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Ironman arrives Saturday; prepare to steer clear of bikers

U.S. 19 is one alternative to getting around the competition. Otherwise, you might have to wait.

By RITA FARLOW, Times Staff Writer
Published November 7, 2007

LARGO - Drivers beware.

Bicyclists will have the right of way Saturday during the second annual Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3.

And that means some delays for motorists traveling through Largo.

The northbound lanes of Belcher Road, from Park Boulevard to Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, will be closed to vehicle traffic for the majority of the morning and part of the afternoon.

"Obviously, that cuts right through the heart of Largo," said Heather Graves, Largo communications and marketing director.

The southbound lanes of Belcher Road will be open, but westbound drivers who wish to make a left onto Belcher should take East Bay Drive or Ulmerton Road. Police will allow eastbound and westbound motorists to cross Belcher at those two intersections during breaks in bike traffic, but the frequency of those crossings is undetermined, said Largo Capt. Glen Smith.

"A lot depends on just how much space we have between groups," Smith said.

The closures will last from 8:55 a.m. to 12:43 p.m. Race officials provided the times based on estimates of the fastest and slowest riders.

Motorists are asked to be patient with the delays or seek an alternate route, such as U.S. 19.

[Last modified November 6, 2007, 21:43:38]