Friday, April 29, 2016
Ironman Run Strategies
pFrom the physical to the mental Andy Bullock arms you with the tools you need to tackle the unique challenge of the Ironman Marathonp
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
2016 Jincheon ASTC-ITU Continental Development Camp
The ASTC-ITU Continental Development Camp took place in the Jincheon Korea National Training Center April 21-27 right before the 2016 Hatsukaichi ASTC Asian Triathlon Championships.
The camp aimed at preparing Team ASTC athletes and emerging SD athletes for the upcoming Hatsukaichi Asian Championships. Under the guidance of Peter Clifford (ITU facilitator from Australia), five coaches from four countries implemented the skill based training sessions in cooperation with fellow coaches.
“It is my great pleasure to train in such a great training center with all world class training facilities and equipment, not to mention the accommodations and meals. It is also great that I can use the training facilities anytime. All of our participants enjoyed the camp and learned a lot.” Said Jeremia Christy
“I am really happy to see the progress of Team ASTC and Emerging SD athletes. The athletes will keep their hard work up towards their goals. They will get there. Endurance sport is just like hair growing. We don't realize how well athletes' performance is improving within a couple of days. However, a couple of months and years of consistent and well planned training makes a big difference.” Said Peter Clifford.
“ASTC's recent sport development goal is to keep up the development of athletes and coaches. To achieve this goal, we decided to have more training camps to boost the development. I am certain that the regular checks on the progress of the Team ASTC and emerging SD athletes through the camps will be a key to success for the sustainable our sport development. Now I can see the change in our athletes' attitude on training. They are more concentrated and eager.” Said Ki, Woo Kyong, ASTC coordinator.
Next project in Asia the 2016 Hatsukaichi ITU Technical Officials Level 2 Seminar May 2 to 3, 2016.
The camp aimed at preparing Team ASTC athletes and emerging SD athletes for the upcoming Hatsukaichi Asian Championships. Under the guidance of Peter Clifford (ITU facilitator from Australia), five coaches from four countries implemented the skill based training sessions in cooperation with fellow coaches.
“It is my great pleasure to train in such a great training center with all world class training facilities and equipment, not to mention the accommodations and meals. It is also great that I can use the training facilities anytime. All of our participants enjoyed the camp and learned a lot.” Said Jeremia Christy
“I am really happy to see the progress of Team ASTC and Emerging SD athletes. The athletes will keep their hard work up towards their goals. They will get there. Endurance sport is just like hair growing. We don't realize how well athletes' performance is improving within a couple of days. However, a couple of months and years of consistent and well planned training makes a big difference.” Said Peter Clifford.
“ASTC's recent sport development goal is to keep up the development of athletes and coaches. To achieve this goal, we decided to have more training camps to boost the development. I am certain that the regular checks on the progress of the Team ASTC and emerging SD athletes through the camps will be a key to success for the sustainable our sport development. Now I can see the change in our athletes' attitude on training. They are more concentrated and eager.” Said Ki, Woo Kyong, ASTC coordinator.
Next project in Asia the 2016 Hatsukaichi ITU Technical Officials Level 2 Seminar May 2 to 3, 2016.
Rio Olympic kit launched
The Olympic and Paralympic British team kit from Adidas designed by Stella McCartney has been launched what do you think
Monday, April 25, 2016
British paratriathletes medal at ITU World event in Australia
Two golds and two silvers for British paratriathlon squad in Penrith Sydney
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Fernando Alarza captures first-time WTS gold
It was a day of firsts in the elite men's race, as Spaniard Fernando Alarza earned his first-ever career World Triathlon Series win at the Discovery World Triathlon Cape Town on Sunday.
Showing no sign of weakness over the entire five-kilometre run, Alarza's victory meant the WTS circuit remains dominated by the Spaniards as Cape Town becomes the third consecutive race to be won by Spain this year.
Excited to finally reach the top of the podium, Alarza said, “A sprint distance is good for me. I think I had the best race of my life. I am so happy because now I think I qualify for Rio finally. I am now going to train hard for Rio. Today was amazing, I was very motivated. Today I was just very good and feeling good. It was a very strong run.”
Improving one position from his bronze in Gold Coast, Great Britain's Jonathan Brownlee captured the silver medal, while the bronze went to France's Dorain Coninx, who also stepped on the WTS podium for the first time.
Brownlee said of his finish today, “I didn't finish in a stretcher today, so that was a start! The last few weeks I have felt terrible since the Gold Coast, it just takes a lot out of you doing that. I wasn't even sure if I was going to start today because I felt that bad. But as we came out of the swim and the bike, we tried to keep the really fast runners behind. Dorian and I really led on the bike, he was as strong as an ox on the bike, we played very tactical on the bike. And while second is not a victory, but from where I was two weeks ago, it is a big improvement.”
The men toed the line with wetsuits, ready to battle the chilly water conditions with only a 750-metre lap to swim. Shortly into the first leg, the men started to string out, with Aurelien Rapheal (FRA) and Richard Varga (SVK) leading out in front. And while the two were able to exit the waters first, a mass of men followed and caused congestion going into the first transition zone.
However, getting a slight advantage away from the large swim pack, the bike started out with 11 men grouping together that was led out by Brownlee and Alarza. The pack also included the likes of Tony Dodds (NZL), Coninx, Varga, Rapheal and Andreas Salvisburg (SUI).
The pack was quickly joined by South Africa's Henri Schoeman, Jonas Schomburg (TUR) and Pierre Le Corre (FRA) joined after the second lap to make the lead tally 14.
Leading the chase was Mario Mola (ESP), who worked tirelessly to control the over 30-man group in an...
Showing no sign of weakness over the entire five-kilometre run, Alarza's victory meant the WTS circuit remains dominated by the Spaniards as Cape Town becomes the third consecutive race to be won by Spain this year.
Excited to finally reach the top of the podium, Alarza said, “A sprint distance is good for me. I think I had the best race of my life. I am so happy because now I think I qualify for Rio finally. I am now going to train hard for Rio. Today was amazing, I was very motivated. Today I was just very good and feeling good. It was a very strong run.”
Improving one position from his bronze in Gold Coast, Great Britain's Jonathan Brownlee captured the silver medal, while the bronze went to France's Dorain Coninx, who also stepped on the WTS podium for the first time.
Brownlee said of his finish today, “I didn't finish in a stretcher today, so that was a start! The last few weeks I have felt terrible since the Gold Coast, it just takes a lot out of you doing that. I wasn't even sure if I was going to start today because I felt that bad. But as we came out of the swim and the bike, we tried to keep the really fast runners behind. Dorian and I really led on the bike, he was as strong as an ox on the bike, we played very tactical on the bike. And while second is not a victory, but from where I was two weeks ago, it is a big improvement.”
The men toed the line with wetsuits, ready to battle the chilly water conditions with only a 750-metre lap to swim. Shortly into the first leg, the men started to string out, with Aurelien Rapheal (FRA) and Richard Varga (SVK) leading out in front. And while the two were able to exit the waters first, a mass of men followed and caused congestion going into the first transition zone.
However, getting a slight advantage away from the large swim pack, the bike started out with 11 men grouping together that was led out by Brownlee and Alarza. The pack also included the likes of Tony Dodds (NZL), Coninx, Varga, Rapheal and Andreas Salvisburg (SUI).
The pack was quickly joined by South Africa's Henri Schoeman, Jonas Schomburg (TUR) and Pierre Le Corre (FRA) joined after the second lap to make the lead tally 14.
Leading the chase was Mario Mola (ESP), who worked tirelessly to control the over 30-man group in an...
World Triathlon Series Cape Town Fernando Alarza claims first WTS victory
Fernando Alarza pulled off a shock in Cape Town today winning over hot favourite and Spanish teammate Mario Mola to surely secure his selection for the Olympic games
Friday, April 22, 2016
Para-triathlon nominations on the line in Penrith WPE
The chase for qualifications points toward September's Paralympic Games continues for para-triathletes at the 2016 Penrith International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Para-Triathlon Event (WPE). The race is set for Sunday (24 April) in Castlereagh, Australia, and will be especially important for the Australian racers, as their selections will take place in May.
PT1
Five-time world champion Bill Chaffey earned a quota place for Team Australia last year with his win at the 2015 World Championships in Chicago, USA. However he will need to maintain his No. 1 position in overall points heading into selections. Chaffey has done well so far in 2016 to keep his spot, with wins at the Devonport Oceania Triathlon Union (OUT) Para-Triathlon Oceania Championships and the Australian Para-Triathlon National Championships.
Chaffey will be challenged by fellow Australian Nic Beveridge and Great Britain's Joseph Townsend. Beveridge will be seeking top qualifications points after finishing third at the Devonport race and fourth at the National Championships. Townsend was named to the British elite squad in March, and will be looking for his first win of 2016.
