The new Giant Trinity Advanced Pro of Matthew Bottrill
As well as the launch of Team Bottrill last week, our trip to Giant Bikes HQ in Leicestershire also gave us the first chance to take a close up look at Giant's brand new triathlon-specific bike, the Trinity Advanced Pro. Matt will be riding the range topping Pro 0 model, while the Pro 2 (Shimano Ultegra, mechanical) edition is also part of the range.
David Ward, Product Manager for Giant, told me this bike has been seven years in the making and throughout the development process 257 different frame configurations had been tested, resulting in "the world's fastest triathlon bike in real-world race conditions". The timescale for the bike's development was, "when its ready. It had to be the best".
Let's take a look at Matt's setup.
A fast bike in stationary pose. Matt is rolling on the ENVE Composites SES 7.8 wheelset, which provides a wheel depth of 80mm (rear) and 71mm (front). The tyres were Continental Grand Prix TT in 23mm width (clincher).
Clean lines around the (hidden) seat post binder - and a reminder of who owns this bike.
Matt uses carbon fibre extensions and arm rests from Drag2Zero, a deviation from the standard ones supplied. The pads in particular are a nice feature as their shape - a more pronounced curve than most off-the-shelf options - is very useful in supporting the arms in the aero position, almost holding them in place. It's electronic shifting for Matt this year, with Shimano's top of the range Dura Ace Di2 on the extensions and base bar, for ease of gear changing in either position.
Matt's Shimano Dura Ace 11-speed Di2 rear derailleur has been upgraded with the Ceramic Speed OSPW System. Larger (17-tooth) alloy pulley wheels combined with CeramicSpeed Bearings are claimed to reduce friction in the pulleys by 60%. Pictured right, if you are trying to make your chain go faster, you may as well fit a chain catcher to make sure it stays on!
Below is pictured the front brake from both the non-driveside (left) and driveside (right). The new Trinity Advanced Pro frame is UCI legal, but the triathlon edition here features deeper fork legs than the TT version (5:1 ratio, above the UCI's 3:1 limit). This should make it a touch faster - and also means that the brake caliper is integrated very nicely with the lines of the AeroDrive fork. As you'll notice (or rather, not), the brake cables are hidden within the frame for additional marginal gain wind savings.
A fully UCI legal module is also available, priced at £2,249.
The top tube storage box integrates nicely with the stem, providing an ideal place for hiding your gels during longer events. This also houses the junction box for Shimano Di2 groupset models providing access for charging and adjustment. The soft cover is a rubber-type material in order to provide easy access and keep sweat out.
Adding to the integration concept of this bike is the AeroVault front hydration unit. This can be refilled on the fly and, depending on frame size, holds 700ml or 450ml volume of fluid. Pictured to the right, the front end mounting bracket without the bottle attached.
'SpeedControl' is Giant's proprietry name for their braking system. As we've seen above, the front brake is designed to match the profile of the AeroDrive fork. The rear brake pictured here include a fairing to save further watts. Once again, all cables are hidden.
No Dura Ace crank here, as Matt uses a SRAM crankest (with Quarq powermeter). He is running a 55 tooth large chainring. The downtube of the Trinity has been designed in conjunction with the AeroVault water bottle to provide an additional 440ml of fluid capacity in the most aerodynamic manner possible.
A regular sight on many TT and triathlon machines, an ISM Adamo Time Trial saddle. The production model is supplied with a Fi'zi:k TriTone saddle rather than ISM.
Matt is pushing his significant power through the Speedplay Zero Aero Pedal System. This is the same pedal as Bradley Wiggins used while setting the UCI World Hour Record.
A happy owner with his new ride
Bottrill's Giant Trinity Advanced Pro
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Jodie Stimpson dominates in Mooloolaba
Jodie Stimpson takes second major victory of the season in Australia
With four weeks to go until the all important British Olympic selection race in the Gold Coast, the 2016 season could not have started any more positively for Jodie Stimpson. A week after success in the opening World Triathlon Series race of the year in Abu Dhabi, Jodie today won over the Sprint distance at the ITU Mooloolaba World Cup in Australia.
Jodie Stimpson's perfect start to the season kept on rolling in Mooloolaba, as the British star pulled off a confident win in the opening World Cup of the season.
Straight from a win in the opening World Triathlon Series race in Abu Dhabi last weekend, Stimpson was part of a 10-woman lead group on the bike, and then pulled away from the field on the run to make it two from two to start the 2016 season.
“It's great to back to back in Mooloolaba, it's like a home race, I've spent a lot of time here since 2009 and you know I've got quite a lot of friends here. It's a nice feeling to be back here. I got second last time I was here to Annie Haug, so it's nice to get the win,” Stimpson said.
In particular, Stimpson was happy to have a swim this week that better reflected her training form.
“I swam absolutely shocking in Abu Dhabi and it wasn't a reflection of how my swimming has gone… to be honest I was probably a little bit behind but I managed to catch a brilliant wave coming in, I got dunked a little bit, but I just caught a cracking wave and it made me come up a little bit…goggles were half off, but it was great fun,” she said.
The day started with hot, humid and windy conditions in Mooloolaba, with the women met with an impressive swell. And it was the USA's Kirsten Kasper who made the most of the waves as she bodysurfed into the beach, ahead of Australia's Emma Jeffcoat, Emma Moffatt and Spain's Caroline Routier.
