Monday, June 29, 2015

Sub1hr session Visualise a bike PB

No more than 10mins each day can see you smash the second tri leg We show you how

Tri Leader Course Derry

North West Tri train up new Tri Leaders

Viennot & Ellis secure first Long Distance titles

Cyril Viennot (FRA) and Mary Beth Ellis (USA) executed nearly perfect race plans in Motola, Sweden to score their first ITU Long Distance World Championship titles. The race was contested over a 1.5km swim, which was shortened due to water temperature, a 120km bike and 30km run. Women’s review Ellis eliminated any chance for the competition to catch her with a line to line paramount leading performance. The first female competitor out of the water a whopping minute faster than the field, Ellis implemented a plan to surge early on the bike and never looked back. On the first of three bike laps she secured nearly a two-minute lead which only continued to swell. While Pedersen kept pace from a distance, the four-minute gap that Ellis had etched out on the bike proved too much for Pedersen to run down despite a valiant first run lap from the Dane. Over the last two laps, Ellis forged ahead to break the finish tape at 5:24:25, more than seven minutes ahead of Pedersen, who took second. Sweden’s own Annie Thoren looked threatening until midway through the bike when she was overtaken by Kaisa Lehtonen (FIN). From there, the podium was all but decided as the ladies proved too powerful to be run down, as Lehtonen rounded out the top three in 5:33:41. Men’s review Jensen looked poised to complete a similar winning plan as Ellis when he powered away on the bike after exiting as one of the top swimmers behind leaders Joshua Amberger (AUS) and Nikolay Yaroshenko (RUS). By the end of the first bike lap, the Swede began to make his move passing Joe Gambles (AUS), Amberger and Ruedi Wild (SUI). His lead only continued to increase from there as he cruised into T2 with nearly four minutes over Viennot, who had broken away from Amberger and Gambles on the final lap. However, the Frenchman was determined to keep the title in the hands of the French after compatriot Bertrand Billard won the race in 2014 and he went to work whittling the deficit down. Viennot managed to nearly halve the distance from him to Jensen on the first of three run laps. Viennot continued to close in on Jensen more on each lap, while behind him Wild picked off a struggling Gambles. In the final 10km, Viennot surpassed Jensen and, despite a last ditch surge from Jensen, the Frenchman crossed over the line first at 4:54:33. Jensen took silver 13 seconds later while Joe Skipper (GBR) scorched through the final run lap to bypass both Wild and Patrik Nilsson for...

Saturday, June 27, 2015

Sub1hr swim workout Openwater booster

Brighton Tri Club head coach Mike Porteous provides a confidenceboosting group session so you wont ruin your bucket list race in the first few minutes

New Balance 1500v1 running shoes review

Comfy light and stable an impressive shoe

Friday, June 26, 2015

Cobh Jail Break Open

In its fourth consecutive year, The Cobh Jail Break Triathlon has already become County Corks’ largest Triathlon, and Ireland’s most unique!

Sport writer Charlie Norton remembered

Following the tragic news concerning adventure writer Charlie Norton heres a recap of his Irish adventure for 220 in October

USE Road 80 Tubular bike wheels review

Smooth to ride and a very attractive price

Im not just the support act

220 Triathlon columnist Tim Heming meets elite paratriathlon guide Nicole Walters as she prepares for Paralympic glory

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Long Distance Triathlon World Titles on the line

The ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Championships return to Sweden for the third time this weekend, with the town of Motala debuting as the host of an all-star list of athletes. Camilla Pedersen (DEN) returns to defend her crown over the likes of Mary Beth Ellis (USA) and Asa Lundstrom (SWE), while the men’s field welcomes an impressive depth for the races on Saturday including Dirk Bockel (LUX), Cyril Viennot (FRA), Joe Gambles (AUS), Samuel Betten (AUS), and Peter Robertson (AUS). The Championships will be contested over a two-lap 4km swim in the bay, followed by a picturesque three-lap hilly 120km bike and will be finished off with a three-lap 30km run that traverses the stunning shoreline of Lake Vattern. In addition to the elite titles, the event will offer age group and paratriathlon races. Women’s Preview In 2014, Pedersen pedaled her way to her first World Championship title just a year after enduring a training accident that nearly rendered her incapable of competing ever again. The Dane is back this year to defend her title close to her native home of Denmark. American Ellis, who trains with both the top standard distance and long distance triathletes, clocked a top 10 finish at the IRONMAN World Championships last year in Kona thanks to speedy swimming and cycling. With 10km less on the run than an IRONMAN event, Motala may just be the perfect distance for Ellis to elicit the title. But it’s Sweden’s own Lundstrom and Eva Nystrom that lineup with both experience and the hometown advantage. While Lundstrom is new to ITU racing she’s found success at IRONMAN events, having scored a top 20 finish in Kona last year. Nystrom, on the other hand, is dangerous on the bike and run as a former Long Distance Duathlon World Champion. Women’s start list Men’s Preview With two-time reigning World Champion Bertrand Billard sitting Motola out, the men’s race will see a new World Champ named. But with a start list that includes Bockel, Gambles, Betten, Robertson and more, it will be anything but easy to covet this crown. Without Billard, compatriot Cyril Viennot (FRA) will look to upgrade his 2014 bronze medal to gold. A strong cyclist, the Frenchman has steadily increased his finishes in longer distances with a career-high fifth in Kona last year. Back from injury, Bockel bodes an impressive CV that includes four top 10 IRONMAN finishes and an ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Championship bronze medal. While a hip...

Chris McCormack training plan for all Challenge Galway entrants

Coursespecific sessions provided by the twotime IM world champ

Stephen Bayliss joins top field at Xterra England

Brit longcourse star signsup for offroad showcase in August

2015 Dungavan Triathlon

Results and images from the 2015 Dungavan Triathlon

Three key benefits of strength training for triathletes

Coach Matt Edwards explains a few of the main reasons why you should include hills and interval work in your weekly training

Academy Day in Limerick

Academy Day in the University of Limerick

Scott T2 Palani 20 running shoes review

Okay ride but doesnt deliver exhilarating speed

Paratriathlon Talent Day

TI were delighted to welcome athletes of all ages to try out for the HP Paratriathlon Squad at our testing day in Athlone.

European Club Relay Qualifier

The board of the European Triathlon Union, of which TI CEO Chris Kitchen is a member have introduced an exciting new competition for clubs across Europe.

ITU World Cup/Multisport Bidding

Bidding for ITU World Cup & Multisport World Championship Festival now open

Sunday, June 21, 2015

ASTC elects new President

The Asian Triathlon Confederation (ASTC) recently held elections as its annual congress, during which Justin Park (KOR) was elected as the new President of ASTC. “I was very impressed by Park’s campaign, and I hope that it will be only the starting point for the healthy development of triathlon in Asia,” said ITU President and IOC Member Marisol Casado. Park has served as a board member of the Korean Triathlon Federation since 2012 and is the Vice President of Doosan Engine. The son of former IOC Member YS Park, he created the Doosan-Changwon Children’s Triathlon to promote triathlon to the younger generation and created two scholarships to benefit elite athletes, which assisted Gyuri Kim and Yerim Jeong earn silver medals at the 2014 Inceon Asian Games. “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the Asian NFs, the ASTC, and the ITU for their support and endorsement during my campaign and election period,” Park said of the election. “I am deeply honored to have been elected as the representative of all the National Federations in Asia and will work in cooperation with the newly elected Executive Board and Committee Members for the development of Triathlon in Asia.” For his term, Park has vowed to improve the sport of the triathlon in new developing countries and support their National/Regional Championships. Under his tenure, he assured National Federations that ASTC will continue to invest in athletes, coaches, and technical operations.

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Predator Junior Triathlon

Over 80 juniors competed in the Predator Junior Triathlon and Fun Run in Kilcornan yesterday.