The women's race will be one of homegrown favourites. Emily Tapp and Sarah Tait each have a first place win under their belts for 2016. Tapp finished first at the Oceania Championships while Tait won at the National Championships.
PT2
Australians Brant Garvey and Glen Jarvis highlight the field, and will challenged by Brazil's Andre Barbieri, Great Britain's Andrew Lewis and the USA's Brian Norberg.
Norberg and Barbieri, who finished second and third at the 2016 Sarasota CAMTRI Para-triathlon American Championship, will search for points before their team selections this summer. With his finish at that Continental Championship, Norberg met the qualification standards for USA Triathlon to provisionally earn a spot in Rio. However quota spots will not be confirmed until the end of the ITU season on 30 June. Brazilian selections will take place in July.
Lewis was selected for the British elite para-triathlon squad in March.
Kimberly Fawcett-Smith will be looking for her second win of the season after finishing first at the Canadian Para-Triathlon National Championships. She will be challenged by Russia's Veronika Gabitova, Japan's Yakuza Hata, and the USA's Sarah Reinersten.
PT3
Australian national champion Justin Godfrey will take on Brazil's Leonardo Curvelo. Highlights of Curvelo's 2016...
PT1
Five-time world champion Bill Chaffey earned a quota place for Team Australia last year with his win at the 2015 World Championships in Chicago, USA. However he will need to maintain his No. 1 position in overall points heading into selections. Chaffey has done well so far in 2016 to keep his spot, with wins at the Devonport Oceania Triathlon Union (OUT) Para-Triathlon Oceania Championships and the Australian Para-Triathlon National Championships.
Chaffey will be challenged by fellow Australian Nic Beveridge and Great Britain's Joseph Townsend. Beveridge will be seeking top qualifications points after finishing third at the Devonport race and fourth at the National Championships. Townsend was named to the British elite squad in March, and will be looking for his first win of 2016.
The women's race will be one of homegrown favourites. Emily Tapp and Sarah Tait each have a first place win under their belts for 2016. Tapp finished first at the Oceania Championships while Tait won at the National Championships.
PT2
Australians Brant Garvey and Glen Jarvis highlight the field, and will challenged by Brazil's Andre Barbieri, Great Britain's Andrew Lewis and the USA's Brian Norberg.
Norberg and Barbieri, who finished second and third at the 2016 Sarasota CAMTRI Para-triathlon American Championship, will search for points before their team selections this summer. With his finish at that Continental Championship, Norberg met the qualification standards for USA Triathlon to provisionally earn a spot in Rio. However quota spots will not be confirmed until the end of the ITU season on 30 June. Brazilian selections will take place in July.
Lewis was selected for the British elite para-triathlon squad in March.
Kimberly Fawcett-Smith will be looking for her second win of the season after finishing first at the Canadian Para-Triathlon National Championships. She will be challenged by Russia's Veronika Gabitova, Japan's Yakuza Hata, and the USA's Sarah Reinersten.
PT3
Australian national champion Justin Godfrey will take on Brazil's Leonardo Curvelo. Highlights of Curvelo's 2016...
Olympic distance triathlons 9 of the UKs fastest
Want a PB this season We check out 9 of the UKs fastest standarddistance triathlon courses that will give you every chance of gaining your fastest ever time
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Athletes talk about #WTSCapeTown
Gillian Sanders –
On racing at home
“I've got my family here, I've got friends here. Everyone is cheering you on, it just gives you that extra energy. It's indescribable really, being in a familiar environment is fantastic.”
Wian Sullwald -
On his fitness
“I've had a few decent results since. In 2016, I've been sidelined for about eight weeks. I had a tear in my lateral knee ligaments that forced me to withdraw from Abu Dhabi, Gold Coast and shift my focus to Chengdu. My swim and cycle were respectable, but my running wasn't really there. It's a bit more relaxing that this weekend will be a sprint – from a fitness perspective.”
On racing at home
“I like racing on the big stage, it gives you that bit of energy that you need. Racing in Cape Town, at home in front of South Africans, there really aren't words to describe it. We spend most of the year traveling around the world racing in foreign places, so racing in a familiar place, not only in front of a home crowd, but in front of our families as well makes it so much easier.”
Flora Duffy –
On making it on the podium
“It would be nice to break the “fourth” streak, but at least I'm consistent. There's a great field here, you have Non Stanford and Vicky Holland starting their season here. As you know, they were outstanding last year, so I think they will be very tough competitors. With it being a sprint distance, that throws different dynamics into the race. I really look forward to racing here on Sunday.”
On the race being a sprint distance
“Last year I was 27th, I wasn't really even able to walk before race, but just sucked it up and didn't run after the race for eight weeks. This year I'm coming in with much better form, just 5km after 20km bike so you get through the first lap and it's like 'ok, one more lap, I can do this'. Hopefully I have some speed left in my legs after Abu Dhabi and Gold Coast. Ya, I'm hopeful.”
Mario Mola –
On going for a win this weekend
“Of course, that's the goal, but everyone's goal is to do their best. There are 64 other athletes here that have the same goal as I have. But that's what makes our sport exciting. Hopefully I'll have a good result on Sunday.”
On his fast run
“Last season, we had a good run in Hamburg, with Richard there. It's important to have a good run and have confidence on the run. But with how small the difference is at the end of the day, if you want to contend...
On racing at home
“I've got my family here, I've got friends here. Everyone is cheering you on, it just gives you that extra energy. It's indescribable really, being in a familiar environment is fantastic.”
Wian Sullwald -
On his fitness
“I've had a few decent results since. In 2016, I've been sidelined for about eight weeks. I had a tear in my lateral knee ligaments that forced me to withdraw from Abu Dhabi, Gold Coast and shift my focus to Chengdu. My swim and cycle were respectable, but my running wasn't really there. It's a bit more relaxing that this weekend will be a sprint – from a fitness perspective.”
On racing at home
“I like racing on the big stage, it gives you that bit of energy that you need. Racing in Cape Town, at home in front of South Africans, there really aren't words to describe it. We spend most of the year traveling around the world racing in foreign places, so racing in a familiar place, not only in front of a home crowd, but in front of our families as well makes it so much easier.”
Flora Duffy –
On making it on the podium
“It would be nice to break the “fourth” streak, but at least I'm consistent. There's a great field here, you have Non Stanford and Vicky Holland starting their season here. As you know, they were outstanding last year, so I think they will be very tough competitors. With it being a sprint distance, that throws different dynamics into the race. I really look forward to racing here on Sunday.”
On the race being a sprint distance
“Last year I was 27th, I wasn't really even able to walk before race, but just sucked it up and didn't run after the race for eight weeks. This year I'm coming in with much better form, just 5km after 20km bike so you get through the first lap and it's like 'ok, one more lap, I can do this'. Hopefully I have some speed left in my legs after Abu Dhabi and Gold Coast. Ya, I'm hopeful.”
Mario Mola –
On going for a win this weekend
“Of course, that's the goal, but everyone's goal is to do their best. There are 64 other athletes here that have the same goal as I have. But that's what makes our sport exciting. Hopefully I'll have a good result on Sunday.”
On his fast run
“Last season, we had a good run in Hamburg, with Richard there. It's important to have a good run and have confidence on the run. But with how small the difference is at the end of the day, if you want to contend...
30 Speedwork Sessions
pIgnore speedwork at your peril says Paul Larkins By mixing up your run pace your overall run performance will come on in leaps and boundshellipp
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Specialized Alias Comp womans bike review
With a choice of seatposts and clipon aerobars the womens Alias Comp can be changed from a road to a tri raceday bike with relative ease Aiofe Glass takes it for a test cycle
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Female triathletes top 10 greatest ever
We have discussed debated and frankly argued furiously about who should make it onto our top 10 female triathletes of all time list do you agree with our chosen 10
Aussies set to pave the road to Rio at the Penrith WPE
The International Triathlon Union World Paratriathlon Event (WPE) this Sunday 24th April promises to deliver some exciting racing as the world's best paratriathletes vie for all important Paralympic qualifying points.
Held at the Sydney International Regatta Centre, the Penrith WPE is the last opportunity in Australia to gain selection points towards the Rio Paralympic Games where the sport will debut in September. The Penrith event will feature PT1 to PT5 ITU classes with a total of 10 medal events. Athletes are classified according to their activity limitation and impairment.
There is a huge field of Aussies in contention for Rio to watch out for this weekend.