Together with Stimpson, Lisa Norden, Sara Vilic, Gillian Backhouse, Taylor Spivey and Nicole Van Der Kaay, a group of 10 formed and pushed out a 35 second lead on the first lap. With Norden and Australian trio of Moffatt, Backhouse and Jeffcoat pushing the pace, that group kept eeking out more time against the chase group.
While Australia's Ashleigh Gentle led that chase, as she did in Abu Dhabi, this time she couldn't make much ground. Halfway through the 20km, the gap was 45seconds and by the time the leaders hit T2 it was almost a minute.
Meanwhile in the lead pack it was Backhouse who led out onto the run. But Stimpson made her move early in the first lap and stayed there, finishing strongly to win in a time of 58 minutes and 30 seconds.
Behind her Australia's Moffatt started her 2016 season perfectly in silver, with yet another Mooloolaba medal to add to her tally.
Kasper claimed her second World Cup podium in third, with a strong all-round performance. It came off the back of a second place in a Wollongong Oceania Cup event last weekend, only behind current World Champion Gwen Jorgensen.
Behind the podium it was strong performances from three women all backing up from Abu Dhabi, Sara Vilic, Renee Tomlin and Ashleigh Gentle claiming top seven results for the second week in a row.
ITU Mooloolaba World Cup - Saturday 12th March 2016
750m / 20km / 5km
Pos
Women
1st
Jodie Stimpson (GBR) 58:31
2nd
Emma Moffatt (AUS) 58:48
3rd
Kirsten Kasper (USA) 58:56
4th
Sara Vilic (AUT) 59:08
5th
Renee Tomlin (USA) 59:24
6th
Ashleigh Gentle (AUS) 59:30
7th
Miriam Casillas Garcia (ESP) 59:36
8th
Zsofia Kovacs (HUN) 59:39
9th
Ai Ueda (JPN) 59:41
10th
Kaidi Kivoja (EST) 59:44
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Inter-Counties XC Champs 2016: roundup
Tri(Du)athletes win Gold at Inter-Counties Cross Country Championship
Continuing our regular look at tri(du)athletes racing across the single discipline sports, Saturday saw perhaps the most competitive event of the 2015/16 Cross Country season, the Inter-Counties Cross Country Championships, take place at Cofton Park, Birmingham.
As he did at the English National Cross Country Championships two weeks ago, former Elite GB triathlete Adam Hickey (Essex) took second place overall, this time to Dewi Griffiths (West Wales). A little further back, Phil Wylie, Callum Johnson, Carl Avery and Daniel Jenkin all formed part of the winning team from the North East.
*** As always, we suspect we may have missed a few notable results - so if you know of anything significant we have missed, do drop us a note via editor@tri247.com and we'll update this for you. ***
Inter Counties Cross Country Championships – Saturday 12th March 2016
Cofton Park, Birmingham
Senior Men
1st – Dewi Griffiths (West Wales) 37:13
2nd – Adam Hickey (Essex) 37:18
3rd – Jonatham Taylor (North East) 37:50
8th – Phil Wylie (North East) 38:59
11th – Calum Johnson (North East) 39:07
14th – Carl Avery (North East) 39:22
23rd – Daniel Jenkin (North East) 40:07
Senior Women
1st – Kate Avery (North East) 29:01
2nd – Ellie Vernon (Stockport Harriers) 29:16
3rd – Louise Small (Hampshire) 29:57
33rd – Emma Holt (North East) 32:23
Under 20 Men
1st – Gus Cockle (Surrey) 26:49
2nd – William Fuller (Kent) 27:11
3rd – Paulos Asgodom (Middlesex) 27:16
7th – Ben Dijkstra (Leicestershire) 27:48
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Bath Half: Chrissie and the triathletes...
Chrissie Wellington among ‘triathletes’ at the 2016 Bath Half Marathon
Always one of the most popular and fastest of the Spring half marathons (won today in 1:01:45 by Robert Mbithi), the Vitality Bath Half Marathon typically sees quite a few familiar multisport names in action too. Here’s a quick roundup of a few of the faster times we spotted today…
Vitality Bath Half Marathon – Sunday 13th March 2016
(All times shown are ‘chip’ times)
Sub 1:20 ‘triathlete’ men
Mark Threlfall – 1:11:06
Oliver Mott – 1:11:53
Jordan Frapwell – 1:14:10
Alan Murchison – 1:15:12
Duncan Shea-Simmonds – 1:16:23
Chris Roxburgh - 1:17:07
Doug Hall – 1:18:31
Brian Glynn – 1:19:41
Sub 1:30 ‘triathlete’ women
Kelly Crickmore – 1:21:19
Tamsin Lewis – 1:21:31
Victoria Gill – 1:21:41
Victoria Kenny - 1:22:20
Chrissie Wellington – 1:25:41
*** Have we missed anyone? – If we have, apologies, but do drop us a note via editor@tri247.com and we'll update this for you. ***
Post-race reactions
What a fantastic fantastic event! Loved every minute of the @bathhalf. Congrats to all who raced! #runhappy @brooksrunning— Chrissie Wellington (@chrissiesmiles) March 13, 2016
Awesome fun trotting round @bathhalf in the sun ☀️☀️☀️ Super rad @Brooksrunninguk specs made my day! #runhappy #cake pic.twitter.com/LmLwXYcTzb— Victoria Gill (@vickstertri) March 13, 2016
1hr 18min and 31secs. I'd hoped to go a bit quicker, but I'm still happy with that. Time to add some threshold/speed work to the training!— Doug Hall (@LittleDougHall) March 13, 2016
Running a Half Marathon coming off #nightshifts Good idea! Body has just exploded! Good running @AlanMurchison @vickstertri I'm off to bed 😴— Chris Roxburgh (@RoxyRoxburgh) March 13, 2016
Solid run at the @bathhalf today. @Dave_Bartlett decided to welcome me at 3 miles with spit to the face. Must be a Cornish thing. #runhappy— Jordan Frapwell (@jfrapwell) March 13, 2016
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Paratriathlon announced for Commonwealth Games
Interesting news just arrived - Paratriathlon is to debut at the Commonwealth Games in 2018.
