LUCY Gossage — winner of the women’s Ironman race — has heaped praise on Bolton for its “brilliant support”.

Ms Gossage, from Cambridge, was crowned winner of the women’s race after dominating from the start, despite “only entering on a last minute whim”.

She finished in just under nine-and-a-half hours after completing the three-mile swim at Pennington Flash in just over 50 minutes, before dominating the 112-mile bike ride through Lancashire.

She entered the final stretch — the 26.2-mile run to Bolton town centre — leaving the cycle stage with an 18 minute advantage over her nearest competitor.

Writing on her blog following the race, Ms Gossage paid tribute to the supporters who came out to cheer her to the finish line.

She said: “I can honestly say, hand on heart, this was one of the most fun weekends I’ve had racing in a long time.

“All in all it was a fantastic weekend. The support in Bolton, both from spectators and other competitors, on both the bike and the run was absolutely brilliant, despite the rain.

“I entered on a whim a couple of weeks before and maybe that’s key. Not enough time to get worried about it, just enough time to get really excited.

“I guess it kind of took a lot of the pressure away too. I knew I’d be able to swim and bike well, but I also knew I hadn’t done anywhere near as much running as I’d like to have done before an Ironman marathon.”

This year’s event was the fifth to be held in the town and race organisers have been so impressed they have already pencilled in its return for next year, when the triathlon will celebrate its 10th anniversary.

Lucy added that she was preparing for her next challenge, Ironman Wales, which takes place on September 8.