· PT1 Men – Bill Chaffey, Nic Beveridge, Scott Crowley
· PT2 Men – Brant Garvey, Glen Jarvis
· PT4 Men – Jack Swift, Joshua Kassulke, Tony Scoleri
· PT4 Women – Kate Doughty, Claire McLean
A particularly strong field of PT4 women will see five out of the top eight from the 2015 World Championships going into battle. This includes Australia's own World Championship bronze medallist Kate Doughty and 2015 Sunshine Coast WPE winner Claire McLean, who will face off against current and former World Champions Lauren Steadman and Clare Cunningham (GBR)
Five times World Champion Australian Bill Chaffey (AUS) will go head to head with team mate Scott Crowley who finished second to him in the PT1 class at Oceania and National Championships this year. Chaffey and Crowley will be hoping to fend off other contenders ranked in the world top 10, Joe Townsend (GB), Nic Beveridge (AUS) and 2016 African Champion Anton Swanepoel (RSA) who is looking for retribution following a technical problem and subsequent DNF at the World Championships.
PT2 athlete Brant Garvey (AUS) is hoping to keep Andrew Lewis (GBR) at bay. Lewis made a critical mistake at the World Championships doing an extra lap on the bike course but Garvey recorded faster swim and run splits.
In the PT4 men's class Australia's Josh Kassulke will face strong opposition from ten of the 2015 World Championships field including his team mate Jack Swift, who will also have an additional battle for honours as the best below knee amputee in the world against Jamie Brown (USA).
Although their classification will not be included in Rio, Australian World Championships medallists Kerryn Harvey and Justin Godfrey, both PT3, will also...
Held at the Sydney International Regatta Centre, the Penrith WPE is the last opportunity in Australia to gain selection points towards the Rio Paralympic Games where the sport will debut in September. The Penrith event will feature PT1 to PT5 ITU classes with a total of 10 medal events. Athletes are classified according to their activity limitation and impairment.
There is a huge field of Aussies in contention for Rio to watch out for this weekend.
· PT1 Men – Bill Chaffey, Nic Beveridge, Scott Crowley
· PT2 Men – Brant Garvey, Glen Jarvis
· PT4 Men – Jack Swift, Joshua Kassulke, Tony Scoleri
· PT4 Women – Kate Doughty, Claire McLean
A particularly strong field of PT4 women will see five out of the top eight from the 2015 World Championships going into battle. This includes Australia's own World Championship bronze medallist Kate Doughty and 2015 Sunshine Coast WPE winner Claire McLean, who will face off against current and former World Champions Lauren Steadman and Clare Cunningham (GBR)
Five times World Champion Australian Bill Chaffey (AUS) will go head to head with team mate Scott Crowley who finished second to him in the PT1 class at Oceania and National Championships this year. Chaffey and Crowley will be hoping to fend off other contenders ranked in the world top 10, Joe Townsend (GB), Nic Beveridge (AUS) and 2016 African Champion Anton Swanepoel (RSA) who is looking for retribution following a technical problem and subsequent DNF at the World Championships.
PT2 athlete Brant Garvey (AUS) is hoping to keep Andrew Lewis (GBR) at bay. Lewis made a critical mistake at the World Championships doing an extra lap on the bike course but Garvey recorded faster swim and run splits.
In the PT4 men's class Australia's Josh Kassulke will face strong opposition from ten of the 2015 World Championships field including his team mate Jack Swift, who will also have an additional battle for honours as the best below knee amputee in the world against Jamie Brown (USA).
Although their classification will not be included in Rio, Australian World Championships medallists Kerryn Harvey and Justin Godfrey, both PT3, will also...
Monday, April 18, 2016
2016 Kitzbuehel World Cup cancelled
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the elite races at the 2016 Kitzbuehel ITU Triathlon World Cup have been cancelled. However, the junior races will continue as planned, and will be organized with the time-trial format that was scheduled to debut at the elite races.
“Despite our best efforts to identify a solution, in the end we were unsuccessful. Therefore, we believe that it is in the best interest of all to cancel this year's World Cup race as soon as possible to allow for Federations and athletes to change their race and travel plans. We do apologize for any inconvenience this causes, and hope to return as a host of ITU races in the future,” said Event Director Herwig Grabner.
“We are disappointed we will not be able to contest the World Cup race in Kitzbuehel this year, a city that has a storied history of hosting successful of ITU events. However, we remain committed to debuting new formats and will therefore introduce the time-trial format in the junior race so that we can explore how this format could be incorporated in future events,” said ITU President and IOC Member Marisol Casado.
To date, the Kitzbuehel World Cup will not be replaced on the 2016 schedule.
“Despite our best efforts to identify a solution, in the end we were unsuccessful. Therefore, we believe that it is in the best interest of all to cancel this year's World Cup race as soon as possible to allow for Federations and athletes to change their race and travel plans. We do apologize for any inconvenience this causes, and hope to return as a host of ITU races in the future,” said Event Director Herwig Grabner.
“We are disappointed we will not be able to contest the World Cup race in Kitzbuehel this year, a city that has a storied history of hosting successful of ITU events. However, we remain committed to debuting new formats and will therefore introduce the time-trial format in the junior race so that we can explore how this format could be incorporated in future events,” said ITU President and IOC Member Marisol Casado.
To date, the Kitzbuehel World Cup will not be replaced on the 2016 schedule.
Perfect your running technique 11 key components
We analyse the 11 key elements of good running form shared by the best runners in triathlon and how they increase your efficiency and reduce the risk of injury
Saturday, April 16, 2016
Cook with winning recipe in Chengdu
As with the men's race, it was a first time ITU World Cup winner in the women's with Summer Cook (USA) taking gold ahead of Claire Michel (BEL) and Lisa Perterer (AUT) at the 2016 ITU Chengdu World Cup.
After a mass exit off the bike leg, Cook was clearly the strongest runner in the field, moving clear of a cramping Michel at the 5km mark to win by 37 seconds, with another 19 seconds back to Perterer - winning the bronze medal courtesy of a sprint finish ahead of Yuliya Yelistratova (UKR), on a perfect day in Jintang county, Chengdu.
A Russian dominated lead group of eight established a 17-second lead out of the water with Anastasia Abrosimova, Valentina Zapatrina and Anastasia Gorbunova to the fore, along with Cook (USA), Gaia Peron (TUR), Cecilia Flores (MEX) and the Chinese pair of Mengying Zhong and Xiaoting Ma going clear of the field.
But unlike the earlier men's race, no one was able to lead or manage a breakaway, with the field eventually coming together in one large bunch of 36 on the fourth lap of six on the bike, in the process throwing the likes of Michel, Perterer, Yelistratova (UKR) and Agnieszka Jerzyk (POL) a lifeline after trailing out of the water.
The final two laps on the 6.67km bike circuit were largely controlled with the only jostling coming in the final approach to T2 as leading athletes looked to gain vital seconds through transition and onto the run leg.
Cook and Michel proved the strongest as they edged clear on the run, the margin a reasonably small 10 seconds at the end of the first 2.5km lap, but late on lap two Cook turned up the heat to move six seconds clear of Michel, with the chasers led by Perterer and Yelistratova now falling away, albeit in a tight tussle themselves for the bronze medal.
The American controlled the final lap expertly to notch a career first World Cup win and was understandably delighted with the gold medal.
“I am really happy, this just validates all the work I put in over the winter, I am very excited at all the hard work paying off and continuing to work just as hard moving forward. Today was the first time I was able to execute some of those things I have been working on and so happy that I was able to back it up with my best result ever.
“I raced here last year and there was a pack of 60 girls off the bike and I expected the same here again this year, finding good position going into T2 was the one of the few things I didn't execute well though! But I positioned myself better...
After a mass exit off the bike leg, Cook was clearly the strongest runner in the field, moving clear of a cramping Michel at the 5km mark to win by 37 seconds, with another 19 seconds back to Perterer - winning the bronze medal courtesy of a sprint finish ahead of Yuliya Yelistratova (UKR), on a perfect day in Jintang county, Chengdu.
A Russian dominated lead group of eight established a 17-second lead out of the water with Anastasia Abrosimova, Valentina Zapatrina and Anastasia Gorbunova to the fore, along with Cook (USA), Gaia Peron (TUR), Cecilia Flores (MEX) and the Chinese pair of Mengying Zhong and Xiaoting Ma going clear of the field.
But unlike the earlier men's race, no one was able to lead or manage a breakaway, with the field eventually coming together in one large bunch of 36 on the fourth lap of six on the bike, in the process throwing the likes of Michel, Perterer, Yelistratova (UKR) and Agnieszka Jerzyk (POL) a lifeline after trailing out of the water.
The final two laps on the 6.67km bike circuit were largely controlled with the only jostling coming in the final approach to T2 as leading athletes looked to gain vital seconds through transition and onto the run leg.
Cook and Michel proved the strongest as they edged clear on the run, the margin a reasonably small 10 seconds at the end of the first 2.5km lap, but late on lap two Cook turned up the heat to move six seconds clear of Michel, with the chasers led by Perterer and Yelistratova now falling away, albeit in a tight tussle themselves for the bronze medal.