It will only feature the PT1 (wheelchair) category, which - for women at least - is one of the classes which is NOT included on the programme of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, as we've highlighted previously.
This should be exciting news for the likes of Great Britain's Lizzie Tench, who won the Bronze medal at the 2015 Paratriathlon World Championships, plus our leading men's PT1 athletes including Phil Hogg and Joseph Townsend.
Paratriathlon to make debut on Commonwealth Games programme at Gold Coast 2018
The International Triathlon Union (ITU) is pleased to learn that the Men's and Women's Paratriathlon PT1 sport class will be included at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games as the sport debuts on the Commonwealth Games programme for the first time.
"Having paratriathlon included on the programme for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games is great news," said ITU President and IOC Member Marisol Casado. "I can't imagine a better place for paratriathlon to be tested on the Commonwealth Games programme than Gold Coast, which hosts many ITU events and is a mecca for the sport of triathlon. Paratriathletes will no doubt enjoy fantastic support in the coastal city."
The Gold Coast has served as a consistent host of ITU events, hosting the first ITU World Triathlon Series Grand Final back in 2009. It returned to the Series line up last year, and will host a World Triathlon Series race until 2018, when it will again organize the Grand Final.
"The Gold Coast will be a hub for triathlon and paratriathlon activity at both the elite and age group level in 2018 with both the ITU World Triathlon Series Grand Final and the Commonwealth Games hosted there," said Casado.
Welcoming the inclusion, Commonwealth Games Federation President Louise Martin CBE said: "We're thrilled to be working with ITU and Gold Coast 2018 organisers GOLDOC and debut Paratriathlon on the CGF sports programme at the upcoming edition of the Commonwealth Games. Building on the enormous success and profile of the Triathlon competition at Glasgow 2014 and internationally, I've no doubt that this will be an incredibly exciting addition to the Games schedule".
Paratriathlon will also debut at the Paralympic Games this summer with the men's PT1, PT2 and PT4 sport classes set to compete, while the women's PT2, PT4 and PT5 sport classes will battle for Paralympic glory.
The 2018 Commonwealth Games will boast the largest-ever para-sport programme in history, comprising up to 300 para-athletes and 38 medal events across seven sports, will be showcased at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Today's announcement represents an increase of 45% more athletes and 73% more medals compared to the record-breaking para-sport competition at Glasgow 2014.
Additional sports to be contested at Gold Coast 2018 include Athletics, Cycling (Track), Lawn Bowls, Powerlifting, Swimming, and Table Tennis.
There will be an equal number of men's and women's events across all seven para-sports, further demonstrating the Commonwealths Sports Movement's commitment to equality and inclusion.
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Gallery: Jodie Stimpson's double
Jodie Stimpson's 2016 back-to-back wins in pictures
With an Olympic qualification battle coming up with Helen Jenkins, the 2016 season could not have started on a more positive note for Jodie Stimpson. Winner of the Commonwealth Games triathlon in 2014, Stimpson missed out on selection for London 2012 and wants to make the incredibly competitive British women's team for Rio. With Non Stanford and Vicky Holland already selected, that leaves two champions and multiple WTS event winners going head-to-head for the final selection.
Jodie won the opening round of the World Triathlon Series in Abu Dhabi just over a week ago (report HERE), and this past weekend backed that up with another victory, this time over the Sprint distance at the Mooloolaba ITU World Cup (report HERE).
Thanks to the ITU, here's a look at her season to date through the talented lenses of Janos M. Schmidt (Abu Dhabi) and Delly Carr (Mooloolaba).
ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi - 5th March 2016
After an "absolutely shocking" swim in Abu Dhabi, Stimpson had a little time to make up on arrival at T1. With the likes of Lisa Norden alongside her, Stimpson was in good company however to eliminate that deficit.
That group went to work and swiftly closed down their swim losses.
Looking calm and in control on the bike once part of the large leading group.
The large bike pack (despite the crash just before T2), would quickly fracture once on the run course.
Stimpson and fellow Brit Helen Jenkins were both starting their season strongly.
Jodie crossed the line for fourth career World Triathlon Series victory - and the memory of Laurent Vidal
This picture is fantastic. Sport at its best.
Mooloolaba ITU World Cup - 12th March 2016
"Sun's out, tongue's out" before the swim start in Australia.
After catching "a cracking wave", Stimpson was in the lead group from the start in Mooloolba.
In control at the head front of the breakaway group.
Potential danger avoided in T2.
Stimpson made her move early - and stayed there once on the 5km run course.
17 seconds was a very comfortable victory margin at the finish.
Champagne time on the podium.
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Another podium for India Lee in the U.S.
Back-to-back podiums for Great Britain's India Lee in Florida
While the main headlines over the past two weekends in terms of British Elite performances have been earned by Jodie Stimpson, another ITU athlete has also managed back-to-back international podium finishes.
