Latest news with #IRONMAN
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Sports fans across the world mourn Aussie cult triathlon hero Jay Luke following his sudden death soon after posting heartwarming last Instagram message
Triathletes around the globe are in mourning following the sudden death of iconic Australian commentator Jay Luke. Described in one online tribute as a 'one-of-a-kind-person', Luke was a hugely popular figure on the triathlon circuit in several countries. He was best known for cheering on competitors of all standards with gusto as they crossed the finish line. It is believed Luke - whose Instagram handle was 'bondibadboy' - was based in Sydney 's east at the time of his death. 'Jay was the life and soul (of the sport) and made race day very special for so many,' said one athlete, following the sad news shared by Ironman UK. In a Facebook post, the organisation said: 'It breaks our hearts to share the devastating news that a dear member of our IRONMAN UK family has passed away. Described in one online tribute as a 'one-of-a-kind-person', Luke was a huge popular figure on the triathlon circuit 'Jay Luke, who has called thousands of athletes across the line during their IRONMAN journey over the past nine years, was part of the fabric of our team. 'His presence, humour and unwavering support were felt by everyone lucky enough to know him. 'From the jokes, laughs, coffee missions and unmatched travelling cap collection to his infectious energy on the finish line, his absence leaves a huge hole in our hearts. 'We are heartbroken, and our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his wife, family, friends and all who loved him. 'Rest in peace, Jay — it won't be the same without you.' Another posted: 'Jay was amazing, truly a one-of-a-kind person, events won't be the same without him.' Fellow announcer Paul Kaye described Jay's death as 'tragic, devastating news' and added the 'triathlon family has lost one of its own.' In a statement, NSW Triathlon said the sport had 'lost one of its finest.' 'We are heartbroken to share the devastating news of the passing of Jay Luke,' the statement read. 'He brought unmatched energy, quick wit and a deeply genuine spirit to every finish line he called. 'More than just a voice, Jay was a true pillar of our community. His humour, kindness, and unwavering support lifted everyone around him — whether on the mic, out on a group ride or behind the scenes. 'He made every event brighter, every athlete feel seen, and every moment more memorable. 'This loss cuts deeply. Words fall short, but his spirit will continue to echo in everything we do.' Luke's last Instagram post, made a week ago, featured a photo he took looking out the window of his flight to the UK to cover an event. 'Goooood morning England! The Eagle has Landed!' he wrote in the caption. 'The Man on The Mic is BACK for some Super Summer Announcing Adventures.'
Western Telegraph
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Tributes as Ironman Wales announcer Jay Luke dies suddenly
Tributes are being paid to Australian Jay Luke, who was a much-loved commentator on the iconic event, alongside Paul Kaye and Joanne Murphy. 'Jay was the life and soul of the red carpet and finish line and made race day very special for so many,' said one athlete, following the sad news shared by Ironman UK. In an emotional Facebook post, the organisation said: "It breaks our hearts to share the devastating news that a dear member of our IRONMAN UK family has passed away. More Stories "The life and soul of the red carpet": Jay Luke (Image: Huw Fairclough) "Jay Luke, who has called thousands of athletes across the line during their IRONMAN journey over the past nine years, was part of the fabric of our team. His presence, humour, and unwavering support were felt by everyone lucky enough to know him. "From the jokes, laughs, coffee missions and unmatched travelling cap collection to his infectious energy on the finish line, his absence leaves a huge hole in our hearts. We will carry his spirit in all we do. "We are heartbroken, and our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his wife, family, friends, and all who loved him. "Rest in peace, Jay — it won't be the same without you." Jay Kent helped make the Ironman race day special for thousands of athletes. (Image: Huw Fairclough) Added one tribute: 'Jay was amazing, truly a one-of-a-kind person, events won't be the same without him." Another said: "The red carpet will never be the same again," while there was also praise for Jay as 'one clever and agile commentator'. Meanwhile, an Ironman competitor recalled: "A true part of the epic Ironman experience and him calling me through the finish line is a memory I cherish dearly." Fellow announcer Paul Kaye described Jay's death as 'tragic, devastating news'. He commented: "Victory Alley won't quite be the same again. "Triathlon is a niche sport, and within that niche is a small family of announcers and DJs. "This family lost one of its own."