The American controlled the final lap expertly to notch a career first World Cup win and was understandably delighted with the gold medal.
“I am really happy, this just validates all the work I put in over the winter, I am very excited at all the hard work paying off and continuing to work just as hard moving forward. Today was the first time I was able to execute some of those things I have been working on and so happy that I was able to back it up with my best result ever.
“I raced here last year and there was a pack of 60 girls off the bike and I expected the same here again this year, finding good position going into T2 was the one of the few things I didn't execute well though! But I positioned myself better...
Friday, April 15, 2016
Could agegroup triathletes feature at Glasgows European Sports Championships
The Games could offer the tantalising prospect of the finest agegroup triathletes being the only amateurs racing there
Lawrence Fanous putting Jordan on the triathlon map
The idea of the ITU Development Programme and Team ITU has been around for some time, in fact this year sees the celebration of ten years of investment in developing young athletes and indeed national programmes that might not otherwise have access to the resources needed to impress on the world stage.
Amongst those in the current intake is one of the more fascinating stories in the sport, Lawrence Fanous races for Jordan – not the most likely triathlon nation in the world, but if this 29 year old has his way, that won't always be the case.
ITU caught up with Fanous and longtime ITU Development Coach Mick Delamotte while in Chengdu for the ITU World Cup race, as Fanous continued his quest for a spot on the start line at the Rio Olympic Games.
Delamotte has been part of the ITU Development scene almost since it began, working with young and developing athletes since 2007, helping them achieve their goals in the sport.
“I love what I do and the people I work with,” said Delamotte. “I am seeing athletes with an opportunity to go to races with a support team of other athletes and coaches from around the world in a programme that gives them the best opportunity to perform and meet their dreams of hopefully going to an Olympic Games, which is really what this is all about.”
And that is certainly the dream of Fanous, who moved to the UK with his Jordanian father and British mother when he was just 6 years old. To that point Taekwondo was the sport in his young life, Fanous was already halfway to a black belt on arrival in the UK, but once there his attention turned to swimming and running, and eventually to triathlon, the sport he hopes will be his pathway to the Olympic Games.
“I hope to quality for Rio in one of two or possibly three ways – first the Asian Championships in two weeks' time, if I win that I secure an automatic spot for my country, that is the main plan. Last year I had a pretty shocking year, I had lots of crashes. I collapsed at the Asian Champs last year 500 metres from the line, and didn't get any points pretty much from Abu Dhabi until September – no points which really hampered things badly, especially the Asian Champs which would have put me first or second in the running for the Asian flag on ITU points to get a spot in Rio. I have a lot of work to do, but a good result here at Chengdu and the Asian Champs in two weeks and then more races after that, even then it will still be up in the air.”
Delamotte loves...
Amongst those in the current intake is one of the more fascinating stories in the sport, Lawrence Fanous races for Jordan – not the most likely triathlon nation in the world, but if this 29 year old has his way, that won't always be the case.
ITU caught up with Fanous and longtime ITU Development Coach Mick Delamotte while in Chengdu for the ITU World Cup race, as Fanous continued his quest for a spot on the start line at the Rio Olympic Games.
Delamotte has been part of the ITU Development scene almost since it began, working with young and developing athletes since 2007, helping them achieve their goals in the sport.
“I love what I do and the people I work with,” said Delamotte. “I am seeing athletes with an opportunity to go to races with a support team of other athletes and coaches from around the world in a programme that gives them the best opportunity to perform and meet their dreams of hopefully going to an Olympic Games, which is really what this is all about.”
And that is certainly the dream of Fanous, who moved to the UK with his Jordanian father and British mother when he was just 6 years old. To that point Taekwondo was the sport in his young life, Fanous was already halfway to a black belt on arrival in the UK, but once there his attention turned to swimming and running, and eventually to triathlon, the sport he hopes will be his pathway to the Olympic Games.
“I hope to quality for Rio in one of two or possibly three ways – first the Asian Championships in two weeks' time, if I win that I secure an automatic spot for my country, that is the main plan. Last year I had a pretty shocking year, I had lots of crashes. I collapsed at the Asian Champs last year 500 metres from the line, and didn't get any points pretty much from Abu Dhabi until September – no points which really hampered things badly, especially the Asian Champs which would have put me first or second in the running for the Asian flag on ITU points to get a spot in Rio. I have a lot of work to do, but a good result here at Chengdu and the Asian Champs in two weeks and then more races after that, even then it will still be up in the air.”
Delamotte loves...
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Depression a triathletes experience
Every year a quarter of us will suffer from a mental health problem including sports men and women Our columnist Tim Heming shares his experience
Senegal holds first triathlon championship
The Senegalese Federation of Triathlon is organising this year, the first Senegal championship of Triathlon. The organization of this championship was made possible by the International Triathlon training, 2015 Dakar ITU Technical Officials, Event Organizers and Coaches Community Level Seminar, that ITU had offered in October 2015. The workshop allowed the federation to train officials who can now officiate as referee in triathlon competitions.
The championship will be played in six events in different cities of Senegal. There will be three events in Dakar and three other events in Mbour, Saint-Louis and Ziguinchor. These cities were chosen because they are full of all conditions to organise competitions like the sea, good roads and hotels. Moreover, they are busy cities by foreign tourists.
With a total of six events, there will be five triathlons and one duathlon.
For the first edition of the championship, the sprint and standard distances will be in the program. Senegalese Triathlon Federation already have six affiliated clubs. These are the clubs that will participate in the first triathlon Senegal championship. In addition to members of affiliated clubs, competitions are open to individual triathletes, among them are many foreigners and French soldiers based in Senegal. Last week, a workshop was held to share with all affiliated clubs the championship regulation and the dates of competitions.
For each competition, there will be a team ranking and individual standings. At the end of the championship, the Senegalese Triathlon Federation will hold an official ceremony to reward the best triathletes in the championship.
The championship will be played in six events in different cities of Senegal. There will be three events in Dakar and three other events in Mbour, Saint-Louis and Ziguinchor. These cities were chosen because they are full of all conditions to organise competitions like the sea, good roads and hotels. Moreover, they are busy cities by foreign tourists.
With a total of six events, there will be five triathlons and one duathlon.
For the first edition of the championship, the sprint and standard distances will be in the program. Senegalese Triathlon Federation already have six affiliated clubs. These are the clubs that will participate in the first triathlon Senegal championship. In addition to members of affiliated clubs, competitions are open to individual triathletes, among them are many foreigners and French soldiers based in Senegal. Last week, a workshop was held to share with all affiliated clubs the championship regulation and the dates of competitions.
For each competition, there will be a team ranking and individual standings. At the end of the championship, the Senegalese Triathlon Federation will hold an official ceremony to reward the best triathletes in the championship.
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Parish Council votes to charge for Little Stoke parkrun opinion roundup
A Bristol Parish Council have provoked anger from the running community and beyond for suggesting parkrun a global notforprofit initiative to offer free timed 5k runs to all should pay to hold their weekly event at Little Stoke Park Heres whats been said online
International Coach Development Programme a success
A four-strong team of British Coach Developers, Emma Brunning, Paul Moss, Scott Murray and Shaun Green successfully delivered the programme; committed to ensuring that the sport of triathlon thrives in emerging and developing countries around the world.
Triathlon South Africa (TSA) President and ITU Executive Board Member, Dr Debbie Alexander, said: “The British Triathlon/ ITU coaching programme was amazing and it was a fantastic opportunity for all African Triathlon Union National Federation coaches. The TSA leadership were delighted to host this wonderful British Triathlon initiative supported by UK Sport, the ATU and the ITU.
“It is rare for coaches on the continent to have exposure to such expertise and to be coached by such an experienced coaching team. I wish to express our gratitude to British Triathlon and their coaches for the willingness to make a contribution to the development of our sport on the continent.”
Marisol Casado, ITU President & IOC member, added: “This is a great example of National Federations coming together to share their knowledge in an effort to grow triathlon. British Triathlon runs one of the most sophisticated coaching programs in our National Federation family.
British Triathlon National Coaching Manager, Paul Moss, added: “It was a pleasure to be able to provide this level of support to triathlon coaches in Africa. The tutors and I were impressed with the coaches' commitment to learning and being taken out of their comfort zone at times. Their motivation and enthusiasm for developing the sport was infectious and we are glad that we have been able to play a small part in their development as triathlon coaches.
The course was intensive, covering a lot of information, so they will now go on to feedback to their federations sharing on their learnings and receiving support from their British mentors.
We thank UK sport for their financial and technical support and to the tutors who were fantastic throughout the week. They represented British Triathlon and our coaching programmes very well and I couldn't have asked for more”.