India Lee has spent the last two weekends in Florida, racing in the US equivalent of the ETU European Cup series, the CAMTRI Sprint Triathlon American Cup.
A week ago the first leg of her tour was Clermont, where India earned the Bronze medal, behind the U.S. pairing of Taylor Knibb and Sarah Haskins. Knibb earned the Silver medal last September in the ITU World Junior Championships. This past Saturday the series moved to Sarasota and it was another Bronze, this time to Kaitlin Donner in first with Knibb in second. To add further to the symmetry of two Bronze medals, her finishing time in both events was exactly the same... (1:00:06).
Last year Lee earned the Silver medal at the European Elite Duathlon Championships and also qualified to race the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Test event.
Sarasota CAMTRI Sprint Triathlon American Cup - Saturday 12th March 2016
750m / 20k / 5k
Pos
Women
1st
Kaitlin Donner (USA) 59:24
2nd
Taylor Knibb (USA) 59:57
3rd
India Lee (GBR) 1:00:06
4th
Erin Jones (USA) 1:00:14
5th
Dominika Jamnicky (CAN) 1:00:30
Clermont CAMTRI Sprint Triathlon American Cup - Saturday 5th March 2016
750m / 20k / 5k
Pos
Women
1st
Taylor Knibb (USA) 59:51
2nd
Sarah Haskins (USA) 1:00:01
3rd
India Lee (GBR) 1:00:06
4th
Joanna Brown (CAN) 1:00:26
5th
Erin Jones (USA) 1:00:31
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CEP BallBuster entries are now open
CEP BallBuster challenge returns to Box Hill for 27th year
The 2016 CEP BallBuster will take place on Saturday 12 November, at its traditional home of Box Hill, Surrey. Since debuting in 1990 this gruelling duathlon has maintained a reputation as the extreme test of endurance, with competitors asked to cover 40 miles in one morning. Those who think they are tough enough can sign up for this year's edition now, but will have to be quick as this event has sold out quickly for the past two years with capacity strictly limited.
Those who register to take on the CEP BallBuster will start their challenge with an eight mile undulating run taking in beautiful scenery around the National Trust site. Once they have returned to the top it's into transition for a quick switch over to the cycle leg. This follows the same 8 mile route, which everybody must complete a shattering three times. There's no time to rest when that's complete though as one final eight mile lap by foot is required to cross the finish line. A truly colossal task only to be attempted by the toughest of competitors.
The BallBuster has been running since December 1990, when it was one of the very first events conceived by organisers Human Race. It is known to many as a bucket-list event, one that must be attempted at least once in a lifetime and a true mark of multi-sport achievement. Last year Andy Greenleaf smashed the course record, being the fastest person in the long history of the event, finishing in 2 hours, 31 minutes and 54 seconds.
Related Article: Greenleaf smashes BallBuster record
Title sponsor CEP, whose range of compression sportswear are a regular sight at the event, are giving those who sign up an exclusive offer on their popular socks.
Nick Rusling, CEO of organisers Human Race Events, said “The CEP BallBuster is the original tough event. There's always a marvellous atmosphere on event day, with a mutual respect between competitors, not that I've ticked this one off my bucket-list just yet! There's a lot of emotion on show at the finish line after such an extreme challenge”.
One of the many things that make the CEP BallBuster unique is the reward for completing the course. The BallBuster hooded top has become an annual tradition, a top quality, limited edition memento only awarded to those who cover every inch of the 40 miles. This year's design will be revealed later this year.
Visit www.humanrace.co.uk to secure one of the limited places before they sell-out.
Related Article: Ali Moult - BallBuster Champion
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Swim Stroke Video Capture Open Day Offer
AquaPhysio OPEN DAY - Sunday 20th March 2016
*** Swim Stroke Video Capture Just £20 in Morden, Surrey***
AquaPhysio (www.aqua-physio.co.uk) are an award winning family run hydro-therapy clinic based in Morden.
Their facilities boast a very private hydro-therapy pool heated to 34 degrees. One of the greatest benefits of hydro-therapy is getting athletes moving and exercising far sooner than they would on land as the water properties allow for no/low weight baring; this early rehabilitation helps speed up the healing process. As well as this, they have specialist gear for aqua running and athletes can therefore also maintain their fitness at the same time. This method of training has been brought into the public eye in recent years by Mo Farah and Alistair Brownlee. They famously avoided overtraining and maintained their fitness using aquatic running whilst recovering from injury.
AquaPhysio's specialist Physiotherapists work very closely 1-to-1 with patients creating training programmes and setting realistic and measurable goals. They see excellent recovery rates and receive very positive feedback from their clients. Many of the runners and triathletes they treat, will continue to aqua-run long after they have recovered from the initial injuries. They report improved performance by allowing for more volume, intensity or frequency of training without the associated mechanical overload. This reduces the risk of further injury and allows for more training consistency and training compliance.
Swim Stroke Video Capture At AquaPhysio
In addition to the above, they have also just launched a swim video capture service and are holding a 'launch day' on Sunday 20th March with a special offer price of just £20.
WHAT TO EXPECT
In our state of the art SwimEx pool we will:
Spend 15-20 minutes with you letting you warm up and then capturing your swim stroke
Record you from six different angles in high resolution video (above and below the water), swimming against a variable speed current which will allow you to swim at your natural pace during the session
Email your footage within 24 hours
If you want to find out more, or to book an appointment, call us on 020 8330 6777 or email info@aqua-physio.co.uk.
www.aqua-physio.co.uk
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GB Kona Legacy winners 2016
Six British and Irish Athletes Gain 2016 Kona Legacy Program Spots
Yesterday IRONMAN announced the 100 age-group athletes who have earned a chance to race at the 2016 IRONMAN® World Championship through the IRONMAN® Legacy program. Of that 100, five British and one Irish athlete have been awarded spots at the 2016 World Championship.