Can caffeine boost your performance in a triathlon

and are energy drinks like Red Bull more effective than cheaper caffeine tablets

Four bike drills to improve your triathlon times

Put more weapons in your cycling arsenal with these workouts

BORUMAN Results

Nearly 190 athletes took part in the BORUMAN Sprint Triathlon in the sun-drenched picturesque town of Killaloe on Saturday 13th June.

Brooks Pure Connect 4 running shoes review

Plenty of positives though its natural running origins are beginning to blur

Blessington Triathlon

In glorious conditions on Sunday morning, Blessington Sailing Club staged the second Blessington Triathlon in aid of Kildare Down Syndrome.

Pinnacle Dolomite Six road bike review

It may not be a racehorse but its no donkey for training

Blog Spetsathlon AG tale plus amazing drone footage

Action from the Greek Island event complete with some innovative race day footage

Blenheim Palace Triathlon 2015 in pics

Our pick of the action from last weekends massive festival of multisport

Plyometric exercises for triathletes

Boost muscular power explosiveness and ultimately performance

Ulster Club & Coach Development Plan

Triathlon Ireland is pleased to officially launch the Ulster Club and Coach Development Plan.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Sub1hr bike workout Into the red

This tough turbo workout for advanced athletes will test all aspects of your cycling fitness

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Postrace interview with Javier Gomez at Ironman 703 Staffs video

Spains 703 world champ says he didnt want to push it too hard today

Safe Sport App

Minister Ring Launches Irish Sports Council Safe Sport App

Best lightweight running shoes review 2015

We slip into 10 racing shoes to discover whichll give you a boost

Japan dominates Asian Championships

Japan dominated the Asian Championships in New Taipei over the weekend, sweeping both the men’s and women’s podiums, as well as the Mixed Relay. Despite exiting the water more than a minute and a half down from temmates Uri Ide and Markio Adachi, a strong performance on the bike saw Ai Ueda bridge up to her teammates only to blow by them on the run for gold. Ueda has dominated the Asian circuit, having won the Asian Games, Asian Beach Games and scored silver at the Yokohama World Triathlon last year. Ide and Adachi followed for silver and bronze nearly four minutes ahead of teammate Yuka Sato. Similar to the women’s race, it was 2014 Asian Games champion Yuichi Hosoda who proved strongest. He and teammate Ryosuke Yamamoto left the water a minute down from fellow Japanese Jumpei Furuya. Equally as strong on the bike as the swim, Furuya didn’t show signs of slowing until the run when he was caught first by Hosoda and then by Yamamoto. Hosoda sailed across the finish line first, followed by Yamamoto & and then Furuya. Mixed Relay: It was again Japan that reigned supreme in the Mixed Relay, clocking in 1:35 ahead of South Korea and nearly four minutes ahead of bronze medallists Hong Kong. While South Korea’s men out split the Japanese men, Japan’s lead athlete Yuka Sato secured a lead that was insurmountable. South Korea made a move to catch Jumpei Furuya, but Ai Ueda ensured the team’s anchor Yuichi Hosoda was in the clear to take the team gold.

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Carvallo claims first World Cup title in Huatulco