Additional comments from the coaches:
“Thank you for a wonderful, soul searching, confidence building week. I feel like a different person; really motivated and ready to go.
Pam Fulton, Zimbabwe
Thank you to everyone involved in the inception, preparation and delivery of the British Triathlon's International Coach Development Programme held in Bloemfontein. It was world...
Triathlon South Africa (TSA) President and ITU Executive Board Member, Dr Debbie Alexander, said: “The British Triathlon/ ITU coaching programme was amazing and it was a fantastic opportunity for all African Triathlon Union National Federation coaches. The TSA leadership were delighted to host this wonderful British Triathlon initiative supported by UK Sport, the ATU and the ITU.
“It is rare for coaches on the continent to have exposure to such expertise and to be coached by such an experienced coaching team. I wish to express our gratitude to British Triathlon and their coaches for the willingness to make a contribution to the development of our sport on the continent.”
Marisol Casado, ITU President & IOC member, added: “This is a great example of National Federations coming together to share their knowledge in an effort to grow triathlon. British Triathlon runs one of the most sophisticated coaching programs in our National Federation family.
British Triathlon National Coaching Manager, Paul Moss, added: “It was a pleasure to be able to provide this level of support to triathlon coaches in Africa. The tutors and I were impressed with the coaches' commitment to learning and being taken out of their comfort zone at times. Their motivation and enthusiasm for developing the sport was infectious and we are glad that we have been able to play a small part in their development as triathlon coaches.
The course was intensive, covering a lot of information, so they will now go on to feedback to their federations sharing on their learnings and receiving support from their British mentors.
We thank UK sport for their financial and technical support and to the tutors who were fantastic throughout the week. They represented British Triathlon and our coaching programmes very well and I couldn't have asked for more”.
Additional comments from the coaches:
“Thank you for a wonderful, soul searching, confidence building week. I feel like a different person; really motivated and ready to go.
Pam Fulton, Zimbabwe
Thank you to everyone involved in the inception, preparation and delivery of the British Triathlon's International Coach Development Programme held in Bloemfontein. It was world...
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
World Cup season continues in Chengdu
As the 2016 season continues in full force, the third stop of the World Cup circuit is already upon us with the 2016 ITU Chengdu World Cup set for this Saturday. With just over a month to until Olympic qualification closes, Olympic qualifying is on the line as athletes fight to earn valuable points in the hopes of competing in Rio this summer. The elite athletes are set to compete on the standard-distance course, which offers a two-lap swim, hilly and technical six lap bike and four-lap run.
Women's Preview
Topping the women's field is Austrian Lisa Perterer, who has appeared on every World Triathlon Series and World Cup start list so far this year. But after just completing her best finish to date, by placing in the top ten in the Gold Coast, her increasing momentum is sure to make an impact in China. Last year, Perterer also took home the bronze medal in Chengdu, so it won't come as a surprise when she attempts to return to the podium.
Austrian compatriot Sara Vilic will be lining up right behind Perterer. Vilic started out the season strong, by placing within the top-ten in WTS Abu Dhabi and then just barely missing the podium with fourth in Mooloolaba. However, a string of bad luck has forced saw her “DNF”, so Chengdu is the perfect place to get back in the swing of things.
Last year's 2015 silver medallist Arina Shulgina (RUS) marks the start list, and, like Perterer, will go for another podium.
Audrey Merle (FRA) wowed the triathlon community when she was crowned the U23 World Champion in a photo finish. The French woman is now making strides in the elite category after earning a top-twenty finish in the WTS opener in Abu Dhabi. A talented runner with finishing speed, look out for this French lady in her first World Cup race of the season.
Chile's Valentina Carvallo and Ukraine's Yuliya Yelistratova are two women on the start list who both scored World Cup wins last year. Carvallo claimed victory in Huatulco last year and has been working with Team ITU as a scholarship athlete, so has been able to benefit from top training and coaching. Yelistratova took the Alanya title last year and was her first World Cup victory since 2010.
Other notable names for this Saturday is Spaniard Miriam Casillas Garcia and USA's Summer Cook. Cook is still a fresh name to the elite ITU world, but she earned a silver medal in Alanya last year and just finished eighth in New Plymouth in March. Casillas joined Cook on the 2015 Alanya...
Women's Preview
Topping the women's field is Austrian Lisa Perterer, who has appeared on every World Triathlon Series and World Cup start list so far this year. But after just completing her best finish to date, by placing in the top ten in the Gold Coast, her increasing momentum is sure to make an impact in China. Last year, Perterer also took home the bronze medal in Chengdu, so it won't come as a surprise when she attempts to return to the podium.
Austrian compatriot Sara Vilic will be lining up right behind Perterer. Vilic started out the season strong, by placing within the top-ten in WTS Abu Dhabi and then just barely missing the podium with fourth in Mooloolaba. However, a string of bad luck has forced saw her “DNF”, so Chengdu is the perfect place to get back in the swing of things.
Last year's 2015 silver medallist Arina Shulgina (RUS) marks the start list, and, like Perterer, will go for another podium.
Audrey Merle (FRA) wowed the triathlon community when she was crowned the U23 World Champion in a photo finish. The French woman is now making strides in the elite category after earning a top-twenty finish in the WTS opener in Abu Dhabi. A talented runner with finishing speed, look out for this French lady in her first World Cup race of the season.
Chile's Valentina Carvallo and Ukraine's Yuliya Yelistratova are two women on the start list who both scored World Cup wins last year. Carvallo claimed victory in Huatulco last year and has been working with Team ITU as a scholarship athlete, so has been able to benefit from top training and coaching. Yelistratova took the Alanya title last year and was her first World Cup victory since 2010.
Other notable names for this Saturday is Spaniard Miriam Casillas Garcia and USA's Summer Cook. Cook is still a fresh name to the elite ITU world, but she earned a silver medal in Alanya last year and just finished eighth in New Plymouth in March. Casillas joined Cook on the 2015 Alanya...
220 Triathlon Awards 2016 gallery
Here are the photographs from the 2016 220 Triathlon Awards where we recognised the the cream of UK triathlon and industry greats
Monday, April 11, 2016
Raceday run shoes for men 10 of the best for racing the run leg
To provide you with a triathlon boost its wise to have some specific racing shoes in your tri kit bag Jack Sexty tests and rates 10 pairs of raceday shoes
Saturday, April 9, 2016
Mola continues winning streak in Gold Coast
Keeping his undefeated 2016 streak alive, Spaniard Mario Mola executed a brilliant finishing run to win the 2016 Jewel World Triathlon Gold Coast on Saturday.
Conquering the Gold Coast heat, Mola was able to remain within the top tier from start to finish and then showcase his signature running speed in the final two and a half kilometres to bypass Great Britain's Jonathan Brownlee and compatriot Fernando Alarza. The win granted him his second WTS victory of the season and third-straight season win after also taking gold in the Mooloolaba World Cup.
Mola said of his win, “Yeah, it was really tough. Jonny was really strong during most of the run. I am very happy for Fernando that he got second place. I felt great during the whole race. I tried to stay in the front as much as I could on the bike in order to make it a 10k run and I think things went well and I am very happy with the result.”
Running past Brownlee in the final kilometre to earn the silver was Alarza, with Brownlee ending the day with bronze.
“It was an amazing final run, I thought I was only going to get the bronze medal and then when I saw that Jonny was down, I thought now, now now, so I am very happy with the silver medal,” Alarza said. “This is for my family and for my girlfriend. I think this was my best swim, my best cycle and a good run so I am just so very happy.”
The top men all positioned themselves on the right side of the pontoon, to try and make the most of the current at the Broadwater Parklands. As usual, it was Richard Varga (SVK) who led out the swim, followed by Igor Polyanskiy (RUS), Henri Schoeman (RSA) and Jonny Brownlee.
In the first lap of the bike they were joined by seven others, including Aaron Royle (AUS), Ben Kanute (USA) and Alessandro Fabian (ITA), to create a 12-strong lead pack on the bike.
But with the likes of Alistair Brownlee (GBR), Ryan Fisher (AUS), Ryan Bailie (AUS), Thomas Bishop (GBR) and Mola in the chase group, the leaders were hard-pressed to make their break stick.
A 15-second gap from the second lap was cut to nine seconds just one lap later, and they came together within the next kilometre where the peloton then tallied 29.
An episode of breakaway attempts then occurred in the latter half of the bike leg. Alistair Brownlee was first to enjoy a solo ride and his pushed through a lap on his own. But he retreated back to the pack when he was unable to gain any company.
It was then that Ben Shaw (IRL) and Tom Bishop (GBR) went...
Conquering the Gold Coast heat, Mola was able to remain within the top tier from start to finish and then showcase his signature running speed in the final two and a half kilometres to bypass Great Britain's Jonathan Brownlee and compatriot Fernando Alarza. The win granted him his second WTS victory of the season and third-straight season win after also taking gold in the Mooloolaba World Cup.
