Elite triathlete Marc Austin to take on Red Bull Neptune Steps
When an event is supported by Red Bull, you can expect it to be innovative and adrenaline fuelled. This Saturday the Red Bull Neptune Steps returns to Maryhill Locks, Glasgow for a challenge which combines Obstacle Course Racing with open water swimming, an event which was described last year by an entrant as "a hugely exciting event that will have people laughing (or maybe crying) about just how hard but brilliant it had been". Take a look at the video from last year below to see what it is about. The fact that it sold out in nine minutes this time around, tells you something about its popularity.
There is an elite racing element too. Last year's winner, Mark Deans, represented Great Britain at the 2014 Open Water Swimming Championship.
Among those taking part this year is Marc Austin, an athlete we've regularly commented on in these pages over the years for his ability to produce his best performances in championship races. A member of the 2014 Scottish Commonwealth Games team, he's collected multiple medals and World and European Championships over the past three or four years at Junior and Under-23 level. He's also one of the fastest triathlon swimmers around - though what he's like at rope climbing, cargo nets and climbing walls we're not sure!
We'll be bringing you more from the event next week, having sent a sacrificial lamb willing volunteer to take part and give us the inside view on what it is really like.
Swim, Climb, Conquer: Counting Down to Red Bull Neptune Steps
This Saturday, the much-anticipated return of Red Bull Neptune Steps is set to make a splash in Glasgow, at Maryhill Locks on Saturday 9th April, 12pm.
The open-water adventure race like no other is back, with competitors travelling from all over to compete in the only event of its kind, anywhere in the world. Glasgow will welcome athletes from Ireland, Sweden, the Netherlands, France, Switzerland and Canada, along with participants from the rest of the UK who are all set to take on the unique challenge of swimming uphill.
Since announcing the return of Red Bull Neptune Steps earlier this year, race entries sold out in just nine minutes, such was the demand for the UK's toughest open-water endurance test.
Related Article: 2015 Red Bull Neptune Steps report
Red Bull Neptune Steps will see some of the UK and Ireland's finest swimming and multi-sport athletes take to the cold canal waters, including Scottish open water champion Mark Deans; Team Scotland Commonwealth Games triathlete Marc Austin; and Con Docherty, one of the world's leading junior triathletes.
Red Bull Neptune Steps is free to attend for spectators, who are encouraged to get down early on Saturday to catch all of the action from this one-of-a-kind open-water spectacle.
Last year's winner Mark Deans grapples with the challenging Maryhill Locks course, but who will emerge victorious this weekend?
Marc Austin takes on Red Bull Neptune Steps
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Ironman South Africa preview
Can Great Britain's elite women repeat their 2015 podium sweep at Ironman South Africa?
Swallow, Gossage and Cheetham return for 2016 IRONMAN African Championship
When Susie Cheetham crossed the finish line on Marine Drive, right next to Hobie Beach in Port Elizabeth last year at Ironman South Africa, it was a marquee day for British long distance racing. That was the first time, outside of our home Ironman UK, that British athletes have filled all three positions on an international full-distance Ironman® podium. To do that at one of the Ironman Championship races is further evidence, not that it is really needed, of their quality. Given that all three have finished in the top ten at the Ironman World Championships over the last two editions, Great Britain really does have incredible strength-in-depth within women's long distance triathlon.
Susie, along with the two athletes who finished ahead of her last year, Jodie Swallow and Lucy Gossage, will be aiming for success once again this Sunday. We had hoped to be seeing Corinne Abraham joining that trio, but unfortuntely injury has meant a late withdrawal for the winner of Ironman Cozumel.
