IRONMAN Wales 2021 has been cancelled after race organisers failed to come to an agreement with Pembrokeshire County Council to stage this year’s event.

After months of uncertainty, recent Welsh Government announcements regarding a lifting of restrictions had raised hopes that the 2000 athletes entered would be able to take to the start line in Tenby on Sunday, September 12^th.

However, in a released statement today (Friday), IRONMAN representatives said: “Our teams have been hard at work preparing safe and enjoyable in-person events for our athletes in 2021, including the IRONMAN Wales triathlon in September.

“After careful evaluation of the recent government announcement in Wales we have been working closely with Pembrokeshire County Council to find a way forward for this year’s event.

“Uncertainties around moving to Alert Level 0 in Wales, the current epidemiological infection rate and the unique event site at Tenby and Pembrokeshire as well as large crowds expected to gather on race day were discussed in a meeting with local authorities.

“Due to the unique race site in Tenby, the recommendation has been made not to support the host agreement for this year and to reschedule the event to 2022. While we were hoping otherwise, we respect the Council’s position and will follow its recommendation.

“So, it is with a heavy heart that we announce today that IRONMAN Wales will return on September 11, 2022.”

Phil Baker, Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for Major Events, supported the decision to postpone the event.

He said: “The postponement will, of course, be a disappointment to very many people, myself included, but this decision has been taken with public safety rightly at the forefront.

“Given the sheer number of spectators that have always supported IRONMAN, the narrow nature of parts of the course and the uncertainty that remains over the Covid-19 situation, following extensive discussions with organisers we have reluctantly decided it is not possible for us to support the event this year.”

Earlier this month, it was confirmed that an agreement had been reached for the event, that has become renowned in Pembrokeshire for its incredible atmosphere, to be staged at the same venue up until 2026.

Councillor Baker confirmed that development and added: “This is fantastic news for our county and for IRONMAN Wales.”

However, today’s news means  the 10th anniversary race, originally scheduled for 2020 before being scuppered by the Covid-19 pandemic, will now be delayed a second time.

All competitors have been told they can roll over their entries to 2022.