Valentina Carvallo (CHI) captured her first World Cup title after scorching through a testing bike course that she followed up with blistering run at the Huatulco World Cup. Switzerland’s Jolanda Annen out lasted last year’s Huatulco bronze medallist Mateja Simic for silver in the sprint distance race. The USA’s Kirsten Kasper ensured the US was represented on the podium, as they have been at all but one World Cup and World Triathlon Series race so far this season, with third. It was the first time each of the women had ever secured a World Cup podium finish. With just a one-lap dip in the ocean on tap for the athletes in Huatulco, the swim didn’t serve to break the athletes up as a group of more than 15 played follow the leader out of the water. Home country favorite Claudia Rivas and last year’s winner Lisa Perterer (AUT) took control of the bike early on along with Denmark’s Line Thams to create a minute wide gap over the chase by midway through the four-lap course. As Carvallo charged up the challenging hill each lap at the helm of the 15-athlete deep lead pack, another 10 athletes worked to bridge up including the likes of Erin Densham (AUS), Erin Jones (USA), Renee Tomlin (USA) and Felicity Sheedy-Ryan (AUS) after falling behind due to an uphill crash on the first lap of the bike. “I didn’t feel super great in the water. I was able to make up a little bit of distance in the transition to leave and have a good first lap,” Carvallo said. “I wanted to be in the top group so I could relax a little bit on the bike. I knew I needed anther good transition after that and from there on I felt really comfortable, So I’m very happy.” But with her first World Cup title on the line, Carvallo made her move quickly. She pushed ahead early on the first lap for a 25-second advantage over Annen and Simic while last year’s silver medallist Rivas fell off the pace. With the title all but clenched by Carvallo, the hunt for silver was on. Annen took advantage in the last lap of the run to push ahead of Simic and secure the silver medal. With Simic looking like she may take the final spot on the podium, it was Kasper who showcased her strong ability on the run to pass her and take her first World Cup podium.

White 36th at European Games

A fascinating men’s triathlon unfolded at the Baku European Games with Great Britain’s Gordon Benson going on to claim victory in a time of 1:48:31.

Blenheim Palace Triathlon Chris Perham and India Lee win round one of British Super Series

Close encounters of the sprint kind see Perham and Lee take hardfought victories

2015 Ibarra CAMTRI Triathlon American Cup

Spirig supreme as she cruised to first European Games victory

Today saw history being made and dreams come true. Today was the day that gold, silver and bronze were won at the Women’s Triathlon at the Baku 2015 European Games. When the idea of holding a “European Games”, like the Commonwealth Games, or Asian Pacific Games was proposed, it was our sport that was first to come on board. It was our sport that gave such impetus to the whole notion of European nations joining together in sporting challenges. Today, as the athletes and coaches lined up, looking out to the rough seas, there was more than a frisson of concern. The winds had changed direction and were now pushing across the swim area with such force that the Technical Delegates, with the LOC, made the decision to keep the athletes in the water for the entire swim, rather than allowing them to come up onto the beach for the turn-around before their second lap. Coaches, Team managers and athletes were advised, as were the crowds of spectators who made their way down to Bilgah Beach for the race. Water at 22.5c and air at 26c; it was going to be hot for everyone. The athletes were presented to the crowds; the cheers rang out for each athlete as they made their way down to the start area and then the heartbeat started. Tension, already high, went skywards and then they were off. The first 80m saw the athletes running, wading and using that tiring “dolphin” movement, to get to deeper water. On the left of the field, it was Rachel Klamer NED, Anastasia Abrosimova RUS and Lisa Nordén SWE, who made the first impression out in the very choppy waters of the Caspian Sea. This is a sea but the water is not salty. So, with a non-wetsuit swim and the strong waves and current, this was going to be a bad place for anyone who was not a strong swimmer. The first buoy saw these three athletes take control of the swim before they headed back to the shore. The turn for the second lap saw the athletes being tossed around and it was not long before the Swedish athlete was dropped. A swift T1 saw a Dutch-Swedish-Russian break out onto the roads but the Russian was soon dropped. The winds were making it a tough race for everyone but the chasing pack had someone on it who goes for “tough”. Olympic Gold medal-winner, Nicola Spirig SUI made her mark by breaking free of the pack she had been leading and easily joined the leading duo. The three athletes; Olympic Gold, Olympic Silver and the young, promising athlete from the low countries, piled on the power and made...

Reid 6th at first European Games

Aileen Reid, competing in the first European Games finished in 6th place in Azerbaijan this morning.