Mola said of his win, “Yeah, it was really tough. Jonny was really strong during most of the run. I am very happy for Fernando that he got second place. I felt great during the whole race. I tried to stay in the front as much as I could on the bike in order to make it a 10k run and I think things went well and I am very happy with the result.”
Running past Brownlee in the final kilometre to earn the silver was Alarza, with Brownlee ending the day with bronze.
“It was an amazing final run, I thought I was only going to get the bronze medal and then when I saw that Jonny was down, I thought now, now now, so I am very happy with the silver medal,” Alarza said. “This is for my family and for my girlfriend. I think this was my best swim, my best cycle and a good run so I am just so very happy.”
The top men all positioned themselves on the right side of the pontoon, to try and make the most of the current at the Broadwater Parklands. As usual, it was Richard Varga (SVK) who led out the swim, followed by Igor Polyanskiy (RUS), Henri Schoeman (RSA) and Jonny Brownlee.
In the first lap of the bike they were joined by seven others, including Aaron Royle (AUS), Ben Kanute (USA) and Alessandro Fabian (ITA), to create a 12-strong lead pack on the bike.
But with the likes of Alistair Brownlee (GBR), Ryan Fisher (AUS), Ryan Bailie (AUS), Thomas Bishop (GBR) and Mola in the chase group, the leaders were hard-pressed to make their break stick.
A 15-second gap from the second lap was cut to nine seconds just one lap later, and they came together within the next kilometre where the peloton then tallied 29.
An episode of breakaway attempts then occurred in the latter half of the bike leg. Alistair Brownlee was first to enjoy a solo ride and his pushed through a lap on his own. But he retreated back to the pack when he was unable to gain any company.
It was then that Ben Shaw (IRL) and Tom Bishop (GBR) went...
Here are the 2016 220 Triathlon Award Winners
Javier Gomez Gwen Jorgensen and Emma Pooley were among the many stars that were crowned at a glittering ceremony in London
Friday, April 8, 2016
Helen Jenkins gets back on top in Gold Coast
In a race that showcased two hours of pure entertainment and excitement, Great Britain's Helen Jenkins was named the victor of Gold Coast, earning herself her first World Triathlon Series win since 2012.
Jenkins performance was a display of strength and determination as she was dominant throughout the entirety of the race that resulted in an emotional finish.
“I can't quite believe it,” said Jenkins on her Gold Coast victory. “I did not have the best swim today and then on the bike, because it was so technical it was just as hard even if you were at the front, so I sat in and me, Flora and Andrea were able to get a gap. I have so much respect for those girls, they were smashing it today. And I got to the run and just went for it. But the whole time I was waiting for Gwen, you can never underestimate how quick Gwen's running is.”
With her gold locked in, the thrill continued in the battle for silver and bronze as USA's Gwen Jorgensen came from a ninety-second deficit after the bike to out-sprint New Zealand's Andrea Hewitt on the blue carpet to earn the silver. Hewitt then was awarded the bronze.
Jorgensen said of her come-from-behind finish, “Helen was really strong today and she was the better athlete. Her, Andrea and Flora were riding really strong and yeah they just had a great race. I was just trying to run as fast as I could, a lot goes through your head and it is hot out there. They were running amazing and they just had a great race. It didn't even look like I was gaining any ground on Helen, she was just going for it. It is great to be back racing against Helen, she was gone for a bit, so it was great to see her race well.”
Under hot and humid conditions on the Gold Coast, Spain's Carolina Routier led again through the swim, setting a cracking pace that helped to split the field from the first long lap of 1000 metres.
Routier, alongside Kirsten Kasper (USA), Nicky Samuels (NZL) and Katie Zafares (USA) led a group of just over 20 out of transition, that also included favourites like Jorgensen, Jenkins and Aussie Emma Moffatt.
The group eventually dwindled down to tally 18-strong, with Flora Duffy (BER) and Jenkins taking turns forging the pack and pushing the pace.
The chase group entered the first transition about 20 seconds behind the leaders, with contenders Ashleigh Gentle (AUS) and Jodie Stimpson (GBR) leading the charge. By the end of the first bike lap the gap to the leaders was 46 seconds, and on the technical...
Jenkins performance was a display of strength and determination as she was dominant throughout the entirety of the race that resulted in an emotional finish.
“I can't quite believe it,” said Jenkins on her Gold Coast victory. “I did not have the best swim today and then on the bike, because it was so technical it was just as hard even if you were at the front, so I sat in and me, Flora and Andrea were able to get a gap. I have so much respect for those girls, they were smashing it today. And I got to the run and just went for it. But the whole time I was waiting for Gwen, you can never underestimate how quick Gwen's running is.”
With her gold locked in, the thrill continued in the battle for silver and bronze as USA's Gwen Jorgensen came from a ninety-second deficit after the bike to out-sprint New Zealand's Andrea Hewitt on the blue carpet to earn the silver. Hewitt then was awarded the bronze.
Jorgensen said of her come-from-behind finish, “Helen was really strong today and she was the better athlete. Her, Andrea and Flora were riding really strong and yeah they just had a great race. I was just trying to run as fast as I could, a lot goes through your head and it is hot out there. They were running amazing and they just had a great race. It didn't even look like I was gaining any ground on Helen, she was just going for it. It is great to be back racing against Helen, she was gone for a bit, so it was great to see her race well.”
Under hot and humid conditions on the Gold Coast, Spain's Carolina Routier led again through the swim, setting a cracking pace that helped to split the field from the first long lap of 1000 metres.
Routier, alongside Kirsten Kasper (USA), Nicky Samuels (NZL) and Katie Zafares (USA) led a group of just over 20 out of transition, that also included favourites like Jorgensen, Jenkins and Aussie Emma Moffatt.
The group eventually dwindled down to tally 18-strong, with Flora Duffy (BER) and Jenkins taking turns forging the pack and pushing the pace.
The chase group entered the first transition about 20 seconds behind the leaders, with contenders Ashleigh Gentle (AUS) and Jodie Stimpson (GBR) leading the charge. By the end of the first bike lap the gap to the leaders was 46 seconds, and on the technical...
Grandstand tickets now on sale for Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds
Enjoy grandstand views of GBs finest triathletes competing in their last race on home soil ahead of Rio
Thursday, April 7, 2016
Top 9 UK triathlons for challenging openwater swims
From Cumbria to Snowdonia and the Firth of Forth we check out the 9 toughest open water swims going at UK triathlons
Top athletes talk to the press ahead of WTS Gold Coast
As the World Triathlon Series moves down under for its second stop in 2016, the sports top stars turned out for the press on the Gold Coast. Topics up for discussion included Olympic qualification, Olympic preparation, tackling the Gold Coast course, first races of the season, and the weather.
Mario Mola (ESP)
On his undefeated start to the 2016 season:
“It's been a great start of the season, after a winter block of training you never quite know where you sit, so it's always special to compete and see how things are going. I couldn't ask for anything better, but I also know that not everyone is attacking the season in the same way because we have the Olympics in four and a half months… So I just have to keep working trying to do my best.”
On training in Queensland:
“It's reat to be back here, I've been training here and in Noosa for the past four weeks. I like the hot conditions, it reminds me of Majorca which is where I'm from. It's great to be back, as seven years ago we raced here in the world juniors. It's great to be back, and we'll see how things go on Saturday.”
Ashleigh Gentle (AUS)
On the fact that Saturday is an automatic Olympic selection race for the Ausrtralian Olympic team:
“I couldn't have asked to a better start to the year, placing second in Abu Dhabi. I have to move forward from that. Saturday is a new day and a new race, it's an extremely competitve field once again. I know what I have to do in terms of Olympic selection, but I'm trying to think of it as a usual WTS race, if I think about the other Aussies or what might happen, then I might slip outside the top 10 and Olympic selection might not come into it. It's a great field to have in my hometown, and I'm focused on that. “
Jodie Stimpson (GBR)
On her status with Olympic qualification ahead of Gold Coast:
“There has been quite a lot in the media about this big battle between me & Helen, however the actual criteria not so much of a face off between me and Helen [Jenkins] moreso… We've got to show medal potential. We've got to make sure we have the potential to medal in Rio. It's not necessarily whoever wins out of me and Helen will be selected, obviously Helen is a competitor and I want to do well against her… But at the end of the day, it's going into the weekend and trying to do things right myself. Yes it is a big race and yes it is a selection race, but you also have to go into it just thinking it is any other WTS race.”
Gwen Jorgensen...
Mario Mola (ESP)
On his undefeated start to the 2016 season:
“It's been a great start of the season, after a winter block of training you never quite know where you sit, so it's always special to compete and see how things are going. I couldn't ask for anything better, but I also know that not everyone is attacking the season in the same way because we have the Olympics in four and a half months… So I just have to keep working trying to do my best.”
