The Ironman North American Championship will return to The Woodlands in April with a new bike route, according to a July 19 announcement by race officials. Similar to previous years, the triathlon will feature a 2.4-mile swim in Lake Woodlands. However, the new bike route will take riders through both Montgomery and Harris counties on the Hardy Toll Road. The running portion of the event will take place in The Woodlands and end on Waterway Avenue. In the weeks leading up to this year’s Ironman in May, the bike portion of the triathlon was rerouted due to construction zones in Montgomery County that county officials deemed unsafe. Instead of traveling along FM 1488, bicyclists were instead rerouted to portions of northern Harris County. This year’s bicycle route was also shortened to 94 miles because of historic flooding conditions in the area this spring. However, event sponsors, athletes and members of the community sought to keep the 2017 triathlon in The Woodlands, said Gordy Bunch, chairman of The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau. “The backdrop of The Woodlands as a destination for the start and finish and the vision of elected officials, particularly with the use of the Harris County Toll Road, were instrumental in keeping the North American Championship of Ironman here,” Bunch said. “We’re excited The Woodlands will continue to be known as the hometown to the Ironman USA Championship and as a premier location for world class events.” The Woodlands plays host to several major race events throughout the year. However, the Ironman and The Woodlands Marathon typically require the most significant road closures—and draw the most ire from residents—in the community. However, The Woodlands Township has been studying community events to help mitigate traffic issues and other concerns associated with the major races. The board accepted a special event analysis and operational plan in mid-June. Registration for the April 22 Ironman triathlon begins July 27.