No stranger to climbing, Emma, 34, who specialised in hills and time trials during her professional cycling career, is relishing the challenge ahead. IRONMAN Wales has a reputation for being one of the toughest on the circuit with a course that incorporates 6,874 feet of elevation on the bike and 1,180 feet on the run.
“I’m really looking forward to IRONMAN Wales – I’ve heard such great things about the course and what a beautiful area it is. I know the bike course is bumpy and twisty which suits me, and that the run course isn’t flat either – and I love hills! I’m definitely more suited to race courses with some elevation change, so that was one reason I chose to race Ironman Wales.”
Highlights of Pooley’s successful career that spanned from 2005 until the 2014 Commonwealth Games, include Olympic silver medal in time trial in 2008, World Time trial champion in 2010, 6 UCI Womens’ Road World Cup one day races, as well as several stage races including the 10 day Tour de L’Aude.
Since her retirement from professional cycling just a year ago, Pooley has been concentrating on triathlon and duathlon and already becoming a force to be reckoned with, having won the World Duathlon Championships at her first attempt and successfully defended her title last weekend. On her reason for racing IRONMAN Wales she said:
“Of course it’s a perfect time of year to try to get early points towards qualifying (hopefully) for Kona 2016. But mostly I want to race Ironman Wales because it’s beautiful and tough – perfect for my last race of the season to be on home (almost!) turf, and my Mum and boyfriend will be there watching / supporting which will be lovely.”
Pooley may be at home on the hills, but she’ll be up against 2014 IRONMAN Wales Champion Amy Forshaw. Returning to defend her title Amy’s course knowledge is second to none having competed in IRONMAN Wales the last two years.
IRONMAN Wales is free to watch, so to come and see Emma and over 2,000 athletes in action and to spur them on from the numbers spectator hot spots visit www.ironmanwales.com for further information.
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