Athlone is the hub of the triathlon community this weekend as the town hosts the thirteenth edition of Waterways Ireland Triathlone.
The ever popular sporting event boasts three triathlon categories - olympic, sprint and super sprint - into which over 500 athletes will compete on Saturday afternoon.
Speaking this week, race organiser, William O’Reilly expressed his delight that the event had now sold out and the committee were trying to accommodate further entry requests from hopeful participants throughout the country.
‘Triathlone 2018 is now sold out and we have an increase of almost 100 competitors from last year. Presently, we are doing our utmost to accommodate further entries,’ Mr. O’Reilly stated.
Triathlone 2018 commences on Saturday at 3pm with the first sporting discipline, the swim in the River Shannon. Competitors will then transition on Accommodation Road before taking a west bound route for the duration of the cycling discipline. They will then return to the town ahead of the final discipline, the run, which incorporates the cultural left bank area of the town.
‘With great weather promised, we are hopeful that the local community will come out and support the event as they always do. The finish line at the back of Athlone Castle is always inviting and we would be hopeful that a large crowd would be in that particular vicinity to cheer the athletes home,’ William added.
Eternally grateful to the sponsors of Triathlone 2018, Mr. O’Reilly noted the continuing contribution of Waterways Ireland to the event.
‘Together with Westmeath and Roscommon County Council, Waterways Ireland have been a fantastic supporter of Triathlone. I would also like to express my gratitude to all of our local sponsors who are always supportive of our sporting efforts.
Triathlone highlights to those visitors what Athlone has to offer as a destination and if the sun shines, they will see the town in all its glory,’ Mr. O’Reilly added.
Locals are to note that road closures will be in place on the day, a list of which can be found on http://www.triathlone.com/road-closures/.