News.com.au
01-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Shayne O'Cass's race-by-race tips, analysis for Hawkesbury on Saturday
Form expert Shayne O'Cass analyses Saturday's 10-race card at Hawkesbury, presenting his race-by-race tips and analysis. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! â– â– â– â– â– HERB (12) is a grandson of Snitzel with broodmare sires like Courtza's son O'Reilly, Noble Bijou, Mellay, etc, which probably accounts for his superb and very compelling numbers on Heavy tracks. Rest assured Jason Collett will get the timing just right on this backmarker so long as the track is fair. MISS HADES (5) was a real eye-catcher first-up in the Candlewick midweeker. Has Midway form, likes the trip, and goes well second-up. PIRAEUS (8) is costly but always a chance in these Midways. Bet: HERB to win â– â– â– â– â– FEIMAZUO (9) has raced 13 times for two wins, five seconds and two thirds. Some of those placings were by narrow margins and more than some were the result of bad luck. Here is the most crucial bit; Clayton Gallagher has ridden her twice and won both times. STRAIGHT FIRE (8) is by Vancouver out of a More Than Ready mare out of a Zabeel mare. No wonder she is one for one on Heavy. Matthew Dunn is one or two off winning his 40th Highway. MOSCOW CIRCUS (3) profiles a fair bit like a fair few of his previous winners. â– â– â– â– â– DAMIEN (2) was $2.15 into $1.55 first-up at Newcastle and won accordingly. To win like that must have done his confidence and racecraft the world of good. This is much harder but he is a well-bred colt with plenty of upside (and a pedigree made to swim). AERODROME (1) was a narrow winner on debut but just so impressive. P.S. How good is Ole Kirk going? HEREWARD (4) is one those typical David Payne '3YO prospects' for next season but was forward enough to win a trial at Rosehill. Bet: DAMIEN to win â– â– â– â– â– IRON MAN (3) has finished on the podium 13 times in 19 starts; granted only three are wins but all of them were on rain affected tracks. One of them was on Heavy 8 at Kembla the day he won by three lengths. When it is all said and done, one word comes to mind and that is 'reliable'. Warwick Farm resident WORLD ALLIANCE (4) was bred nearby at Hobartville Stud, he's got a good 'local's' record at the track and has won on Heavy. Loved the EPIC PROPORTIONS (8) trials. Bet: IRON MAN to win, quinella 3, 4 â– â– â– â– â– QUANTUM CAT (4) won three times in England (from her first and only five starts there) and has never seen a Heavy track before Saturday. That's a bit of a worry but she is a Sadler's Well's descendant and has placed three times in five runs on Soft so gets a very cautious tick. Good news is that she has won second-up and was more than passable first-up. PHILLIPSBURG (3) is on a hat-trick here. Tough and genuine, he has a lot of weight this time but he's going so well, in fact, too well to overlook. Bet: QUANTUM CAT each-way â– â– â– â– â– There might not be a horse better bred for Heavy tracks racing on the weekend than SNITZANOVA (2) who is by Snitzel out of a Galileo mare. That means she is bred on a 3x3 cross of Snippets and Sadler's Wells. It stands to reason then why she won her only Heavy track run and that was the Sandown Guineas straight after the Spring Stakes win. MODELLA (14) is going to fly at them late here. I just hope the track plays fair. CANDLEWICK (13) is a quality filly. Is barrier 3 good or bad on the day? Bet: SNITZANOVA to win â– â– â– â– â– CITY OF LIGHTS (12) is a half-sister to Winx who you may recall was four from four on Heavy tracks for two reasons: One, she was a Champion and two, was the presence of Al Akbar (by Success Express) as the sire of her dam, Vegas Showgirl. That's a good omen for City Of Lights on a Heavy track here. Heavy 10 Golden Slipper winner Sebring is represented by TASHI (10) here. She's a spirited little mare who runs the same honest race no matter the venue or the level of competition. Bet: CITY OF LIGHTS each-way, box trifecta 2, 6, 10, 12 â– â– â– â– â– Provided the track is fair, the rain has come at the perfect time for FLOATING (11), a true example of the 'greys in the wet' theory. He's won seven races from 33 starts, three from 10 at this trip, four from 11 on Soft while his record on Heavy is one win, two seconds and one third from five goes. He ran a lot better than a 10th of 14 reads first-up. PUNCH LANE (5) is backing up for the third Saturday in-a-row but why not, the way he won last week and the fact he is a big time muddie. Bet: FLOATING each-way, Daily Double 1st Leg 11, 2nd Leg 2 â– â– â– â– â– ASTERO (7) has won eight races which is no small feat in the Benchmark era. The Matthew Smith-trained son of Zoustar has raced here twice for a win and second The win was on a Heavy 8; the second was on a Heavy 9 behind Norwegian Bliss. His old form includes a second to Big Dance winner Rustic Steel in the Newcastle Provincial Championships Heat. Goes well fresh, trials are very good and Jason Collett is the perfect fit for him. Stacks of other chances; IN FLIGHT (12) for one. â– â– â– â– â– I may be certifiably insane to tip ROSE BLOOM (2) again. Personally, I prefer 'loyal' myself but for those of us who went down with the ship last start, I can see why you'd be giving her a wide berth. I just see the gear changes as a potential plus and more to the point, she likes it soft underfoot which is a guarantee here. I'm sticking and so is Tyler Schiller. She is $81/$20 so worth a flutter. :
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'Plan ahead' - all the road closures for Bolton's biggest sporting event
