Bowden Goes from Walking Down the Aisle to Racing to the Podium at IRONMAN Bolton

Just two weeks after tying the knot in a romantic ceremony on the beach in Tenby, Welsh athlete Adam Bowden is channelling the excitement of the wedding to embark on his bid for glory at IRONMAN Bolton in his second full distance IRONMAN event, and his first on home soil.

Rhondda Cynon Taf resident, Adam, is the current British 70.3 record holder who now has his sights set on long course racing and the 2021 IRONMAN World Championships in Kona.

“After getting married just 2 weeks ago I should be on honeymoon, but I have a very understanding wife who has encouraged me to race in Bolton this weekend,” says Adam. “It’s going to be a special event, as it’s not only local, but will be the first time since the pandemic started that I’ll have support there with my wife and stepsons coming to cheer me on. The last time my family were at one of my races was the World Champs in Nice 2019.”

Having raced his first Ironman in Tulsa at the Ironman North American Championships at the end of May alongside one of the toughest elite line-ups of the year, Adam had a successful breakthrough event where he was well placed on the bike but suffered a mechanical issue taking him out of contention.

Adam added; “I learnt loads from my first experience in North America around my pacing and nutrition, something I’m looking to put into practice in Bolton. I’m feeling really strong and coming into the race with the added high from our wedding a couple of weeks ago – I’m hoping for a great result.”

Adam has been adapting his training for the course in Bolton in preparation for the event, adding more hill climbing in the lead up to the event. “It’s a hilly course so I’ve prepared slightly different with a mileage-based training stimulus at a lower intensity.

With 40 qualifying spots up for grabs this weekend, Adam is looking to put in a strong performance across the hilly bike and run course to secure his spot in Hawaii.

Adam is supported by Wattbike makers of world class indoor sport trainers, Hoka One One running Shoes, Zone 3 wetsuits, Ribble bikes, Santini Cycling and Triathlon clothing, One2One Therapy physiotherapy and sport injury prevention, Precision Hydration and Rudy Project helmets and eyewear.

For updates on the race and his preparations follow @Adamspeedytri on Instagram