2015 Podium - Ironman South Africa, Nelson Mandela Bay
Pos
Men
Women
1st
Frederik van Lierde (BEL) 8:16:35
Jodie Swallow (GBR) 9:26:56
2nd
Ivan Rana (ESP) 8:30:45
Lucy Gossage (GBR) 9:31:20
3rd
Bart Aernouts (BEL) 8:35:59
Susie Cheetham (GBR) 9:33:02
There are some changes this year to the course in Port Elizabeth, which organisers are suggesting may give rise to faster times, though given that the two loop bike course is now almost entirely coastal, the wind will be a major factor in that.
All images ©Richard Melik / Freespeed.co.uk
How good are this trio? We'll let the numbers do the talking in this alternative 'preview':
Jodie Swallow
Lucy Gossage
Susie Cheetham
Ironman South Africa
history
2015 - 1st
2014 - 3rd
2013 - 2nd
2015 - 2nd
2014 - 2nd
2015 - 3rd
Ironman® wins
South Africa 2015
Kalmar 2013
UK 2015
Wales 2014
UK 2013
Lanzarote 2013
None (yet...)
Ironman® podiums
Five
Seven
Two
First Ironman® podium
South Africa 2013 (2nd)
UK 2013 (1st)
Barcelona 2014 (3rd)
Fastest iron-distance time
8:54:01 (Kalmar 2013)
8:58:43 (Barcelona 2012*)
9:03:32 (Barcelona 2014)
Highest Kona finish
4th (2014)
10th (2015)
6th (2015)
Last Ironman® race
Kona 2015 (DNF)
New Zealand 2016 (2nd)
Kona 2015 (6th)
Ironman 70.3 World Champs
2010 - 1st
2014 - 2nd
2007 - 7th (AG 25-29)
2015 - 7th
(* Challenge Barcelona)
And the British Pro Men...
Earlier this year I interviewed Stephen Bayliss while out in Lanzarote, and Stephen was set to return to the venue at which he won his first Ironman race in 2008. However, he's decided not to make the trip following a flu bug and instead put his efforts into being fully prepared for Ironman Lanzarote next month.
That leaves Oliver Simon as the sole British male professional racing. Oliver had a great end to 2015, breaking the long-standing Welsh Ironman record at Ironman Barcelona. Perennial winner of his home town 'Long Course Weekend' in Tenby, Oliver has been training hard over the winter and recently set a half marathon PB. "My goals have been to get in the mix and have a solid marathon at the end, this will put me in or near the top 10 and I would be delighted with that result".
You can view the full professional start list HERE.
Prize Money (P-4000 points status, $150k total)
Pos
Men
Women
1st
$30,000
$30,000
2nd
$15,000
$15,000
3rd
$8,000
$8,000
4th
$6,500
$6,500
5th
$5,000
$5,000
6th
$3,500
$3,500
7th
$2,500
$2,500
8th
$2,000
$2,000
9th
$1,500
$1,500
10th
$1,000
$1,000
Total
$75,000
$75,000
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Orca supports expansion of SwimRun races
A relatively new sport that began in Sweden in 2006, the Swimrun race format has been rapidly growing in popularity with hundreds of races across Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, Germany and Sweden and Orca has been there.
Now in 2016 we are excited to be getting behind the expansion of this race to the rest of the world! We will be supporting the 1st Swimrun event in Spain with the Swimrun Costa Brava event in April, the 1st Swimrun event in USA with the Casco Bay Islands Swimrun, and the major Swimrun event in the capital of the home of Swimrun, at the Stockholm Swimrun in June. We will also be sponsoring the Breca Swimrun series held throughout the UK, Hells Hop in Scotland and finally the Barcelona Swimrun in November.
In line with this event support, and following on from the success of our RS1 SwimRun wetsuit released in 2015, we’re pleased to announce the upcoming release in July of our Core SwimRun wetsuit. The soon to be released Core version will offer a price-pointed option that meets the unique Swimrun race requirements with the flexibility to swim unrestricted, the freedom of movement to run off-trail and durability to sustain lots of slips and knocks.
We believe the Swimrun ethos of conquering nature aligns perfectly with the Orca brand and we look forward to getting behind the expansion of this unique race format in 2016 for more to enjoy!
