Search
shop

Holly Lawrence subjected to ‘scary’ detour onto open highway

Holly Lawrence saw her hopes of a fourth straight victory at 70.3 Bahrain all but dashed by a 'scary' detour on the bike
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Holly Lawrence, favourite for the women’s title at IRONMAN 70.3 Bahrain, described an in-race detour on the bike onto an open highway as “scary” and “stressful”.

The Brit, the 70.3 World Champion in 2016 and currently #12 in the PTO World Rankings, was looking for a fourth straight victory in Bahrain in what this season was the Middle East Championship.

Advertisement

From bad to far worse

But the week got off to a bad start when her bike was initially held up in transit.

However all appeared back on track when the race got under way and she came out of the swim in the lead alongside Aussie Natalie Van Coeverden.

Lawrence then put her cycling prowess into action to open up an advantage of over four minutes on the rest past the halfway stage of the 90km bike leg.

But it was soon after that point that things went awry, her Bahrain Victorious Team posting on social media that she was “led the wrong way by moto” in an incident that saw her ride an extra four miles, lose her advantage and come into T2 +1:45 down on the front three which included eventual winner Marjolaine Pierré of France.

Holly Lawrence Bahrain Instagram post
Holly Lawrence adds her early thoughts to her team’s Instagram post

Lawrence would go on to finish +4:40 adrift in fourth place and she later posted on Instagram about the scare.

“Can’t talk about it yet… sorry if you saw me angry out there – was very stressful and honestly scary riding amongst all the cars on the highway and trying to find a way to get back on the course! This race was doomed from the start for me!”

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
Challenge Sardinia location
Let’s race… Challenge Forte Village Sardinia
Are calf sleeves actually worth it for triathletes? How many watts aero calf compression sleeves could save you
Laura Siddall Patagonman Xtreme Triathlon 2023
PremiumAre we in a triathlon boom, or hurtling towards burnout? Laura Siddall on the growth of the sport
Is sports nutrition bad for you? Ultra-processed foods are under siege, and athletes are caught in the cross fire – but should we be worried?
Challenge Barcelona 2023 - Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade
The ultimate city break triathlon race-cations: from Challenge Barcelona to Singapore T100 these are the best city centre races to combine multisport with sightseeing
latest News
IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2025: Defending champ Laura Philipp has ‘no regrets’ after ‘crazy’ race
Hannah Berry finishes fourth at the 2025 IRONMAN World Championship in Kona
IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2025: Berry makes Kiwi history with fourth place
IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2025: Kat Matthews reveals emotions after THIRD runner-up finish
Solveig Lovseth IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2025
IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2025: Champion Solveig Løvseth feared she would also be a victim of punishing Kona conditions
Solveig Lovseth wins IRONMAN World Championship 2025
IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2025 results: Løvseth wins as brutal heat KOs Knibb and Charles-Barclay
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
247 Endurance

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...