"This is where real the competition begins," one athlete shouted as he set off on the gruelling 112 mile early morning cycle.

Straight out of the water, athletes ran to the next part of their challenge -  the bike ride.

Removing wetsuits as they ran, the triathletes ran to collect their bike gearbefore starting the second part of the day's competiton.

The Bolton News: Picture by Danny CromptonPicture by Danny Crompton

The bike ride took athletes 112 miles across the borough with a journey through Leigh, Atherton and Horwich onto Bolton, through Bury, Ramsbottom, Smithills, Belmont and back into the town centre.

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Towards the start of their gruelling bike journey, athletes were given a glimpse of the finish line in Le Mans Crecent, inspiring and motivating competitors

The atmosphere in Victoria Square and Le Mans Crescent was buzzing as supporters flocked to the finish line to wait for their loved ones.

The Bolton News: Picture by Phil TaylorPicture by Phil Taylor

The final hurdle of the competition was a 26.2-mile run travelling around Bolton town centre before ascending through the scenic Queen’s Park to Chorley New Road on a four-loop course.

After the swim and cycle, Daniel McParland was the first man to finish his 112 mile bike ride.

He completed the whole bike ride in five hours and 23 minutes.

Dan Elliot was the second man to finish the bike ride alongside Matthew Kaminer who finished the bike ride in third.

Mike Boxall, 47, has travelled from Cambridgeshire to support his friend Mick Stacey.

He said: "We've come to see our mate Mick Stacey from Cambridgeshire.

"He comes here every year, I think it's his third or fourth attempt.

"He has come to try and win his age group.

The Bolton News: Picture by Danny CromptonPicture by Danny Crompton

"Last year he got to 80 miles on a bike and crashed so this year he has come to try and win it."

Paul Welch, owner of Bolton Gin Co, has a Tap and Cork Bar stall open in the Victoria Square serving alcohol in the sunshine to supporters sitting and watch.

He said: "What a fantastic event, great to see so many people supporting in Bolton town centre.

"Watching the children yesterday made me feel tired, so god knows  how they did it.

"We love working with the council, love doing everything in the town, people have been so nice and it's going to be another fantastic day."