Bella and Stephen Bayliss are no strangers to Lanzarote, they’ve been visiting the island for almost a decade to compete in the Ironman triathlon event. We had the pleasure of interviewing “The Iron Couple” last Friday in the Mai Tai pool bar at Sands Beach Resort in Costa Teguise.
We first met Bella Comerford in 2003 here for her debut race in the Ironman Lanzarote, there was something about Bella that made her stand out at this press conference. I still recall that twinkle in her eye and her relaxed demeanour in facing the toughest Ironman race with blistered feet, after taking 4th place in the ITU World Long Distance Triathlon in Ibiza.
Lanzarote’s become a special place for the Bayliss family, we were delighted to hear that they are seriously considering a more permanent move to the island when son Charlie is of school age. For now Lanzarote is their training base for this winter, having arrived in November the family will be living on the island until May.
Ironman Lanzarote
Bella came 3rd in Ironman Lanzarote 2003, it was a few years before we saw here compete here again, it was 2008 and Bella took 1st place. Having met Stephen on the ITU World Championship circuit, they got married in late 2008 and the couple returned to compete in Ironman Lanzarote 2009, Bella retained her title and Stephen took 5th place. 2010 was a tough race for the couple, Stephen didn’t finish and Bella was struggling with an injury, managing to finish in third place out of the pro’s. After taking time out to have their son Charlie, both Bella and Stephen returned in 2012 to race Ironman Lanzarote as a couple. For Bella this was the first long distance event since having Charlie, it was an emotional moment to see Bella and Stephen both take 2nd place. Let’s see what winter training on the island brings for Ironman Lanzarote 2013!
Sands Beach Resort
The family are really enjoying their stay at Sands Beach, they’re settling in to a training routine which has been made so much easier now that a friend is on hand to help with Charlie. This recent change means that Bella and Stephen can train together when it suits them, rather than in between the demands of looking after a toddling 16 month old. The benefits are already obvious, as Bella and Stephen won the Lanzarote Marathon which took place at the weekend.
Both Bella and Stephen are delighted with the facilities at Sands Beach. They especially love the 25m pool which was installed earlier this year, commenting that it’s so convenient to be able to train when they like, without having to travel or work around opening hours as in the past. Although Sands Beach has all the sports facilities they need, it also has the benefit of being a family orientated resort which is perfect for sporting families.
Lanzarote
It’s not just the climate that attracts Bella and Stephen to Lanzarote, the Ironman bike course is the best in the world enthused Stephen. You can’t beat the combination of cycling around the beautiful roads in El Golfo / Timanfaya and then the views from the Mirador del Río. They also commented on the friendliness of everyone living here, there’s a real positive buzz about the island, which is why it feels like the right place to live in a few years, the couple have already been to visit two of the private schools in Lanzarote.
You can find out more about the Bayliss family on their website and blogs.
Website: www.theironcouple.com
Team TBB Blogs: Bella Bayliss& Stephen Bayliss