Locals are being urged to plan ahead and enjoy an action packed weekend when Ironman UK comes to Bolton this summer. Bolton Council have announced which roads will be closed for the weekend now to allow people to prepare for the three-day sporting festival in June. Bolton Ironman 70.3 will be returning to the town from Friday, June 6 to Sunday, June 8. Thousands of athletes are expected to take part in the three different events, with temporary road closures needed to keep residents, competitors and spectators safe. The closures will be similar to those put in place during previous years. (Image: Bolton Council) Along with the Ironman 70.3 competition itself on Sunday – there will also be the Night Run on Friday and Ironkids on Saturday. The temporary closures for Ironman 70.3 will extend from Pennington Flash to Bolton, mainly affecting Chorley New Road and the town centre. The town centre and Middlebrook retail park will be open as normal all weekend. Anyone driving into the town centre is advised to park at one of the car parks, which will be open as normal. Anyone heading to Middlebrook retail park from Bolton is advised to use Wigan Road (A676/A58) to Manchester Road/Chorley Road (A6) and then use De Havilland Way (A6027). A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: 'Thousands of local people and visitors will be taking part in and enjoying our three IRONMAN events and we are sure that there will once again be a fabulous atmosphere. 'But with so many people taking part, including children, we are asking everyone to help us make safety the highest priority. 'Temporary road closures are an unavoidable part of large events and while every effort is made to keep disruption to a minimum, we strongly advise residents and visitors to check the route maps and plan ahead accordingly.' Have a story? Get in touch at More information on the course and diversions to avoid road closures, including maps and timings, can be found on the IRONMAN website. A road access hotline for further information is available six weeks prior to the events and throughout the race weekend by calling 03330 11 66 00. Residents can also email bolton70.3@ for more information but this will not be monitored on race day. READ MORE: Registration opens for IRONKIDS and Night Run Bolton UK READ MORE: Ironman Bolton - sign up for Ironkids and Night Run READ MORE: New race becomes England's only full-length Ironman course Le Mans Crescent, Howell Croft North and Howell Croft South will be closed from 06:00 on Friday, June 6 to 09:00 on Monday, June 9 due to the course set up and build for the weekend events. Moor Lane, Deansgate, Knowsley Street, Chorley Street, Spa Road, St Edmund Street, Helena Road and Bridge Street will be closed 17:30 – 21:00. Spa Road will be closed eastbound from 17.30 – 21:00. Le Mans Crescent will be closed all day. Deansgate will be closed 06:00 – 17:00. St Helen's Road, Sandy Lane, Byrom Lane, Slag Lane and Lowton Road will be closed from 06:00 – 10:00. Wigan Road/Warrington Road (A573) will be closed 06:00 – 10:30. Bickershaw Lane, a short section of the A578, Nel Pan Lane and Westleigh Lane will be closed 06:00 –10:45. Atherleigh Way (A579) between St Helen's Road and Kirkhall Lane will be closed northbound only 06:00 – 09:45. Atherleigh Way (A579) will be closed northbound only between Kirkhall Lane and the Talbot roundabout 06:00 –10:45. Gibfield Park Way and Gibfield Park Avenue will be closed 06:30 – 11:00. North Road from the junction with Gibfield Park Avenue, Platt Lane and the A58 from Platt Lane to the Chequerbent roundabout will be closed 06:30 – 11:00. Park Road and Manchester Road (A6) will be closed westbound only from 07:00 – 11:00. Chew Moor Lane / Tempest Road to Regent Road, and Regent Road to Chorley New Road, will be closed 07:00 – 11:15. De Havilland Way will be closed northbound 07:00 – 13:00. Victoria Road (A58) and Old Kiln Lane will be closed 07:00 – 13:00. Chorley New Road from Beaumont Road to the Beehive Roundabout will be closed eastbound from 07:00 – 13:00. There will be access westbound throughout the day. Chorley New Road from Beaumont Road to Waterslea Drive will be closed from 07:00 – 13:30. Chorley New Road from Waterslea Drive to St George's Road (B6226) will be closed 07:00 – 17:30 Chew Moor Lane, St John's Road, Tempest Road, Regent Road will be closed 07:00 – 11:15. Chorley Street, Bark Street, St Helena's Road, Blackhorse Street and Queen Street will be closed 07:00 – 15:30. Spa Road will be closed from 06:00 – 18:00.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
GoRockford takes home top honor as sports tourism organization of the year
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford's visitor and convention bureau, GoRockford, has been named the 2025 Sports Tourism Organization of the Year, recognized as best in class among U.S. communities with a population of 500,000 or less. GoRockford was selected from more than 80 national entries, and honored for its efforts in recruiting sporting events by the Sports Events & Tourism Association. 'This is a really big deal, not just for our team, but for Rockford and the region,' said John Groh, President and CEO of GoRockford. 'It affirms that what we're building here, a thriving, high-performing sports destination, continues to gain national attention. This recognition is a tribute to our hard-working staff and our board, partners and this community that supports and believes in the power of tourism to create opportunity.' The team highlighted events such as the upcoming IRONMAN tournament, NXT Pro Basketball, and the National Collegiate Table Tennis Championships as examples of high-profile sports events drawn to the area. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
