In an exciting new twist on traditional Ironman racing, Ironman UK is pleased to announce the formation of the new Ironman Team 70.3 Relay. The event held in association with Triathlete Europe magazine will take place at the UK Ironman 70.3 at Wimbleball Lake, Exmoor on 20 June, 2010.

The Ironman Team 70.3 Relay format will allow teams of three to tackle the course. Each member of the team will take on the swim, bike or run. This allows specialists in each of the individual disciplines to play to their strengths. 

The first team member will start the race with the timing chip in the water. Once the swim leg is completed the chip will be handed over to the next member for the bike. On completion of the two-lap course, the chip will be passed to the final team member for the 13.1 mile half marathon run before crossing the all important UK IRONMAN 70.3 finish line. Each member of the team will receive a special UK IRONMAN 70.3 Team Relay medal and T-shirt.

 UK IRONMAN 70.3 Team athletes will race under the same rules as the individual racers, although teams will not have the opportunity to qualify for the 70.3 World Championships in Clearwater, Florida.

Alison Boon from Ironman UK comments: “The  UK IRONMAN 70.3 Team event is an exciting prospect because it allows the next generation of Ironman athletes to sample the atmosphere, organisation and support of an  official Ironman race. For those who are new to the sport, or experienced racers looking for something different to try, this offers an exciting new opportunity.”

The team format has already proved a big hit in Europe and opened up the Ironman brand to a whole new group of athletes. This allows individuals who wish to try triathlon, to do so under the umbrella of one of the most widely recognised global sporting brands. 

Boon continues: “There's a boom of cycling in the UK at present with flourishing sportive and time trials events. Swimming has become more accessible than ever before, whilst there has been a long standing running culture in the UK. The opportunity to work with such new markets and get them involved in triathlon is an incredible opportunity. We look forward to welcoming these athletes into the Ironman family”.

The UK Ironman 70.3 is globally renowned as one of the toughest 70.3 races in the world. Featuring a stunning swim in Wimbleball Lake, a tough hilly bike ride through Exmoor National Park and a scenic run, the course will offer athletes unforgettable memories.

The race has attracted some of the biggest names in the world triathlon including Chris McCormack, Chrissie Wellington, Bella Bayliss, Stephen Baylis, Julie Dibens, Cat Morrison, Luke Bell, Bjorn Anderson, Fraser Cartmell and Bryan Rhodes. 

For more information on the UK IRONMAN 70.3 Relay in association with Triathlete Europe magazine please visit www.ironmanuk.com.