News
Tenby: 10,000 visitors for the excitement and thrill of Ironman 2017
TENBY is welcoming over 10,000 visitors today (Sept 10) for the excitement and thrill of one of the world’s toughest races – Ironman Wales. Athletes from 45 countries are participating and are in Tenby for the county of Pembrokeshire’s biggest sporting event. The 2017 instalment of this epic test of human edurance will feature again some of the world’s best professional Ironman athletes competing alongside close to 2200 age group athletes.
Heading up the professional men’s field will be Frenchman Romain Guillaume and Bas Diederen from the Netherlands, along with Harry Wiltshire and Philip Graves from the UK.
As an athlete who thrives on tough courses, France’s Guillaume will be well-suited to the Ironman Wales bike course. He usually adopts the tactic of going hard on the bike, amassing a lead before holding off challenges on the run.
The course in Wales could play to his strengths giving him an early advantage. In terms of results, Guillaume has had a successful, but not perfect season so far.
A good win at Ironman 70.3 South Africa in January was followed up with second place finishes at Ironman 70.3 Staffordshire and Ironman 70.3 Dublin.
At IronmanUK he was in a strong position leading the race on the bike before a fall unfortunately ended his race prematurely.
The Netherlands’ Diederen is an Ironman champion with wins at Ironman Maastricht-Limburg to his name along with strong performances at big races. Similarly to Guillaume, the Dutch athlete is strong on the bike and usually attacks early.
Runner-up in 2016, Great Britain’s Philip Graves, returns to Wales this year with designs on the top spot after narrowly missing out last year.
Another athlete who is strong on the bike, Graves recorded the fastest professional bike split at Ironman Wales in 2016 and with Guillaume and Diederen in the field, an intriguing battle could develop.
Lucy Gossage will be the professional women’s favourite as she comes into the race in supreme form. Gossage has already won Ironman 70.3 Staffordshire and Ironman UK and recorded a second place at Ironman 70.3 Edinburgh.
She has been a near ever-present on the Ironman UK and Ireland calendar in 2017 but was forced to withdraw from Ironman 70.3 Dublin on race morning due to illness.
An athlete with experience at Ironman Wales is Great Britain’s Kate Comber.
Comber placed fifth in Wales in 2016 and has since kicked on, racing in strong fields in 2017.
She narrowly missed out on a top ten at the Ironman African Championship before a 6th place at Ironman Lanzarote and recently achieved her first Ironman podium at Ironman Maastricht-Limburg in the Netherlands with a well-earned third place. She will be aiming to move into the podium positions in Wales this year.
The USA’s Dede Griesbauer will also be one of the podium contenders in Tenby. Griesbauer is a three-time Ironman champion including Ironman UK and has multiple top ten finishes at the Ironman World Championship to her name. The American has the experience of racing at the top level and could be one to watch for a podium.
The 2017 edition of the race will see 2200 athletes from 45 different countries taking on the 2.4 mile swim at Tenby’s North Beach, 112 mile bike through Pembrokeshire and the 26.2 mile run in and around Tenby.
Of the total field, 38.6 per cent of the athletes racing will be racing at Ironman Wales for the first time and the race will once again have Wales rugby legends, Shane Williams and Ryan Jones taking part.
The 2017 edition of Ironman Wales takes place on Sunday with the race getting underway at 6.55 am from Tenby’s North Beach.
Community
Welsh National Scooter Rally gears up for a revival in Tenby
SCOOTER enthusiasts from across the country are set to descend on Tenby for the eagerly anticipated return of the Welsh National Scooter Rally this May Bank Holiday weekend. This marks the event’s grand return to the popular seaside destination for the first time since 2022, promising a vibrant celebration of scooter culture.
Organised by the Scooter Collective South Wales, the rally is expected to draw hundreds to Pembrokeshire’s “jewel in the crown.” Attendees can look forward to a colourful array of scooters lining the historic Tenby High Street, adding a splash of retro charm to the town’s picturesque scenery.
The weekend’s schedule is packed with activities, starting with a scenic ‘ride-out’ from Tenby United RFC on Heywood Lane on Saturday afternoon. This event promises to be a visual spectacle, with a parade of beautifully maintained and creatively decorated scooters cruising through the local area.
Music lovers have plenty to get excited about as well. The Specials Limited, a renowned two-tone tribute band, will be performing at the De Valence Pavilion on Friday night, supported by DJ Steve Foster. Concurrently, the Ex-Servicemen’s Club and Tenby Rugby Club will host rooms dedicated to Northern Soul and Reggae soul, respectively, ensuring that there’s something to suit all musical tastes.
Saturday’s festivities will also feature a customs show and traders fair at the Rugby Ground. This event provides a perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to showcase their scooters and exchange tips and accessories with fellow aficionados.
As the rally winds down, the weekend will conclude with a grand end-of-rally party at the Rugby Club, where participants can celebrate their shared passion for scooters and music, reflecting on a weekend full of fun and camaraderie.
For those planning to attend, the Welsh National Scooter Rally not only offers a chance to revel in scooter culture but also to explore the enchanting town of Tenby.
With its rich history and stunning coastal views, Tenby provides the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates classic style and community spirit.
Community
Barley Saturday makes a grand return to Cardigan
ON SATURDAY (Apr 27), the historic town of Cardigan in West Wales is abuzz with excitement as it hosts its largest annual event, Barley Saturday. This significant day marks not just a local festival but a vital link to the agricultural roots of the region, attracting spectators from across the country to witness a spectacular parade of livestock and vintage vehicles.
At 2 PM, the main streets of Cardigan transformed into a vibrant parade route featuring the best of rural life—from the supreme stallion, admired by an enthusiastic crowd, to the meticulously prepared parade participants. This parade not only showcases the beauty and strength of these animals but also the care and tradition that continue to thrive in Cardigan.
The event kicked off early with an impressive lineup of agricultural workhorses displayed on the show field. The anticipation built up throughout the day as crowds gathered, lining the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the gleaming vintage vehicles and the majestic livestock. According to Tudor Harries, the show secretary, “Barley Saturday helps restore the lost link between our community and its agricultural heritage.”
With such a large turnout, local authorities implemented strategic road closures and diversions to manage the flow of traffic effectively. Between 1:30 PM and 4 PM, several main roads were closed, ensuring the parade route remains clear and safe for both participants and spectators. Traffic around the town was slow-moving, indicating the high volume of attendees this year.
Beyond the festivities, Barley Saturday is a day of community and giving. Volunteers play a crucial role in marshaling the event, and bucket collections are conducted throughout the day, with all proceeds going to local charities. This spirit of community service is a testament to the values that underpin Barley Saturday.
Barley Saturday is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Cardigan’s heritage and a vital part of its cultural calendar. It offers a day filled with joy, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for the rural traditions that are so often overlooked in modern times. As the town enjoys today’s festivities, it also renews its connection to the past, ensuring that these traditions will not be forgotten.
Charity
Peter’s walk for veterans suffering from mental health issues
ON Saturday, March 30, Peter Kraus undertook a 15.6-mile walk from Front Street in Pembroke Dock to Carew Castle to support veterans struggling with mental health issues and PTSD.
Originally believing the route to be 10 miles, Kraus faced a greater challenge than anticipated. He organized the walk through the Combat Stress Site, aiming to raise £1000. “They look after us and keep us safe,” Kraus told The Herald, expressing his effort as a gesture of gratitude towards the veterans.
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