The Legacy Program grants loyal IRONMAN competitors an opportunity to start in Kona at least once in their lifetime. One hundred Legacy winners are chosen every year. To be eligible for this year's selection:
athletes must have completed a minimum of 12 full-distance IRONMAN-branded races.
have never started the IRONMAN World Championship.
have completed at least one IRONMAN event in each of the 2014 and 2015 seasons.
be registered for an IRONMAN event in 2016.
Related Article: Do Legacy spots belong in Kona?
"It is important for us to recognize and reward our most loyal and long-term athletes," said Andrew Messick, Chief Executive Officer of IRONMAN. "Our Legacy athletes are the heart of our sport and are powerful ambassadors. Their loyalty to and love of IRONMAN is inspiring."
GBR / IRL Kona Legacy Winners 2016
Rav Dighe
Amin Golbidi
Bob Gordon
Alistair McVeigh
Mark Walsh
John Milne (IRL)
CLICK HERE OF THE FULL LISTING OF 2016 LEGACY WINNERS
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Peaky Freaky Duathlon report 2016
Del Pitcher from Freak Events (www.freakevents.co.uk) reports from this years Peaky Freaky Duathlon Challenge in Somerset, which took place on Sunday 13th March. With a bike/run/bike/run/bike/run format, this is an interesting and tough challenge!
FULL RESULTS
A record breaking day at the Peaky Freaky Duathlon
In its sixth year of running, the record temperature and low winds produced a day conducive to chasing fast times across the now iconic Peaky Freaky Duathlon Challenge in Somerset. A record number of entrants, especially in the women's race set off in random groups of four to tackle the incredibly tough 20mile bike, 2.5mile run, 7.5mile bike, 3.5mile run, 10mile bike and final 4mile run.
Yes the bike legs are relatively flat BUT the kicker is in the runs – all three tackling the steepest trails in the area. The random, staggered starts meant that no-one could relax if they were chasing top honours. Not knowing how they were going compared to others on the course kept the pace on all the way through.
The competition across the categories ended up ever so close, none closer than in the overall men's race. In the end Mark Lawrence from York Triathlon posted the fastest ever time across the course with a 2:42:54 end time, local lad Matt Cox second in 2:43:59 and the podium rounded out by Police athlete Richard Martin in 2:45:55.
Paula Moseley from Climb on Bikes in Hereford was a class apart in the Women's race posting an incredible course record of 2:54:48, slicing some five minutes and change from Jo Carritt's previous record. Petra Vymetalova from Team Passionfit took second in 3:00:28 with Christine Howard rounding it out in 3rd with a 3:08:52 posting.
It looks good for both the Police athletes with their championships approaching this weekend!
Freak Events would like to thank their awesome competitors across the field for making it such a great day's racing and of course their incredible Events Crew for pulling out all the stops to make it the day it was.
#CEEPO_Bike #Velotive #BlueSeventy #Jerseypocketenergy #RekoSports
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Steadman, Patrick seek Rio in South Africa...
Lauren Steadman and Alison Patrick to secure Rio Paratriathlon selection this weekend?
The 2016 international Paratriathlon season kicks off this weekend in Buffalo City, South Africa at the first ITU World Paratriathlon Event of the year. For Lauren Steadman (PT4) and Alison Patrick (PT5), victory would mean automatic selection for the first Paralympic Games Triathlon in Rio.
Paratriathlon season starts with Rio selection on the line
The first ITU World Paratriathlon Event of the year takes place this Sunday in Buffalo City, South Africa. Lauren Steadman and Alison Patrick have the opportunity to seal Paralympic Games selections. Others are chasing ranking points that will help them qualify later in the season.
Steadman and Patrick can achieve automatic selection by virtue of having won medals at both the ITU Paratriathlon World Championships in 2014 and 2015. Winning this weekend will seal their selections.
ITU World Champion, Steadman said: “It would be a big boost to secure Paralympic selection this weekend. However, I don’t want to get ahead of myself, this is the first race of the season.”
She added: “It’s great that the season is getting under way, and that Paralympic year is finally here. This is what we have all been working towards for many years.”
General selection will consider medal winning performances at the 2015 ITU World Championships as well as top ten performances at the ETU European Championships in May and rounds of the ITU World Paratriathlon Event Series up to 20 June.
Head Coach, Jonathon Riall commented: “There have been some big strides made over the winter and now is the opportunity for athletes to put their practice into a performance. This is the start, and what ever happens we will build from here towards the summer and aim to be in our best possible shape in Rio.”
He added: “Lauren and Alison can seal their Paralympic Games selections this weekend if they get everything right and win the race, and the whole team is chasing ranking points, so every race is important now.”
The course in Buffalo City features a 750m sea swim, flat 20km bike and 5km run section.
2016 Buffalo City ITU World Paratriathlon Event; Sunday 20 March; 750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run
GB Athletes:
PT1: Phil Hogg, Bret Crossley
PT2: Ryan Taylor
PT4: Dave Hill, Lauren Steadman
PT4: Alison Patrick (guide Nicole Walters), Melissa Reid (guide Hazel Smith)
Complete start lists and event information: http://www.triathlon.org/events/event/2016_buffalo_city_itu_world_paratriathlon_event.