Lucy Gossage takes convincing win at Ironman 703 Staffs 2015

Ironman Wales 2013 winner builds 10min lead on the bike

Friday, June 12, 2015

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

European Games Preview

Reid Ranked Number 1 for European Games

Ironman nutrition plan for success and nail the fuelling

Make it memorable for the right reasons with our advice for the bike and run legs

World Cup circuit hits halfway mark in Huatulco

The halfway mark of the 2015 ITU World Cup series has arrived with the elites crossing the Pacific to North America on to Huatulco, Mexico. The fourth stop of the eight-part circuit will see local favourites and international notables in both the men’s and women’s races pinned up against one another in the hot and hilly one-lap swim, four-lap bike and two-lap run sprint course. Women’s Preview: Lisa Perterer (AUT) tops the women’s start list. She earned the silver medal in Huatulco in 2013 and has had three top-five finishes this season including a bronze medal in the Chengdu World Cup last month. USA’s Renee Tomlin has been having her best season to date. A newcomer in the sport, she will be making her debut in Huatulco after finishing in second in New Plymouth and first in Chengdu this season—her first World Cup title. Despite some unfamiliar placing this season, Erin Densham (AUS) enters the Mexican sprint with seasoned experience and results. Two years of injury and illness has given the Aussie some troubles, but despite battling a slightly torn hamstring, she put up a phenomenal run in WTS London and has been able to get in a solid block of training this year and continues to improve each race. The veteran and 2012 London Olympic bronze medallist has yet to race in Huatulco and is sure to impress on Sunday. Also marking the start list is Mateja Simic (SLO), who podiumed last year in Huatulco with her third-place finish. Felicity Sheedy-Ryan (AUS) is a duathlon World Champion, while she has spent more time focusing on triathlon the last few years, she is sure to be among the leaderboard in the bike and run legs. Women’s Start List Men’s Preview: Mexican hometown heroes Crisanto Grajales and Irving Perez line up as the first two names on the men’s start list. Grajales has seen a most improved 2015 season so far, posting three top-ten finishes in the World Triathlon Series. His best race to date this season resulted in Yokohama, when he earned fifth place. While historically he has not seen the best results in Huatulco, Grajales’ continuous advancements in the rankings could put him in a good position to make his first 2015 podium. Perez took the bronze medal in Huatulco in 2013. While his best finish this year was in the Chengdu World Cup at tenth, he proved that he can handle the hot and humid Huatulco heat. The reigning 2014 Huatulco champion Luciano Taccone (ARG) returns to the Pacific coastal city to potentially reclaim his...

Triathlon bikes buyers guide 2015

They may be heavier than road bikes but a trispecific steed can give you both extra speed and comfort during the second discipline

Race faster on a budget stack training nutrition and technology in your favour

Cash wellspent can sometimes help you achieve better race results But the best things in triathlon are often free

Challenge Bahrain confirmed for November 2015

Triple Crown Grand Final to go ahead as planned as worlds first halfdistance night triathlon

Escape from Alcatraz 2015 in pics

We round up the best images from the 35th edition of this iconic race

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Jim Gourleys The Race Within book review

An excellent tome that delves into the 30 year history of the Ultraman Triathlon

Fastnet Triathlon Video

Chris Mintern and Cliodhna Spain were victorious at the Fastnet Triathlon, expertly hosted by Schull Triathlon Club.

Challenge Galway bike route revealed

180km single loop promises breathtaking Irish coastal scenery and joins the Wild Atlantic Way

Monday, June 8, 2015

McGlynn 4th in France

Paratriathlete Aidan McGlynn finished just outside the podium positions in what was his best ever result at World Paratriathlon level.

