The Semi-Steel features a 750 metre swim, a 12.5 mile bike and a 3 mile run, whilst the BVI Steelman includes a 1500 metre swim, a 25 mile bike and a 6 mile run. Photo: Provided

The BVI Triathlon Federation will be holding a Semi Steel , mini Triathlon, this weekend on Beef Island. Photo: Provided

Richard Morgan is the defending Steelman champion. Photo: tribvi.org

The Semi Steel is a precursor to the BVI Steelman and comprises a 700 metre swim held in Well Bay, a 12.5-mile bike leg lapping the road from the airport to the ramparts of Beef Island Bridge, and ends in a three-mile run along the roads and trails of Beef Island.

Registration takes place this Friday  November 15, at the Tortola Sports Club, from 5:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. and there is an entry Fee of $15.

Athletes of all ages and abilities are encouraged to take part and enjoy the triathlon, competing either individually or a part of a team.

Anthony Spencer, President of the BVI Triathlon Federation explained: “The Steelman is the most challenging event in our calendar, and a great unknown for many.  By adding this event people will be able to have a practice run in the Semi-Steel, and then have three weeks to fully prepare physically and mentally for the big event on December 7.  We hope this encourages more people to have a crack at Steelman, which is my favourite event of the year despite my trouncing last year.”

Tri-athletes start the swim in Well Bay, Beef Island, at 3.30 P.M. (promptly). The swimmers head straight for the slipway to the airport highway. Team swimmers tag their biker at the top of the slipway with solo competitors changing on the grass by the side of the slipway.

Cyclists first turn right towards the airport and go through the airport service road. The cyclists then turn right out of the airport for the start of  lap 1. The bikers follow the airport road down until the turning for Little Mountain, turn around in the Little Mountain turning and then back to the airport, going back through the airport service road.

The cycle ride finishes on the grass by the little wooden bridge which goes to D’Best Cup coffee shop in Trellis Bay. Cyclists must dismount before crossing the bridge. 2-team cyclists tag their runners on the grass by the little bridge. solo competitors change in this area.

Runners then head from the wooden bridge and turn down the dirt track that goes behind the Trellis Bay Cyber Cafe. The runners follow the track up to the main road briefly before taking a right turn onto the old airport road. Athletes will follow this road to the exit to cross the road to the airport, cross the road and follow the loop through the airport back to the finish line. Back at the little wooden bridge, runners cross the bridge to start their second lap.

The finish is back where the runners started from (and the bikers finish).