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Race with the stars at Windsor Triathlon
Race with the stars at the 2016 Windsor Triathlon on Sunday 12 June
Windsor Triathlon is one of the UK's biggest and most loved triathlons and for 2016 it will offer the opportunity for age groupers to race alongside elite athletes. Following huge success in 2015 men and women who can complete the Olympic distance in under 2 hours and 30 minutes will get the chance to race with big names such as Stuart Hayes and Emma Pallant in the 'Race with the Stars' wave. This wave will offer best in class age groupers with smaller waves and provide an ideal setting to push themselves to the limit, potentially bagging themselves a PB in the process.
In a year which is sure to be impressive for Triathlon with the Rio Olympics and World Triathlon Series Final in Mexico there has never been a better time to get involved and compete alongside the pros. The British Super Series will be taking a break in 2016 but the Windsor Triathlon will still see many elites gunning for glory, all under the shadow of the historic Windsor Castle. More names of who will be taking part will be revealed in the lead up to the event.
The Windsor Triathlon is one of the most highly-regarded triathlons in the UK calendar and will be back on Sunday 12th June 2016 after a storming 25th year in 2015. The stunning scenery of the Thames and the Windsor Great Park form the striking route of one of the most recognisable courses, awarded the BTF's 'Event of the Year' a remarkable seven times. The event has stood the test of time with its quality delivery, stunning location and great event village.
Participants will be able to choose from various distances including the sprint (750m swim, 30k bike, 5k run) and the popular Olympic distance (1,5k swim, 42k bike, 10k run).
Jack Buckner, Chief Executive for British Triathlon comments “Windsor Triathlon has seen many of our top triathletes and Olympians race over the years and continues to provide a fantastic opportunity for the future starts of the sport to prove themselves against a top quality field. The event also gives age-group triathletes the chance to race alongside the elites in front of a historic backdrop, an experience not to miss.”
Entries are expected to sell out quickly as in previous years as demand to take part in Windsor Triathlon grows. Entrants can sign up at www.humanrace.co.uk/triathlon to secure their place.
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Outlaw Half Holkham: run, camp, cinema!
Running, camping and cinema to feature at Outlaw Half Holkham
One Step Beyond, the organisers of Outlaw Half Holkham have released more details of the weekend festival that will accompany the new event on 3 July. Taking place at the stunning estate in North Norfolk, the event will feature bespoke camping, open-air cinema, and running events. Entries are still open for the Middle Distance event.
Related Article: New Outlaw Half Venue is confirmed
With just over 15 weeks to go, camping can now be booked. This is one of only two occasions during the year that anyone can camp at Holkham, and the site is being specifically set up for athletes and their supporters. There are pitches available for tents and camper vans, with plenty of toilets, hot showers, power hook ups, security and on site catering. The pitches are just a two minute walk to transition.
Entries for the Holkham 10k & 2.5k running events will be open soon for adult and junior competitors. The events take place within the grounds of the estate and all finishers will receive a high quality medal after crossing the carpeted finishing chute.
The Luna Cinema within the walled gardens at Holkham will show Back to the Future on Friday night and Dirty Dancing on Saturday before the big race on Sunday. Tickets will be available to buy from http://www.holkham.co.uk/event/open-air-cinema.
The Outlaw Half Holkham covers a 1900m lake swim, 56mile bike ride and 13.1 mile run. Competitors can take part either as individuals or relay teams of three.
For more information and to book camping, visit the event website: http://www.onestepbeyond.org.uk/outlaw-half-triathlon-holkham.php.
Anyone wishing to volunteer will be expertly well looked after; applications are welcome via the link below. This is an excellent way to be a huge part of the weekend as well as learn about event management and add something to your CV: http://www.onestepbeyond.org.uk/volunteers.php.
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Weekend preview: March 19-20
A fairly restricted international palette this weekend but not without some definite promise for GB athletes. By anyone's standards Tim Don had a decent run of results last year and he's kicking off his 2016 campaign at Ironman 70.3 Monterrey with the obvious intention of retaining his winner's trophy. Lining up alongside him, will be Stuart Hayes (slight sense of déja vu, having those two racing together!) Tim Hancock, Robert Wade (IRL), Emma Kate Lidbury, (World Duathlon Champion) Emma Pallant and Frankie Sanjana. There's no GB representation as far as we can see at the other WTC race, Ironman 70.3 Puerto Rico.
There are several ITU events around the world this weekend but the only one we can find GB names against is the ITU World Paratriathlon Event in Buffalo City. Five GB and two Irish names on the lists here - PT1: Phil Hogg and Bret Crossley; PT2: Ryan Taylor; PT3: Garrett Turbett (IRL); PT4: David Hill, Aidan McGlynn (IRL) and Lauren Steadman; PT5: Alison Patrick, Melissa Reid and Catherine Walsh (IRL). Given the British Triathlon Rio 2016 selection policy, a win for either of Steadman or Patrick will mean automatic selection, given that both have made the podium at the last two World Championship races.
The Challenge folk have a middle distance race in Amazonia - at Manaus to be specific given that Amazonia is a tad on the large side... At the time of writing no athlete lists were available so we have no real idea of who will be taking part in what looks like a seriously unique event.
The last of the international races is XTERRA Costa Rica.
