IRONMAN UK 2021 – in pictures

Courtesy of the lenses of photographers Nigel Roddis and Huw Fairclough, a visual look back at IRONMAN UK 2021, Bolton

By John Levison

Chief Correspondent

Last updated -

5 Jul 2021

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After a year away, IRONMAN UK returned to Bolton on Sunday and it produced some spectacular pictures as well as racing.

The Pro race – boosted by the recent announcement of a $100k prize purse – saw Joe Skipper produce perhaps his best run performance to date, to make up a deficit of almost 14 minutes at T2, to secure victory. In the women’s race, Katrina Matthews continues to impress, adding to her win last year at IRONMAN Florida last year.

Following up on our initial report, you can now take a look back in pictures. There’s more coverage from IRONMAN UK 2021 coming soon.

BOLTON, ENGLAND - JULY 04: Athletes prepare for the start of Ironman UK on July 4, 2021 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN) — Pre-race nerves – Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN

BOLTON, ENGLAND - JULY 04: Sam Laidlow of France competes in the bike section of Ironman UK on July 4, 2021 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN) — Sam Laidlow and Tim Don in the early stages of the bike leg. Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN

BOLTON, ENGLAND - JULY 04: An athlete competes in the bike section of Ironman UK on July 4, 2021 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN) — An aero-looking Tom Davis, before a crash brought his race to a painful ending. Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN

BOLTON, ENGLAND - JULY 04: Katrina Matthews of Britain competes in the bike section of Ironman UK on July 4, 2021 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN) — Kat Matthews chose her BMC road bike for the IRONMAN UK terrain. Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN

BOLTON, ENGLAND - JULY 04: Tim Don of Britain competes in the bike section of Ironman UK on July 4, 2021 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN) — Enthusiastic support for Tim Don! Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN

IRONMAN UK 2021 — Events don’t happen without volunteers – thank you! Photo Credit: Huw Fairclough for IRONMAN

IRONMAN UK 2021 / Joanne Murphy — Joanne Murphy, IRONMAN UK & Ireland announcer – Photo Credit: Huw Fairclough for IRONMAN

BOLTON, ENGLAND - JULY 04: Sam Laidlow of France competes in the run section of Ironman UK on July 4, 2021 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN) — Sam Laidlow looking strong in the early stages of the run. Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN

BOLTON, ENGLAND - JULY 04: Tim Don of Britain competes in the run section of Ironman UK on July 4, 2021 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN) — Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN

BOLTON, ENGLAND - JULY 04: Joe Skipper of Britain reacts after winning Ironman UK on July 4, 2021 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN) — An emotional Joe Skipper after, perhaps, his best run to date. Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN

BOLTON, ENGLAND - JULY 04: Sam Laidlow of France reacts after finishing 2nd at Ironman UK on July 4, 2021 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN) — So close! Sam Laidlow, just, holds of Leon Chevalier. Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN

BOLTON, ENGLAND - JULY 04: Sam Laidlow of France (L) reacts after finishing 2nd with Leon Chevalier of France (R) 3rd at Ironman UK on July 4, 2021 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN) — Man down! Sam had nothing more to give. Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN

BOLTON, ENGLAND - JULY 04: Katrina Matthews of Britain reacts after winning the women's race at Ironman UK on July 4, 2021 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN) — Matthews was so impressive, yet again. Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN

BOLTON, ENGLAND - JULY 04: Nikki Bartlett of Britain reacts after finishing 2nd in the women's race at Ironman UK on July 4, 2021 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN) — Nikki Bartlett savours the finish line atmosphere. Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN

BOLTON, ENGLAND - JULY 04: Chantal Cummings of Britain reacts after finishing 3rd in the women's race at Ironman UK on July 4, 2021 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN) — Chantal Cummings thanks the crowds for their support. Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN

Joe Skipper / IRONMAN UK 2021 — Photo Credit: Huw Fairclough for IRONMAN

IRONMAN UK Men podium 2021 — Photo Credit: Huw Fairclough for IRONMAN

Katrina Matthews / IRONMAN UK 2021 — Photo Credit: Huw Fairclough for IRONMAN

Written by

John Levison

TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.

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