On training in Queensland:
“It's reat to be back here, I've been training here and in Noosa for the past four weeks. I like the hot conditions, it reminds me of Majorca which is where I'm from. It's great to be back, as seven years ago we raced here in the world juniors. It's great to be back, and we'll see how things go on Saturday.”
Ashleigh Gentle (AUS)
On the fact that Saturday is an automatic Olympic selection race for the Ausrtralian Olympic team:
“I couldn't have asked to a better start to the year, placing second in Abu Dhabi. I have to move forward from that. Saturday is a new day and a new race, it's an extremely competitve field once again. I know what I have to do in terms of Olympic selection, but I'm trying to think of it as a usual WTS race, if I think about the other Aussies or what might happen, then I might slip outside the top 10 and Olympic selection might not come into it. It's a great field to have in my hometown, and I'm focused on that. “
Jodie Stimpson (GBR)
On her status with Olympic qualification ahead of Gold Coast:
“There has been quite a lot in the media about this big battle between me & Helen, however the actual criteria not so much of a face off between me and Helen [Jenkins] moreso… We've got to show medal potential. We've got to make sure we have the potential to medal in Rio. It's not necessarily whoever wins out of me and Helen will be selected, obviously Helen is a competitor and I want to do well against her… But at the end of the day, it's going into the weekend and trying to do things right myself. Yes it is a big race and yes it is a selection race, but you also have to go into it just thinking it is any other WTS race.”
Gwen Jorgensen...
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Brownlees to race WTS Gold Coast
Top Brit triathletes Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee are part of a strong British line up at the second round of the ITU World Triathlon Series taking place in Australias Gold Coast on Saturday 9 April
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Giants Propel Advanced Pro 1 bike review
Buying an aero bike without aero wheels is like buying a threelegged greyhound youll save money but theres a crucial ingredient missing So is the Giant Propel Advanced Pro 1 the complete aero package
Mohamed Lahna inspiring a nation with Paralympic journey
With the debut of paratriathlon in the Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro this summer, our sport's top paratriathletes will prove to the world that the impossible is possible and that 'no' is never an answer.
For many paratriathletes, overcoming obstacles and challenges was, and is to this day, an overwhelming reality. While physically the understanding of having to adjust when it comes to learning how to compete in sport comes early, other challenges are faced from outside the playing field. People tell you no, society says you shouldn't and the “normal” advice is that you can't.
But one triathlete who looks to make his premier Paralympic appearance is a man who took the word 'no' and used it as motivation to challenge his physical limits and become a revelation for a whole nation for the sport. That man is Morocco's Mohamed Lahna.
“As a child, I never thought I could do much athletically since it was often hard to just keep up with my friends, but I still tried as best as I could. I was not allowed to participate in gym class at school, because of my disability. I was forced to just sit and watch on the sidelines. I guess you could say I am making up for lost time.”
Lahna was born without a right femur so as a child, he was told he would be limited with his physical activities. However, hearing the word “no” never really sat well with Lahna, so he challenged the idea that he couldn't play sports. In doing so, he proved that not only could he play sports, he could excel in them beyond imagination.
“My motivation comes from different places, depending on the event I'm interested in doing, but for the most part, I love doing things just for the challenge, for the passion of the sport.”
Lahna did not compete in his first triathlon until 2008. Instead he grew up playing sports and competing in various competitions. He played soccer when he was young, but then he later became active in all three of the components of a triathlon, just not at the same time. He started as a strong swimmer, having conquered the most impressive feat of swimming across the Strait of Gibraltar.
“I had heard of people swimming across the Gibraltar Strait and had seen on TV the annual Marathon des Sables where Moroccans often dominated. I never thought one day I would be able to do it myself, but dreams start somewhere, it's just a matter of taking that first step towards them.”
He also started training as an avid runner and mountain biker. However,...
For many paratriathletes, overcoming obstacles and challenges was, and is to this day, an overwhelming reality. While physically the understanding of having to adjust when it comes to learning how to compete in sport comes early, other challenges are faced from outside the playing field. People tell you no, society says you shouldn't and the “normal” advice is that you can't.
But one triathlete who looks to make his premier Paralympic appearance is a man who took the word 'no' and used it as motivation to challenge his physical limits and become a revelation for a whole nation for the sport. That man is Morocco's Mohamed Lahna.
“As a child, I never thought I could do much athletically since it was often hard to just keep up with my friends, but I still tried as best as I could. I was not allowed to participate in gym class at school, because of my disability. I was forced to just sit and watch on the sidelines. I guess you could say I am making up for lost time.”
Lahna was born without a right femur so as a child, he was told he would be limited with his physical activities. However, hearing the word “no” never really sat well with Lahna, so he challenged the idea that he couldn't play sports. In doing so, he proved that not only could he play sports, he could excel in them beyond imagination.
“My motivation comes from different places, depending on the event I'm interested in doing, but for the most part, I love doing things just for the challenge, for the passion of the sport.”
Lahna did not compete in his first triathlon until 2008. Instead he grew up playing sports and competing in various competitions. He played soccer when he was young, but then he later became active in all three of the components of a triathlon, just not at the same time. He started as a strong swimmer, having conquered the most impressive feat of swimming across the Strait of Gibraltar.
“I had heard of people swimming across the Gibraltar Strait and had seen on TV the annual Marathon des Sables where Moroccans often dominated. I never thought one day I would be able to do it myself, but dreams start somewhere, it's just a matter of taking that first step towards them.”
He also started training as an avid runner and mountain biker. However,...
Monday, April 4, 2016
The vegetarian triathlete what to eat if you are meatfree
Whether youre thinking about going veganvegetarian or are already Nigel Mitchell explains how to get the most from your meatfree diet
Saturday, April 2, 2016
Murray repeats at New Plymouth World Cup
New Plymouth has proven a happy hunting ground for South Africa's Richard Murray, defending his ITU World Cup title in a blockbuster race that went down to the wire.
It has been another positive start to 2016 for Murray, which is almost a mirror image to 2015, opening his Olympic campaign with a silver medal at the WTS Abu Dhabi season opener, and backing it up with an impressive performance over a world class field in the same location that brought him his first-ever World Cup victory just last year.
In a race that was full gas from the gun and never slowed down until the end, the experienced campaigner was able to capture his back-to-back New Plymouth title.
“Yeah it was a better swim than last year, I never know where I am so I look around and saw like ten guys in front of me. It was a really, really good swim, hard bike course, I tried to get away with the two other guys in our group, it didn't happen but all round it was a great race and the weather turned our great for today,” said Murray on his winning performance. “I wasn't sure how far they were away but when I came in I saw that they had left transition, I wouldn't say I was completely concerned but definitely had to make sure I ran the first bit a little bit quick to make sure. I managed to get them half way or ¾ of the way through the run at least.”
“I am definitely very happy with my training block here and thinking about WTS Gold Coast next weekend because I didn't want to overdo it today, I've got six days of recovery plus some travel before we get to Gold Coast so its important to not over due it today and racing the Brownlee's so didn't want to overdue it.”
Joining Murray on the podium was Andreas Schilling (DEN) with the silver and Rostylav Pevtsov (AZE) with the bronze.
“It was perfect for me today. I had a podium last year but this is definitely my best result yet. The start of the year has been about securing my place for the Olympics and I think I've done that now,” said Schilling.
When asked what else he had to do for Olympic selection, “Almost, it's because of the ranking but I'm pretty secure now. Now I'll go home and see what I want to do next.”
Frenchman Anthony Pujades led the one-lap 750 metre swim and managed to climb out of the water first. However, he was followed by a herd that would create a busy first transition zone as the field was able to exit the water right on each other's feet.
The mass stuck together through the first...
It has been another positive start to 2016 for Murray, which is almost a mirror image to 2015, opening his Olympic campaign with a silver medal at the WTS Abu Dhabi season opener, and backing it up with an impressive performance over a world class field in the same location that brought him his first-ever World Cup victory just last year.
In a race that was full gas from the gun and never slowed down until the end, the experienced campaigner was able to capture his back-to-back New Plymouth title.
“Yeah it was a better swim than last year, I never know where I am so I look around and saw like ten guys in front of me. It was a really, really good swim, hard bike course, I tried to get away with the two other guys in our group, it didn't happen but all round it was a great race and the weather turned our great for today,” said Murray on his winning performance. “I wasn't sure how far they were away but when I came in I saw that they had left transition, I wouldn't say I was completely concerned but definitely had to make sure I ran the first bit a little bit quick to make sure. I managed to get them half way or ¾ of the way through the run at least.”
