Ironman 2010
SPORTS fans across Chorley are in for a treat when the Ironman UK triathlon returns to the region.
The 112-mile bike ride section of the three sport event is centred on Chorley taking in many of its villages.
This year the challenge, on Sunday, August 1, takes the 1,400 athletes from 35 countries on a new route starting with a 2.4mile swim at Pennington Flash in Leigh, followed by the 112-mile bike ride through Chorley borough and finishing with a 26.2-mile marathon in Bolton.
Councillor John Walker, Chorley Council's Executive Member (People), said: "It's great to have an event like this pass through Chorley and I hope people will come out on the day and support the event.
"There are some brilliant places to cycle in the borough and I'm sure the competitors will enjoy the beautiful countryside and scenery."
Spectactors will be able to see the athletes on their bikes after their 6am swim at Pennington Flash.
The cyclists will head through Adlington, to Rivington, Belmont, across the moors, through Abbey Village, to Withnell, through Higher Wheelton and Whittle-le-Woods, along Euxton Lane to Runshaw Moor then on towards Eccleston, Coppull and back to Adlington.
They will do that loop three times before breaking off on the final lap from Adlington for Rivington and Blackrod High School to swap their bikes for running shoes with the leading athletes expecting to start the marathon around 11.30am.
The marathon takes in Lever Park and Horwich before ending in Bolton outside the Town Hall.
The athletes have 17 hours to complete the course and the fastest are expected to cross the finish line from 2pm, whilst others could finish at 11pm at night.
The North West Development Agency was instrumental in bringing the event to the region with the support of Chorley Council, Lancashire County Council, Bolton Council and Wigan Council.
Alison Boon, Ironman race owner, said: "Ironman is truly an incredible spectacle for athletes and supporters as the athletes, both men and women aged from 18 to 70, battle against the course, themselves, the elements and the fatigue.
"Those that rise to the challenge are not ordinary but extraordinary. However the motto of Ironman is 'anything is possible' and that is truly the case."
There will be a number of road closures in place for the cycle stages but marshals will be present at all major junctions to allow access for emergency services, residents, businesses and public transport. For more details of the road closures 
click here.
Detailed swim, bike and run routes are available by clicking here.