Ironman to host 703 Middle East Champs in Bahrain this December

World Triathlon Corporation says Ironman 703 Dubai will go ahead in early 2016

Sunday, June 7, 2015

Friday, June 5, 2015

Cateye Strada Smart bike computer review

Just the job to stop you riding blind if you use your smartphone to collect data though the app needs tweaking

Train with Dave Scott full details confirmed Register now

6x Ironman world champ and tri legend to host free UK training sessions and talks on 11th and 12th June 2015 limited places available

Explained why lactic acid is your friend not foe

Despite its reputation as a performance limiter we reveal how lactic acid is actually what boosts your aerobic and anaerobic power

Moment of truth at Ironman Lanzarote blog

Will the Three Amigos drunken bet end in glory Race day arrives and agegrouper Peter Slater has to make a difficult decision

Profile Design Aero HC Drink System review

Good value and a decent design with just a few niggles says our tester

Ut Swimrun 2015 in pics

Wind cold water and waves greet athletes in Swedens Stockholm peninsula

Outlaw Half 2015 in pics

All the best pics from this years wet n windy race

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Historic first-ever duathlon held in Zambia at Olympic Youth Development Centre

A duathlon was held at the Olympic Youth Duathlon Centre in Zambia for the first time this weekend, with more than 100 young athletes taking part in the run-bike-run race. “Holding a duathlon at the OYDC is a monumental first step in the extended development of multisport races in Africa,” said ITU President and IOC Member Marisol Casado. “We are looking forward to continuing to work on the important project of integrating triathlon as a sport for the athletes at the OYDC.” Ranging in age from 16-20 years old, athletes had the option to participate in two race distances - a 2km run, 8km cycle, 1km run event or the longer 5km run, 20km bike, 2.5km run. Supported by the Athletics Federation, the National Sport Council joined the historic event as the guest of honor while hundreds of spectators lined up to cheer the young duathletes on. Spectators and athletes were treated to music from local popular artists and the OYDC’s own cultural dance troupe. “With this we can now say we are looking forward to coach training and development support from ITU and like the unexpected heroes we keep producing in the other sports at the Centre, Zambian triathletes will soon stand on the medal podiums at Africa and on world stages,” said OYDC Centre Director Clement Chileshe.

Plan your first race our ultimate beginners guide

We present the definitive guide to planning your first raceday experience so youre fully prepped and raring to go

Powerbar Performance Smoothie review

Tasty satiating and very natural

Outlaw Half 2015 race report

Tough conditions and brutal headwinds tire all athletes in Nottingham last weekend

Boris Johnson nominated for Tri2Cure challenge

British elite Will Clarke invites Mayor of London to take part in new grassroots triathlon movement and help raise money for Anticancer Fund

WTS London 2015 elite men in pics

We look back at the key moments from Hyde Park where the Brownlee brothers experienced wildly different fortunes

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Ali Brownlee wins in dramatic Hyde Park race

Brother Jonny Brownlee struggles with a puncture to finish 42nd

Tiger Frog Iron Tiger trisuit review

Can Shropshires latest sleeved offering do the business

James McManus Triathlon Results

The third annual James McManus Memorial Triathlon took place in fine conditions in West Cavan on Saturdaymorning albeit a little cooler than we're used to in late May.

Sub1hr run session Fatigue fighter

This workout for intermediate athletes will teach you to to pace yourself over the half marathon of a 703

McGynn 6th in London Paratriathlon

Elite paratriathlete Aidan McGlynn continued his run of good form with a 6th place finish at the London World Paratriathlon.

Monday, June 1, 2015

Trinidad National Duathlon Championships in the Queens Park Savannah sees large turnout of Athletes

This Years National Duathlon Championships saw a increased turnout of Athletes. The Race saw a total of 152 Athletes at the startline in the Standard and Sprint distance as well as the two Person Relay. Gavyn Nero was crowned the 2015 National Duathlon Champion in a time of 2:03:27 hrs, followed by Veterans Clarence Tobais and Raymond Ramcharan. The Ladies Title was taken home by Maria Gooding in 2:50:13 hrs. The National Junior Duathlon Champion Title went to Joshua Ho in a time of 59:38 mins followed by Christian Gillette and Hayden Reid. The National Female Junior Duathlon Champion Title went to Lilly Stauble in a time of 1:15:31 hrs with the sisters Cailin and Pascale Bell taking second and third place.