Search
shop

Brexit rules force Lucy Charles-Barclay to miss Germany race and change plans

British star's next race now likely to be in the UK after travel rules scupper bid to take in IRONMAN 70.3 Kraichgau.
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

The fallout from Brexit has scuppered Lucy Charles-Barclay‘s hopes of racing at IRONMAN 70.3 Kraichgau next Sunday (21 May).

She’d opened her season with a strong third place behind Anne Haug and Ashleigh Gentle in a stellar women’s field at the PTO European Open in Ibiza.

That saw her remain #2 in the PTO’s world rankings and she nominated the German race as her next target, providing she could work through some travel difficulties.

Advertisement

Change of plans

But posting on Instagram, Charles-Barclay revealed that those issues had proved insurmountable, explaining: “Unfortunately I will not be racing in 70.3 Kraichgau next weekend👎🏻

“I have been working with top British and German immigration lawyers to try and obtain a visa to travel to Germany (I have used 88 of my 90 days allowed in the Schengen region).

“So for now I will be training hard at home and my next race will most likely be UK based so watch this space.”

Lucy Charles Barclay PTO European Open 2023 Ibiza photo credit PTO / James Mitchell
[Photo credit PTO / James Mitchell]

Why can’t she race?

The rules now state that British citizens’ total stay in the Schengen area must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. It does not matter how many countries you visit and the 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.

The countries in the Schengen area are Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Much of LCB’s training earlier this year was in Lanzarote.

Philipp to defend her crown?

Her absence is obviously a blow for the race but the provisional start list was a strong one and includes defending champion Laura Philipp.

The German star kicked off her season by winning IRONMAN South Africa but a series of illnesses meant she missed the PTO European Open and it remains to be seen whether she tackles Kraichgau just two weeks later.

Compatriot Daniella Bleymehl, who finished second to her last year, is scheduled to race.

As are Ellie Salthouse (AUS) and Nikki Bartlett (GBR), who both have 70.3 wins to their names this season in Tasmania and Marbella respectively.

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  
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
Kat Matthews IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Taupo New Zealand 2024
IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea: Date, start time, who’s racing and how to watch live
Laura Siddall Challenge Roth run 2023 photo credit Challenge Roth
Laura Siddall signs off amazing pro career in fitting place at beloved Challenge Roth
Kristian Blummenfelt wins 703 Aix en Provence 2025
Triathlon rival accepts superstar Kristian Blummenfelt’s challenge with cheeky Insta message
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping line lunge 2025
New European Champion Caroline Pohle suffered ‘hate on social media’ after protest upheld
Alex Yee thumbs up Paris Olympics 2024 photo credit world triathlon
Superstar Brit Alex Yee launches his own triathlon to inspire next generation into the sport
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...