It's clearly qualifier time and this weekend's option is the Clumber Park Duathlon on Saturday with both the sprint and standard distances having slots. The standard is for both the 2016 ITU World Championships at Aviles in Spain and the 2017 ETU European Championships while the spint is just for the 2017 ETU European Championships.
Also in Saturday's mix is the Bath Duathlon and the Wee Triathlon in Scotland. F3 have split their Windsor & Eton Winter Series event at Dorney Lake across two days so the runs are on Saturday with the duathlons on Sunday.
Moving to Sunday proper we have the Ambleside Duathlon with three distance options, the Derwent Duathlon, the Sun City Duathlon, the Cosmeston Duathlon and two distance options at the Gravesend Duathlon.
There are also aquathlons on offer at Burnham on Sea, East Grinstead and London Fields to round out the weekend.
FULL WEEKEND RACE LISTINGS
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Endura: "fastest tri suit in the world"
Endura launches new aero tri race kit in cooperation with Drag2Zero
We've seen the likes of Joe Skipper, Luke McKenzie and Nils Frommhold set some of the fastest bike times in the history of iron-distance racing wearing it during 2015, and now it is available for you to buy, as Endura (www.endurasport.com) officially release to the public their Endura QDC (Quick Dry Cool) Drag2Zero triathlon range.
QDC = 'Quick Dry Cool' and Endura founder, Jim McFarlane says "The aim was to create the fastest tri suit in the world without compromising comfort in any of the disciplines, and I think we have done that..."
It's All About the Bike Split
Endura launches new aero tri race kit in cooperation with Drag2Zero
The new Endura QDC (Quick Dry Cool) Drag2Zero triathlon range boasts market leading aero concepts, cutting edge fabrics and exclusive pad technologies to live up to its ambitious label. With a focus on providing significant watt savings on the bike split the QDC development program has been undertaken in partnership with Simon Smart of Smart Aero Technology, widely acknowledged as the leading aerodynamicist in cycle sport, and a selection of the world's top long distance triathletes. Major drag reductions have been achieved through painstaking F1 wind tunnel sessions testing over 70 exclusively developed prototypes using countless fabrics, fine tuning garments to deliver maximum aero advantage at the speeds experienced in competitive triathlon. With an athlete's body accounting for approximately 85% of the aerodynamic drag while riding it's a simple equation: a faster suit means a faster bike split and that helps bring the win into reach.
Jim McFarlane, founder of Endura, explains: "The aim was to create the fastest tri suit in the world without compromising comfort in any of the disciplines, and I think we have done that. The numbers out of the wind tunnel are better than we could have ever hoped when we started out on this journey and feedback from our athletes in racing has been overwhelmingly positive. All of the individual components of the suits and numerous different seam constructions have been tested in the wind tunnel in order to optimise aerodynamics at real world speeds. We have focussed on sleeved suits and a sleeved aero jersey as the sleeves we use allow for big aerodynamic improvements, as was demonstrated consistently in testing."
QDC has been tested and developed with a group of the world's top long distance triathletes including Luke McKenzie who holds the record for the fastest Ironman time on Australian soil, 2015 Challenge Roth winner Nils Frommhold, and multiple Ironman Champions Tim Don, Iván Raña, Rachel Joyce and Beth Gerdes.
Related Article: Luke McKenze - 'career day' in numbers
Having raced and trained in Endura tri prototypes for more than a year, Luke McKenzie says: "The Endura QDC suit is definitely the most advanced suit I have ever worn. The attention to detail for fit, comfort, cooling and aerodynamics makes it a winner for me. It's refreshing working with Endura as a professional, it's definitely a company that leaves no stone unturned. They're working on fit for triathlon, not for cycling and I think that is crucial because we want to be fast and comfortable."
"It's fast and really comfortable for when you go full gas, you don't need time to make sure everything is in its place, the fit is perfect" states Iván Raña, Ironman 70.3 and Ironman champion.
Rachel Joyce (Runner Up 2015 Ironman World Champion) sums it up: "I'm super excited, a lot of research has gone into making sure that this is really fast. It all helps when you are out there knowing you have got that little edge on your competitors."
The Endura QDC Drag2Zero suit helped Nils Frommhold become 2015 Challenge Roth winner without pressing harder on his pedals. After trailing Timo Bracht in 2014 by 4m:39s, Nils reversed the order in 2015 to win by a margin of 5m:03s. Nils improved on his 2014 bike split by 5 mins 46 sec whilst Timo Bracht lost 43 seconds. No other Top 25 finisher came within 10 mins of Nils's bike split, yet his normalised power output was within 2 watts of his 2014 performance equating to a drag reduction of around 19 watts. With approximately 85% of drag accounted for by the body rather there's an obvious conclusion: The Endura QDC Drag2Zero race suit is as fast in racing as the wind tunnel tests predicted.
Nils Frommhold en route to a 4:09:30 split (and race win) at Challenge Roth
Nils Frommhold comments on the suit: "It's not just my secret weapon now; you have the possibility to buy it."
Related Article: The fastest bikers in Ironman
Endura QDC Drag2Zero Triathlon range
The Endura QDC Drag2Zero Triathlon range comprises of the following pro level items: a standard aero race suit, a lightweight aero race suit using fabrics up to 40% lighter than the standard suit, a sleeveless aero race suit, an aero bike jersey, a sleeveless tri vest, a lightweight tri short, and calf guards. All of these are available in men's and women's versions including gender-specific pads.
