As a coach, I’ve watched Elliot step into this year with more consistency, resilience, and belief than ever before. He managed to carve out a strong winter training block, even while working “crazy hours” – a theme that carried into the rest of his season. What unfolded was a year that mixed hard lessons, breakthrough performances, and deeply personal moments.
Tour of Lancashire Sportive: A Baptism Of Hills
The season began with the Tour of Lancashire sportive, 74 miles of unrelenting climbing. Elliot describes it best:
“Hills, hills, more hills, then some more hills for good measure. Sometimes life hits you in the face with a big wet fish and this was my day.”
Two hours in, he was in a very dark place – with another five to go. Yet the story of the day isn’t just about suffering. Leon, Sammie, and Nick cut short their own rides to stay with him, and Elliot carried himself through one of the hardest days he’s ever had on a bike. “This was one of my biggest lessons, but I took so many positives. I’ll be back next year.”
That race set the tone: he was here to learn, to endure, and to grow.
Outlaw Half Aquabike: Getting It Right
Shin splints forced a change of plan from the half Ironman to the aquabike, but what might have felt like a compromise turned into one of his best experiences yet.
Last year, this same race had gone badly – some over-eager pacing issues. This time, Elliot executed perfectly.
“I’d say I had the perfect race – paced the swim really well, paced the bike really well too. For the first time, I felt strong at the end of the race. My nutrition was perfect. Using Mountain Fuel for the first time really changed the game.”
Sometimes the win isn’t the medal, but the mastery of the process.
Windermere Great North Swim: Passing The Torch
One of the most moving moments of Elliot’s season came at Windermere, swimming side by side with his 10-year-old daughter, Erin. Three years earlier, he had earned his very first medal in those waters. This year, Erin earned hers.
“We swam together in rough conditions and Erin showed amazing bravery and courage to earn her first medal too. I’m so proud of her.”
The circle completed itself – from his first taste of racing to his daughter’s – and the memory will last longer than any finish time.
Liverpool–Chester 100 Mile Sportive: The Long Ride
If Lancashire was a low point, Liverpool–Chester was the high. Riding through the Mersey Tunnel on two wheels was unforgettable, and this time the lessons landed.
“I felt great all the way through this. A wet and windy day but it didn’t stop me enjoying it, and I realised … I’m only 12 miles away from the Ironman distance bike ride.”
The gap between “maybe one day” and “I can see it now” is a powerful shift.
The Red Dolan: A New Companion
Sometimes, progress comes in the form of equipment. Picking up his new red Dolan aero bike was more than just a purchase.
“A day I’ll never forget. This bike has given me so much and is an absolute dream to ride.”
And it showed in racing.
West Lancs Sprint Triathlon: Coming Full Circle
Elliot returned to West Lancs, the race where he became a triathlete back in 2023. Now it was his fourth time. In just two years he’s gone from “first-timer” to someone who can say:
“Since coming here in 2023 I’ve now done six triathlons – it surprises me even writing that sentence.”
The race itself brought PBs on the swim and bike, and even with shin splints slowing the run, it felt like progress on all fronts.
Cross Mersey Swim: Rough Seas, Deep Meaning
This was no ordinary swim. The Cross Mersey threw the roughest conditions in over 30 years at its participants. And yet Elliot calls it:
“Truly one of the best experiences of my life. I could write a full book about it if anyone wants to read it. Truly life-changing.”
For some races, the only way to describe them is to lean on the athlete’s own words. This was one of them.
Ivan Percival Dock Race: A Lesson In Preparation
Sometimes the small details teach the biggest lessons. Elliot opted for the 1-mile race, having been unwell days before, and decided to try a new goggle adjustment the night before. Disaster.
“To my horror, during the race one of my goggles was full of water for the whole mile. After stopping four times I learned: if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. I swam with one eye but still swam strong – only a minute off my PB.”
Adaptability is a hallmark of his season.
Looking Ahead
The year finished with Elliot signing up for Ironman Swansea 70.3 in 2026. He knows there’s work to do, especially with the shin splints, but the direction is clear.
“I’d say all of it is beyond what I dreamed was possible at the start of the year.
Shin splints have held me back but I still feel I’m progressing. My race experience is growing – I’m learning to pace more, to know what to expect, and also to adapt when things go wrong. Step by step, mile by mile I’m getting stronger and wiser. I can see the Ironman sign in my grasp. I can see the medal.”
That’s what this year has been about: building the mental toolbox, the strength, and the belief. The Ironman is no longer an idea. It’s within reach.
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