Anthony Spencer, who lost out in last years Steelman to Richard Morgan, has announced plans to change this years schedule to better allow athletes to prepare for the "crown jewel" event. Photo: Provided

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

Federation President, Anthony Spencer said the changes were made to hopefully increase participation in the events as well as give the athletes a practice run before the big race. “The Steelman is the most challenging event in our calendar, and a great unknown for many. By making these changes 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.”

The BVI Steelman has moved to December 7, replacing the Santathon and on the original date for the BVI Steelman, November 16, there will be a Semi-Steel, half the distance of the BVI Steelman but on the same course.

The Semi-Steel features a 750m 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

Both events are open to 3-person teams as well as individuals. The swim will be held in Well Bay, the bike leg will be laps of the road from the airport to the ramparts of Beef Island Bridge, and the run will take place along the roads and trails of Beef Island heading towards Minines.

In the 2012 BVI Steelman triathlon held on Saturday Nov 10, defending 2011 men’s champion Antony Spencer snatched defeat from the jaws of victory on the final furlong. Richard Morgan slowly reeled Spencer in on the run to eventually win with a time of 2 hours, 33 minutes and 24 seconds, beating him by 2 minutes and 24 seconds. Liezl Van Der Schyf comfortably won the women’s division with a time of 3 hours, 1 minute and 19 seconds; Henkle were the team winners with a time of 2 hours, 42 minutes and 51 seconds.

Morgan exited the waters of Well Bay almost five minutes behind Spencer but managed to close the gap to 49 seconds on the bike ride. Over the course of the six mile run, Morgan snapped at Spencer’s heels eventually overhauling him and pulling away to widen the gap to his eventual 2-minute victory over Spencer.

The current course record of 2:27:03 was set in the 2008 event by Chris Ghiorse.