Technologies used for QDC Drag2Zero Tri Race Kit
The following technologies feature throughout the QDC Drag2Zero range;
Wind tunnel tested surface texturing minimises drag significantly. Slick bonded neckline and raw edge hem finishes eliminate chafing. Neat 3D printed silicone grippers keep the hems in place without irritating the skin. High wicking main body fabric with coldblack® technology, UPF 50+ protection and mesh side panels manage body temperature efficiently while drying super fast.
All suits and tops boast a bonded rear pocket for race essentials, while the suits and the tri shorts also have a gel wrapper stuff pocket on the back thigh to discourage littering. The suits and the tri shorts are also equipped with a quick dry, water repellent Continuously Variable Profile (CVP) Tri pad with water expelling DisperseFoam™ technology. Additionally, the QDC Tri Vest and the QDC Drag2Zero Tri Shorts both feature 3D printed silicone interface grippers to bind with each other.
See the full QDC Drag2Zero triathlon range here: www.endurasport.com/products/browse/?setFilter=1&FilterStr=|RANGE_22|
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Clumber Park Duathlon AG qualification
Remember to register!
If you are racing at the Clumber Park Duathlon tomorrow (19th March), and are looking to qualify for the Great Britain Age-Group team, then you need to ensure you have registered your intent to do so and paid the £10 fee before 5pm TODAY, Friday 18th March 2016.
The Clumber Park event is offering qualification to THREE separate World and European Championship events:
Standard Distance event: qualifier for 2016 ITU Standard Distance World Champs (Aviles, Spain) - REGISTER
Standard Distance event: qualifier for 2017 ETU Standard Distance European Champs (Venue TBC) - REGISTER
Sprint Distance event: qualifier for 2017 ETU Sprint Distance European Champs (Venue TBC) - REGISTER
Thus, if you are racing the Standard Distance event at Clumber Park then you could potentially qualify for the 2016 World Champs and the 2017 European Champs - BUT YOU WILL NEED TO REGISTER, IN ADVANCE, FOR BOTH - before the 5pm cutoff.
Related Article: 2016 Age-Group qualifying races summary
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The Polaris Sport Relief Gold Cup...
To support Sport Relief (www.sportrelief.com) this year and in celebration of the Cheltenham Festival, Polaris Bikewear (www.polaris-bikewear.co.uk) introduced the fast and furious sport of Bike Pod Racing (Bike Cases).
Jockeys and horses (Pods) had been deep in months of rigorous training for this event and it all now came down to a cold Friday morning on Gold Cup day in March as to who came out victorious...
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The National Triathlon Show announces line-up
The National Triathlon Show announces an unmissable line-up of features
With only a month to go, The National Triathlon Show (www.220triathlonshow.co.uk) has announced a brilliant array of features taking place over the weekend that are not to be missed.
Over 100 of the leading triathlon brands present the sport's best technology to trial and buy at the UK's No.1 triathlon show.
Tri247 readers can get 2 for 1 tickets to the show using code TR22
As well as serving the sport’s core support, the show acts as a gateway to triathlon for the thousands participating in 2016 for the first time. Over 100 exhibitors ensure the event is an unparalleled opportunity to see, demo, try and buy the newest products in the market.
Make a splash in the multi-brand wetsuit test pool
Demo and buy the latest wearable tech in the Garmin Technology Hub
Take your training top new heights with the POWERbreathe Altitude Trainer
Have your running style analysed in the Alton Sports Running Laboratory
PLUS much, much more…
Keep an eye out over the next month as we take a closer look at these and other fantastic highlights.
OPENING & SESSION TIMES
Friday 8th April: 5pm-8pm
Saturday 9th April: 9.30am-5.30pm
Sunday 10th April: 9.30am-5.30pm
The National Triathlon Show (www.220triathlonshow.co.uk) runs from 8-10 April and you can get 2 for 1 tickets to the show using code TR22 HERE.
Tri247 readers can get 2 for 1 tickets to the show using code TR22
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Steadman, Patrick earn Rio qualification
Three Gold, Two Silver, One Bronze In South Africa for GB Paratriathlon
The first major race of the 2016 Paratriathlon season, the Buffalo City ITU World Paratriathlon Event in South Africa, offered two British athletes the chance of automatic qualification of sport’s debut at Rio 2016. That chance was grabbed by both, in emphatic style.
With their victories today, Lauren Steadman (F-PT4) and Alison Patrick (F-PT5), have confirmed their status as World Championship medal winners in both 2014 and 2015, to now fully focus their season on being in peak performance in Brazil later this year.
Steadman, 23, won the PT4 category and has now qualified for her third Paralympic Games, having competed twice before as a swimmer. She commented: “The top women weren’t here today so I planned to keep it steady and ensure that nothing went wrong. Meeting automatic qualification was the absolute priority.”
While automatic qualification wasn’t available to Ryan Taylor (M-PT2) today, as a medal winner at the 2015 World Championship he was already a small step up the selection ladder. A win today will further cement his status as hot favourite to join Lauren and Alison in Rio.
Head coach, Jonathon Riall said that it was “a great start to 2016 with two more quota places secured for Rio and two athletes meeting automatic qualification.”
2016 Buffalo City ITU World Paratriathlon Event; Sunday 20 March; 750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run
GB Athlete results
F-PT4
Gold – Lauren Steadman
F-PT5
Gold – Alison Patrick (Guide, Nicole Walters)
Bronze – Melissa Reid (Guide, Hazel Smith)
M-PT1
Silver – Phil Hogg
6th – Bret Crossley
M-PT2
Gold – Ryan Taylor
M-PT4
Silver – David Hill
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