The organiser of the Long Course Weekend in Tenby has told local councillors how he hopes to create a ‘legacy’ for professional athletes taking part in the event.

Tenby and Pembrokeshire plays host annually to what has been labelled as ‘one of the most difficult triathlons in Wales’, with the Long Course Weekend lasting three days in mid-July, accommodating some of the best triathlon talent in the UK and from around the world.

The course consists of a 2.4 mile swim, followed by a 112 mile bike ride, finishing with a 26.2 mile run, and since it’s inception in 2010, more than 20,000 competitors have attempted the difficult terrain and challenging weather conditions on this punishing route.

Speaking at a meeting of Tenby Town Council on Tuesday night, organiser of the event, Matthew Evans from Activity Wales, told councillors of his future plans for the Long Course Weekend and how he was hoping to create a ‘legacy’ for winning athletes, by displaying the flags of their nations in the town, and wanted the whole event to be an ‘experience’ for those taking part.

“It would be a nice touch for them, to put the names of the champions on the flags, and would create a bit of a legacy in the town,” he told councillors.

Last year’s full Long Course Weekend male winning title was defended by Sweden’s Marcus Hultgren, who has now won Long Course Weekend two years in a row, while the 2017 female winner was Parys Edwards, from South Africa.

“For example, you could have the Swedish and South African flags raised alongside the Pembrokeshire banner for those champions and then when the new winners are announced, put the new ones up and make a bit of a ceremony of it which would be great for Tenby,” continued Mr. Evans.

He went onto say how much events like the Long Course had put Tenby on the map worldwide and even the magazine for Qantas airlines was carrying a photograph of Tenby harbour on its next issue.

“On the tourism side, it’s not just the three days of the event that benefits, these athletes and their families come down to train in Tenby beforehand and also visit throughout the year.

“The professionals who compete throughout Europe say that the big one is here. Our event in Tenby has an hour long television programme broadcast, too, which is repeated throughout the year.

“One local was on holiday in Thailand and said they saw it pop up repeated on the TV out there.

“When making and editing it we don’t necessarily tend to see it just as a sports programme, but more of a tourism product,” added Mr. Evans.

Councillors said that they would put some thought into where the flag poles for the Long Course Weekend could be raised, and also suggested that interpretation panels could be placed alongside them.

“I think it’s a wonderful idea,” said the Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane. “Congratulations on all the hard work put into it, it really is a fantastic event,” she said.

“You’ve certainly got Pembrokeshire off the sofa, and made the county more active!” added Clr. Mrs. Tish Rossiter.