Cymraeg

Winning Review - Snowman Triathlon 2018

Published: 21.02.2019

WINNING REVIEW - SNOWMAN TRIATHLON 2018

Dan Elliot (Snowman Sprint Triathlon Winner 2018)

During my 2018 season the Snowman Sprint Triathlon was the best sprint event that I competed in.

"The Always Aim High Events Adventure Series is known by many around the UK and includes some of the toughest triathlons on the calendar. Whether it’s the cold waters of Lake Padarn at the Slateman, the hellish climb up Moel Siabod at the Snowman, or the Newborough sand dunes at the Sandman. Everyone who has completed in any of these classic events will tell you just how hard, but fantastic they are.

After winning the Snowman Sprint Triathlon in 2018, I think that the sprint events are just as enjoyable, well organised, and tough as the classic events. Organisation by Always Aim High Events is always good, but this was beyond my expectations. Registration is always quick and easy; the number seacher was a real favourite of mine. The staff and volunteers are always immensely friendly and helpful. They have a small space to work with for the transition area, I found that the racking was placed very cleverly meaning you have a good amount of room.

The calm lake of Llynnau Mymbyr is the host to the beginner friendly 400m, but also very fast swim. Many new comers to triathlon find the swim very difficult. With the swim only being 400m rather than the usual 750m for a sprint triathlon, it’s a great open water swim race for any beginners. The anti-clockwise loop was probably the most enjoyable swim of my season and I would 100% recommend this race to anyone based on the swim alone.

The bike is another great aspect to this race. Unlike the classic event the bike in the sprint is very flat and fast. Consisting of an out and back section with a small loop before retracing your steps back to Plas-y-Brenin. It is a great ride for experienced triathletes looking for a fast bike time, the triathlete who does an odd race every so often who is looking to challenge themselves, as well as complete novices who was to give the sport a try. The bike leg is a little longer than usual at 30km but you’ll enjoy it so much you’ll wish it would never end.

The run is probably the most difficult discipline of this race. Whether it be the grassy field, tarmac roads, muddy trails or gravel paths there is an element that everyone will enjoy during this run, even if there is a nasty sting in the tail 800m from the finish. When you round the final corner and are cheered in by all the amazing volunteers and spectators, every single person who crosses that finish line will feel a sense of achievement and accomplishment that they have done it.

Overall I would say that this event is one of the top sprint events that I have ever done and definitely an event that everyone should try. I will certainly be returning for it in 2019."

Entries for the 2019 Odlo Snowman Triathlon are now open - click here to register