DISRUPTION to roads around Lancashire is expected this Sunday when more than 1,500 athletes take part in the Ironman UK triathlon bike race.

The event will see competitors taking part in a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run.

The bike ride takes in Abbey Village, Hoghton, Wheelton, Buckshaw, Euxton, Coppull, and Eccleston, with the riders performing three circuits of the course.

One of the organisers of the event is Geoff Bennette, 61, from Rishton. who along with wife Hilary scooped a £3.5million jackpot on the National Lottery in June.

Geoff played a key role in the event in his job in leisure and tourism at Bolton Council. The swim will begin at Pennington Flash, in Leigh, at 6am.

The bike course then heads through Bolton, before taking in the countryside around Chorley.

Athletes will complete three laps before heading to Rivington and Blackrod School to begin the marathon course.

Kevin Stewart, managing director of Ironman Britain and Ireland, said: “Building on the success of last year and the incredible support offered by spectators, we have looked to maximise this for the benefit of the athlete and spectator.”

One-way road closures are expected on the A675 and A666 in Abbey Village, the A674 from J3 M65 between Hoghton and Wheelton, Moss Lane, Wheelton, and Horrobin Lane, Rivington.

Among the full road closures at times between 6am and 4.30pm on Sunday are Rivington Moor between Rivington and Belmont, and Central Avenue from Buckshaw Village to Euxton Lane.