The UK Ultimate Triathlon 2013

Possible travel delays:
Local residents may have noticed today (14 Aug.) signs for a cycle race being erected on the A41 & A53. Research on the internet suggests that these are in connection with this weekend’s UK Ultimate Triathlon. The main event which starts and finishes at Dearnford Lake, Whitchurch takes place this Sunday 18th August. However, tonight there is a fun Bike Night between 6pm and 8pm where anyone is invited to ride a full circuit of the cycle route. The route is mainly along the A49, though at the southern end it runs from Tern Hill roundabout along the A53 to the roundabout by the Müller Dairy at Market Drayton. Here it turns around and heads back along the A53 and then northwards on to the A41 to return to Dearnford Lake.
Whilst both roads will remain open during tonight’s Bike Night and for the main race, it is possible that there will be delays for anyone trying to use the A41 & A53 along the sections beings used by large numbers of cyclists.
There are two races on Sunday – a full length race which involves four laps of the cycle route and a half length event. Both events start with a swim which is then followed by the cycling section before they conclude with a run. Competitors progress from one section to the next without a pause and the winners are decided on a first past the post basis after the run. According to the UK Ultimate Triathlon website entry is limited to 500 competitors per race! The entry list available from that page show less than 100 people have registered for the full length event and around 300 for the half triathlon. The start time for both races is 8:00am so expect delays on the A41 & A53 from 9:00am onwards. Whilst competitor numbers will reduce as the event progresses, cut off times (after which competitors will not be allowed to continue) for the cycling section have been set as 2.oopm for the half distance event and 6:30pm for the full one. The northern part of the cycle course takes in the whole length of the Whitchurch bypass which includes sections of the A49 and the A525.
Anyone thinking of avoiding the A41 during this period should note that Dearnford Lake is located off Tilstock Road. The run section takes place partly in the grounds of the lake and partly on Tilstock Road, where the route goes into Tilstock village. For this reason the whole of Tilstock Road from the village to the Whitchurch bypass will be closed throughout the duration of the event.
Full details of the event, including entry list and maps of the course can be downloaded from the UK Ultimate Triathlon website.