A Watford-born triathlete is hoping to qualify in his second full distance IRONMAN event, as he takes part in a British course just weeks after tying the knot.
Adam Bowden, who is the current British 70.3 record holder, has his eyes set on the 2021 IRONMAN World Champions in Kona.
The long-distance triathlete, who grew up in the area and studied at St Michael’s Catholic High School, married his wife Rhian on June 12, and now he plans to compete in an IRONMAN event at Bolton on Saturday (July 4).
He said: “After getting married just two weeks ago I should be on honeymoon, but I have a very understanding wife who has encouraged me to race in Bolton this weekend.
“It’s going to be a special event as it’s not only local, but will be the first time since the pandemic started that I’ll have support there with my wife and stepsons coming to cheer me on. The last time my family were at one of my races was the World Champs in Nice 2019.”
Having raced his first Ironman in Tulsa at the Ironman North American Championships at the end of May alongside one of the toughest elite line-ups of the year, he had a successful breakthrough event where he was well placed on the bike but suffered a mechanical issue taking him out of contention.
Speaking on his experience, he said: “I learnt loads from my first experience in North America around my pacing and nutrition, something I’m looking to put into practice in Bolton.
“I’m feeling really strong and coming into the race with the added high from our wedding a couple of weeks ago – I’m hoping for a great result.”
Bowen has been adapting his training for the course in Bolton in preparation for the event, adding more hill climbing in the lead up to the event.
“It’s a hilly course so I’ve prepared slightly different with a mileage-based training stimulus at a lower intensity,” he said.
With 40 qualifying spots up for grabs this weekend, Adam is looking to put in a strong performance across the hilly bike and run course to secure his spot in Hawaii.
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