News

Hofmann and Eccleston claim Ironman Wales crowns

Published

6 months ago

September 21, 2025

Germany’s Franziska Hofmann and Britain’s Lewis Eccleston took the top honours at Ironman Wales 2025 as thousands of competitors descended on Tenby for one of the toughest endurance races in the world.

Hofmann, competing in only her second full Ironman, stormed to victory in the women’s professional race with a time of 9:42:24. She finished ahead of Britain’s Rosie Wild, who took second, and Katie Phipkin, who came in third.

Hofmann said: “It’s my second Ironman race and it’s one of the toughest races I can imagine. Today it all fit together. I don’t know how but it worked and I was feeling so good.”

Wild admitted the emotion of the day had been overwhelming. She said: “I’ve cried and I’ve laughed but I’m so proud of myself. I was going to aim high and for my best but I didn’t think finishing second was going to happen today.”

In the men’s event, Eccleston crossed the line in front to secure a famous win in front of the packed Tenby crowds. “To come away with a win with everything that has gone into it and all the people who help out is a massive reward for everybody, not just myself,” he said.

The professional field was racing not only for a share of the $50,000 prize pot but also for qualification spots at the 2026 Ironman World Championships.

Face the dragon

The course once again lived up to its reputation. Athletes began with a choppy 2.4-mile sea swim off North Beach, followed by the notorious uphill run via the Zig-Zag and through the town before tackling a 112-mile bike ride with more than 2,500m of elevation. The final leg was a marathon that wound through Tenby’s narrow streets and beyond, lined with supporters from start to finish.

Former Wales rugby star Shane Williams completed the event for the eighth time. He said: “I honestly think it gets better and better, this is probably the best support I’ve seen. When you’ve got the support like that on both sides it’s incredible. I can’t explain how much I absolutely love it.”

Other well-known names included ex-Wales women’s rugby international Sioned Harries and former Leeds Rhinos player Luke Ambler, whose ‘Mission Possible’ campaign saw him complete every UK Ironman full-distance and 70.3 event in a single year to raise awareness for the men’s mental health charity Andysmanclub.

Finishing moments

For the 2,700 age-group athletes who shared the course with the professionals, the day was as much about survival as speed. Those who reached the finish line were cheered down the iconic red carpet before ringing the bell to mark their achievement and hearing the words every endurance competitor longs for: “You are an Ironman.“

Race director Rebecca Sutherland described the event as the “jewel in the crown of our UK race season”, praising the “incredible” Welsh spectator support which once again made Ironman Wales a standout event on the global calendar.

News

Emergency services flood Haverfordwest after reports of body in river

Published

39 minutes ago

March 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Town centre bridges sealed off as multi-agency response continues

A MAJOR emergency response is underway in the centre of Haverfordwest after reports of a body in the River Cleddau.

Multiple police units, fire crews and ambulance teams were called to the scene shortly before 11:00am on Tuesday (Mar 17), with large parts of the town centre sealed off.

The Herald understands that access across both the Old Bridge and the newly installed Instagramable Bridge near by has been restricted while emergency services deal with the incident.

A witness at the scene told The Herald that he was among several members of the public who contacted emergency services after spotting a body in the water.

He said that a significant response followed, including several police vehicles, multiple fire engines, and a specialist water rescue unit.

A rigid inflatable boat (RIB) was also deployed on the river as part of the operation.

An ambulance is also still in attendance.

Emergency services remain at the scene and the situation is ongoing.

There has been no official confirmation from Dyfed-Powys Police at this stage regarding the nature of the incident.

MORE TO FOLLOW

Climate

New deal aims to unlock Wales’ renewable energy potential

Published

5 hours ago

March 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Sector partnership targets 100% renewable electricity by 2035

A NEW deal has been launched to help Wales meet its renewable energy targets while ensuring greater benefits for local communities.

The Renewable Energy Sector Deal will see the Welsh Government and industry work in strategic partnership to unlock the full economic potential of Wales’ renewable energy future.

The announcement coincides with the publication of the latest Energy Generation and Energy Use in Wales report, which shows renewable electricity generation in 2024 was equivalent to 54% of Wales’ electricity consumption.

The Welsh Government has set a target for renewable electricity to meet 70% of demand by 2030 and 100% by 2035. It also aims to deliver at least 1.5 gigawatts of locally owned renewable energy capacity by 2035.

The Sector Deal is intended to accelerate deployment across onshore and offshore wind, solar, marine and hydro projects. It will also focus on strengthening supply chains, developing skills, and ensuring communities across Wales benefit directly from renewable energy developments.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, is launching the deal during a visit to the Morlais tidal energy project on Anglesey.

The Morlais scheme, owned and managed by social enterprise Menter Môn, is set to become the largest consented tidal energy project in Europe. The Welsh Government holds an £8 million equity stake in the project.

Rebecca Evans said: “Our ambition is to become a world leader in renewable energy, creating jobs and green growth to make families in Wales more prosperous and help with the cost of living.

“The current conflict in the Middle East has further highlighted the importance of energy independence. Our Renewable Energy Sector Deal will provide a strong foundation for future delivery, benefiting our economy, environment and energy security.

“The Morlais project shows how sustained partnership can unlock Wales’ natural energy resources and turn them into lasting economic opportunities for local communities and businesses.

“The latest energy report shows we are making progress towards our targets. Combined with the record 20 major renewable projects, totalling 1,400MW, backed in the most recent UK Government Contracts for Difference auction, it is clear we are building a more resilient, renewable-powered future.”

Dafydd Gruffydd, Managing Director of Menter Môn, added: “The Renewable Energy Sector Deal is an important step in accelerating growth in Wales and across the UK.

“It recognises the role marine energy schemes like Morlais can play in strengthening energy security, creating high-quality jobs and delivering long-term economic benefits for communities such as Anglesey.”

The Sector Deal was co-produced by a task and finish group made up of developers and community organisations.

News

Motorcyclist injured in Johnston crash after overtaking lorry

Published

19 hours ago

March 16, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Rider treated by paramedics following collision with van pulling out from junction

A MOTORCYCLIST was treated by paramedics after a collision with a van in Johnston on Monday morning (Mar 16).

The crash happened shortly after 9.15am as the rider was overtaking a lorry through slow-moving traffic on the main road. It is understood the lorry blocked the rider’s view of a van pulling out from a junction near KO Carpets.

Police units attended promptly to assist at the scene.

The motorcyclist is not believed to have been seriously injured.

The van suffered slight damage, including a broken wing mirror.

The road was not closed, police said.