2011 Outlaw Bike Course Confirmed

The bike course for the 2011 Outlaw Triathlon has been confirmed today, 10 February. The route maintains the long fast sections enjoyed by competitors last year, with a few changes introduced, including some extra short sharp climbs waiting for athletes taking on the event on 24 July.

The long distance triathlon course starts and finishes at Holme Pierrepont, and features an out and back section on the bike, with three loops around some of Nottinghamshire’s best roads and prettiest countryside. The changes, which are designed to reflect local community feedback and recent changes to the roads, will see athletes take in the climb at Oxton Bank three times.

Paul Hawkins set the fastest bike split last year, powering around the 112mile course in 4hours 52minutes en route to winning the event overall in an impressive time of 9hours 11:44. Female winner, Joanna Swallow, also made her decisive break on the bike, recording 5:37:38 to open an insurmountable lead.

The course will see athletes leave Holme Pierrepont on a closed section of the A52 heading east towards Radcliffe on Trent and Shelford, before navigating a closed section of the A46 and heading north through Gunthorpe and Lowdham towards Oxton.

The three loops will start when cyclists take the left turn on the B6386 towards Southwell - climbing Oxton Bank. Following that the route drops down into Southwell, and follows the same course as in 2010. Athletes will pass through Upton, Hockerton, Kirklington and Farnsfield before heading back to transition for the start of the marathon run.

Organiser, Iain Hamilton, said:

“We’ve consulted closely with the local authorities to come up with a bike course that reflected community and participant feedback from last year. The route worked well in 2010, so we’re really pleased that the changes are minor and that the essence of the popular route has been retained.

Local triathlete and 2010 finisher, Del Pitcher, said:

“The Oxton Bank climb is less than a mile long and will provide a nice long, fast descent into Southwell. It’s one of those climbs where you need to stamp on the pedals for a couple of minutes and then you can get your breath back on the other side, I think it will be great fun!”

To find our more, visit the Outlaw Triathlon at the TCR Show this weekend. Limited edition t-shirts are available to anyone entering this weekend, and the discounted rate of £205 applies until the end of March 2011.