Search
shop

#GBKona 2017: Lucy Walmsley’s Kona countdown

Lucy Walmsley has been making good progress since our last interview - and is looking forward to Saturday's IRONMAN World Championship
Chief Correspondent
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Since returning to triathlon last year with the goal of simply completing Ironman, Gloucestershire’s Lucy Walmsley has surpassed all expectations.

Having won the 45-49 category at Ironman UK in Bolton, she booked her spot in this Saturday’s Ironman World Championship in Kona and has been forced to readjust her sights.

Another age-group win at Ironman Weymouth by 31mins – the first time she had ridden a time trial bike in a race – means that even as a Hawaii debutante, a podium place is a realistic ambition, but it will not be straightforward.

The Big Island already offers a unique challenge and Walmsley flies to Hawaii as part of a strong British contingent that includes last year’s champion in her category, Jane Hansom, whose winning time of 10:20 in Kona was backed up with a remarkable 9:33 in Roth this summer for sixth overall.

Tri247 caught up with Walmsley from North Cotswold Tri & Run ahead of departure to see how she was feeling.


How has training progressed since we last spoke?

It’s generally gone well. I did a hard block with some big brick sessions where I tried to increase the intensity on the bike rather than just grinding out distance. I’ve eased down in the last couple of weeks in terms of volume but kept some quality sessions in all three disciplines. I did go through a tired phase a few weeks ago but have come through that and I’m starting to feel race ready.

And another morale-boosting win came in Ironman 70.3 Weymouth?

I was delighted. I wanted to ride the Ribble time trial bike in a race and also needed to take on a sea swim. I was coming off some hard training so felt a bit sluggish, and wanted to go a little faster [Lucy finished in 5:08], but it was great to get some race practice in. I did turn down the slot for next year’s 70.3 World Championship, though. It would be lovely to go to South Africa, but my daughter is starting senior school next year and I cannot be away for her first day.

Lucy Walmsley
Photo credit: Rachel Heming

Racing faster is not restricted to training though, and you’ve started to use some more hi-tech kit?

My new kit is great. I am loving the Ribble time trial bike. It’s great to be able to get into a more aerodynamic position, and I feel that I can also generate better leg power in the more forward posture it allows. I have definitely become faster, but am also running off the bike better as my legs seem less fatigued. Everything is just more efficient. The new North Cotswold Tri & Run trisuit is quite bright so at least I am easy to spot, and the aero helmet [borrowed from former British Olympic road-racer Sharon Laws] makes me feel like a pro which is great for confidence.

What are you most looking forward to about Hawaii?

The atmosphere, seeing so many good athletes in one place, and being able to immerse myself in a race for a few days. Plus, I gather that you often end up swimming with turtles or even dolphins which would be amazing. I also cannot wait for that feeling when you cross the finish line. Hopefully successfully.

And biggest fears?

I am concerned about the heat and humidity and how I am going to cope, but it is the same for everyone so I just have to dig in and deal with it.

What are your plans to celebrate post-race?

I don’t have any plans to celebrate while I am in Hawaii but I’m sure there’ll be some partying when I return. I also cannot wait to eat and drink what I like without considering its effect on my training. It will be nice to come home from work and sit on the sofa with a glass of wine rather than in the garage on my turbo.

#GBKona coverage 2017
#GBKona coverage 2017
John Levison
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.
Discover more
TRI247 podcast p/b Challenge Family episode 2
Go behind the scenes at Challenge Roth with the latest episode of the TRI247 podcast
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Challenge Family Roth
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
latest News
ironman hamburg 2025 podium laura philipp kat matthews solveig lovseth beer
Challenge Roth 2025: Laura Philipp backed to make triathlon history by crashing through magical time barrier
Challenge Roth press conference 2025
Challenge Roth 2025: Date, start times, how to watch live and who’s racing
Georgia Taylor Brown wins supertri Toulouse 2024
British Olympic legend Georgia Taylor-Brown to make triathlon return
Gwen Jorgensen reflective World Triathlon Cup Vina del Mer 2023
‘Unbreakable’ Gwen Jorgensen ‘bruised’ after bike crash but vows to bounce back
IRONMAN CEO Scott DeRue Women For Tri 2024
IRONMAN announce new age-group qualification system for Kona and 70.3 Worlds
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...