HUGE crowds gathered to watch competitors at the 2016 Isoman Triathlon which recently took place in Redditch, and amongst the determined crew, were four members from the Emlyn Flyers in Newcastle Emlyn.

The event consisted of a gruelling seven mile swim in Arrow Valley Lake, followed by a 61.3 mile bike ride around the surrounding Worcestershire countryside and then a full marathon on the roads of Redditch tested the members who relished the challenge.

The event attracted athletes from all over Europe. Emlyn Flyers competitors consisted of Sian Lewis, Lousie Maguire, Barry Owen and Mark Baggot who flew the flag for Wales with Barry finishing the event in just over 12½ hours and Sian finishing in third position in the women’s full distance Isoman. Also competing in the half Isoman distance was Paul Williams, while Ian Davies completed the gruelling 7 mile swim. Both Allan Maguire and Garry Lewis also competed in the 61.3 mile bike sportive.

Decribed by competitors as world class, the event is also seen as one of the hardest multi sport events on the triathlon calendar, the Emlyn Flyers are now keen to further their field. Louise, and Sian accompanied by Emlyn flyers member Sara Hull, will tackle a 5½ mile swim in the Coniston Lake in the Lake District whilst Ian Davies is aiming even higher with a 10 mile swim across the Windermere lake in the next few months. Mark Baggott, Steven Hicks, Edward Evans, Iestyn Evans, Owen Jones, Paul Williams, Mark Davies, Mark Ludgate and Sion Mason Evans are also all taking part in the Ironman Cymru event at Tenby in September.

All the club members wish to thank Hazel Davies, the club's coach for all her support and dedication over the past 35 years to enable members to be supported in competing in these events.