (just under three laps).
When: This event takes place in March. For details on upcoming events, visit www.hemelcycling.org.uk/events/spring-road-races
Event: Eastbourne Triathlon.
Says who: Sam Gardner, Bikebox Online co-founder, VeloVault designer and Britain’s most successful ever XTERRA triathlete.
Why: “Eastbourne Triathlon is turning into one of the best events in the country and is organised by my good friend and fellow XTERRA England organiser Richie Campbell. “It is ideal for serious athletes or first timers alike.”
Vital stats: 600m sea swim + 20km cycle + 5km (ish) run.
When: Eastbourne Triathlon takes place on Sat 3 Jun. Pre-register for the 2018 race at www.eastbournetriathlon.com
Event: Ironman Wales.
Says who: Nikki Bartlett, pro triathlete.
Why: “If you’re looking to do your first Ironman, and don’t mind about clocking a fast time, it has to be Ironman Wales [swim section, pictured above]. Honestly, the course is just brutal but the crowds are out of this world. For me, that race will be hard to beat!”
Vital stats: mutiple-award-winning Ironman (1.2mi swim + 56mi cycle + 26.2mile run)”taking in stunning beaches and medieval fortresses”.
When: Ironman Wales takes place on Sun 10 Sep. For details, visit eu.ironman.com/wales