“I am definitely very happy with my training block here and thinking about WTS Gold Coast next weekend because I didn't want to overdo it today, I've got six days of recovery plus some travel before we get to Gold Coast so its important to not over due it today and racing the Brownlee's so didn't want to overdue it.”
Joining Murray on the podium was Andreas Schilling (DEN) with the silver and Rostylav Pevtsov (AZE) with the bronze.
“It was perfect for me today. I had a podium last year but this is definitely my best result yet. The start of the year has been about securing my place for the Olympics and I think I've done that now,” said Schilling.
When asked what else he had to do for Olympic selection, “Almost, it's because of the ranking but I'm pretty secure now. Now I'll go home and see what I want to do next.”
Frenchman Anthony Pujades led the one-lap 750 metre swim and managed to climb out of the water first. However, he was followed by a herd that would create a busy first transition zone as the field was able to exit the water right on each other's feet.
The mass stuck together through the first...
Friday, April 1, 2016
Ironman ability is it in your genes
Is your endurance capacity in your genes A new study by Australian researchers attempts to uncover whether theres a perfect Ironman genotype
U.S. Elites Visit New Zealand Schools Ahead of ITU World Cup
The second ITU World Cup of the 2016 season is set for this Sunday in New Plymouth, New Zealand, and six U.S. elite triathletes took time out of their race preparation to meet with local schoolchildren in the area and talk about their experience as professional athletes. Here's what they had to say about their school visits:
Kaitlin Donner (Satellite Beach, Fla.)
Not only is New Plymouth a beautiful place to visit and train, but the LOC does a really great job of coordinating local school visits and integrating us into their community. I really wish more races would develop a similar structure since the kids always have a lot of great questions, and we really enjoying sharing our journey with them. I look forward to talking with the kids when coming here, and leave just as excited as they do! It is a real treat!
Erin Jones (Hood River, Ore.)
The last two years, I've loved having the opportunity to visit a school in the New Zealand community. I know when I was a student, I was grateful for encouragement and inspiration that I received. It's so humbling for me to be able to share my experiences with these students. I hope they continue to dream big and pursue their passions in life.
Team USA had the opportunity to visit local schools around the area. @kaitlindonner and I had the privilege to talk to Opunake students! #DreamBig #SetGoals #HaveFun #FindYourPassion @usatriathlon @teamusa #Triathlon A photo posted by Erin Jones (@erinjonestri) on Mar 30, 2016 at 5:41pm PDT
Joe Maloy (Wildwood Crest, N.J.)
It was great to interact with the kids here in New Plymouth. The hectic travel schedule of competing on the ITU circuit gives you the opportunity to have an impact in so many different parts of the world. I appreciated the students and administration welcoming our team into their school for some time with the students. It was great to connect with kids on the other side of the world because of a sporting interest we both share. We handed out awards to the winners of their interscholastic triathlon team and answered questions on everything from nutritional advice to pre-race music. Eric [Lagerstrom] even related when asked if he ever has nervous breakdowns, “You know that feeling when you've missed lunch and you're waiting for dinner and everything is getting on your nerves? Well sometimes when I'm training really hard I feel like that for whole weeks at a time.”
"Have you ever had a nervous...
Kaitlin Donner (Satellite Beach, Fla.)
Not only is New Plymouth a beautiful place to visit and train, but the LOC does a really great job of coordinating local school visits and integrating us into their community. I really wish more races would develop a similar structure since the kids always have a lot of great questions, and we really enjoying sharing our journey with them. I look forward to talking with the kids when coming here, and leave just as excited as they do! It is a real treat!
Erin Jones (Hood River, Ore.)
The last two years, I've loved having the opportunity to visit a school in the New Zealand community. I know when I was a student, I was grateful for encouragement and inspiration that I received. It's so humbling for me to be able to share my experiences with these students. I hope they continue to dream big and pursue their passions in life.
Team USA had the opportunity to visit local schools around the area. @kaitlindonner and I had the privilege to talk to Opunake students! #DreamBig #SetGoals #HaveFun #FindYourPassion @usatriathlon @teamusa #Triathlon A photo posted by Erin Jones (@erinjonestri) on Mar 30, 2016 at 5:41pm PDT
Joe Maloy (Wildwood Crest, N.J.)
It was great to interact with the kids here in New Plymouth. The hectic travel schedule of competing on the ITU circuit gives you the opportunity to have an impact in so many different parts of the world. I appreciated the students and administration welcoming our team into their school for some time with the students. It was great to connect with kids on the other side of the world because of a sporting interest we both share. We handed out awards to the winners of their interscholastic triathlon team and answered questions on everything from nutritional advice to pre-race music. Eric [Lagerstrom] even related when asked if he ever has nervous breakdowns, “You know that feeling when you've missed lunch and you're waiting for dinner and everything is getting on your nerves? Well sometimes when I'm training really hard I feel like that for whole weeks at a time.”
"Have you ever had a nervous...
Ironman ability is it in your genes
Is your endurance capacity in your genes A new study by Australian researchers attempts to uncover whether theres a perfect Ironman genotype
U.S. Elites Visit New Zealand Schools Ahead of ITU World Cup
The second ITU World Cup of the 2016 season is set for this Sunday in New Plymouth, New Zealand, and six U.S. elite triathletes took time out of their race preparation to meet with local schoolchildren in the area and talk about their experience as professional athletes. Here's what they had to say about their school visits:
Kaitlin Donner (Satellite Beach, Fla.)
Not only is New Plymouth a beautiful place to visit and train, but the LOC does a really great job of coordinating local school visits and integrating us into their community. I really wish more races would develop a similar structure since the kids always have a lot of great questions, and we really enjoying sharing our journey with them. I look forward to talking with the kids when coming here, and leave just as excited as they do! It is a real treat!
Erin Jones (Hood River, Ore.)
The last two years, I've loved having the opportunity to visit a school in the New Zealand community. I know when I was a student, I was grateful for encouragement and inspiration that I received. It's so humbling for me to be able to share my experiences with these students. I hope they continue to dream big and pursue their passions in life.
Team USA had the opportunity to visit local schools around the area. @kaitlindonner and I had the privilege to talk to Opunake students! #DreamBig #SetGoals #HaveFun #FindYourPassion @usatriathlon @teamusa #Triathlon A photo posted by Erin Jones (@erinjonestri) on Mar 30, 2016 at 5:41pm PDT
Joe Maloy (Wildwood Crest, N.J.)
It was great to interact with the kids here in New Plymouth. The hectic travel schedule of competing on the ITU circuit gives you the opportunity to have an impact in so many different parts of the world. I appreciated the students and administration welcoming our team into their school for some time with the students. It was great to connect with kids on the other side of the world because of a sporting interest we both share. We handed out awards to the winners of their interscholastic triathlon team and answered questions on everything from nutritional advice to pre-race music. Eric [Lagerstrom] even related when asked if he ever has nervous breakdowns, “You know that feeling when you've missed lunch and you're waiting for dinner and everything is getting on your nerves? Well sometimes when I'm training really hard I feel like that for whole weeks at a time.”
"Have you ever had a nervous...
Kaitlin Donner (Satellite Beach, Fla.)
Not only is New Plymouth a beautiful place to visit and train, but the LOC does a really great job of coordinating local school visits and integrating us into their community. I really wish more races would develop a similar structure since the kids always have a lot of great questions, and we really enjoying sharing our journey with them. I look forward to talking with the kids when coming here, and leave just as excited as they do! It is a real treat!
Erin Jones (Hood River, Ore.)
The last two years, I've loved having the opportunity to visit a school in the New Zealand community. I know when I was a student, I was grateful for encouragement and inspiration that I received. It's so humbling for me to be able to share my experiences with these students. I hope they continue to dream big and pursue their passions in life.
Team USA had the opportunity to visit local schools around the area. @kaitlindonner and I had the privilege to talk to Opunake students! #DreamBig #SetGoals #HaveFun #FindYourPassion @usatriathlon @teamusa #Triathlon A photo posted by Erin Jones (@erinjonestri) on Mar 30, 2016 at 5:41pm PDT
Joe Maloy (Wildwood Crest, N.J.)
It was great to interact with the kids here in New Plymouth. The hectic travel schedule of competing on the ITU circuit gives you the opportunity to have an impact in so many different parts of the world. I appreciated the students and administration welcoming our team into their school for some time with the students. It was great to connect with kids on the other side of the world because of a sporting interest we both share. We handed out awards to the winners of their interscholastic triathlon team and answered questions on everything from nutritional advice to pre-race music. Eric [Lagerstrom] even related when asked if he ever has nervous breakdowns, “You know that feeling when you've missed lunch and you're waiting for dinner and everything is getting on your nerves? Well sometimes when I'm training really hard I feel like that for whole weeks at a time.”
"Have you ever had a nervous...
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