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Jenkins vs. Stimpson for Olympic selection
Olympics Games selection: Jenkins and Stimpson go Head-to-Head in the Gold Coast
Just two races into the 2016 World Triathlon Series season, and this weekend will mark a potentially career-defining day for two of Great Britain's most successful ITU athletes.
With the automatic selection of Non Stanford and Vicky Holland from their results at the 2015 Rio Olympic Test Event and Chicago Grand Final, the World Triathlon Gold Coast looks set to be a head-to-head for the final slot between Helen Jenkins and Jodie Stimpson. The race takes place this Saturday, 9th April (live on the BBC Red Button and online, 00:30-02:30), with notification of selection, courtesy of the Olympic Nomination Policy amendment due by 18th April for the women's team. In practice, let's hope that selection decision is clear cut almost immediately.
So, what do we know... or can reasonably imply...or is just our (reasoned) opinion?
The WTS Gold Coast is the defined '2016 Assessment Race'.
Helen Jenkins and Jodie Stimpson are the only female British entrants for the event.
While the selection policies still have contingency for a 'Pilot Athlete' selection (athletes selected as helpers, who's primary role is to assist the medal winning chances of their team mates, previously known as domestiques - as was the case for London 2012 selection), we at least, are going to all but rule that out as a possibility for Rio 2016. While not formally part of the selection criteria events, Jodie and Helen started 2016 with Gold and Bronze respectively in Abu Dhabi. Jodie followed up with another win at the Mooloolaba World Cup. Helen is a double World Champion and has finished on the podium in almost 50% of her WTS career races (and is even four from nine in terms of WTS podiums since London 2012, after 18 months of injury). 'Evidence of ability to win an individual medal', in our eyes, has been more than met by both athletes. Let the best athlete go, they have earned that right.
To add to the previous point, the last two athletes to beat Gwen Jorgensen in WTS competition were... Jodie Stimpson and Helen Jenkins, who took Gold and Silver in 2014 in Cape Town.
The 'Assessment Race' performances will be considered, in the following order "to prioritise an athlete displaying an improving performance profile and an ability to meet the specific demands of the Rio 2016 Olympic Triathlon race course":
2016 WTS Gold Coast
Rio de Janeiro Test Event 2015
WTS Grand Final Chicago 2015
Helen finished 11th in Chicago and was a DNF in Rio.
Jodie finished 6th in Chicago and was 10th in Rio.
Right now, that would suggest that Jodie has, all other things being equal, an advantage, which her early season form can surely only add to. In WTS racing, per the graphic below, Helen leads Jodie in terns of all-time 'Head to Head' results, 14 to six. Since the start of 2014 however, the balance is five to one in favour of Stimpson...
What do we want to see?
No illnesses, injuries, mechanicals or unforeseen external factors impacting the race, please! Let's hope that two hours of racing action will be the decider, not selection policy small print or appeals.
We hope that we get a clear and decisive result which leaves little doubt as to which athlete has earned selection.
As Jodie said after the race in Abu Dhabi in her post-race interview, "...we're great rivals and she's an absolutely fantastic athlete and I have so much respect for her... Me and Helen are both in the same boat and whoever has the best race in Gold Coast we just hope goes then, the best girl wins, and if Helen beats me in Gold Coast, then Helen beat me in Gold Coast and deserves to go and we can't say any more than that."
Is there any small print that could get in the way?
Ok, based on everything above - both factual, implied and reasonably assessed (I believe) - could there be anything to get in the way of what seems set to be a purely sporting battle? Possibly. But let's hope not.
Simply, if either (or both), produce a very strong result in Australia, especially if that ends up on the podium, that first athlete will surely be selected? However... to be clear, according to the selection criteria, this is NOT a simple head-to-head selection where the first athlete will be selected, irrespective of relative performance level:
"Selection of an individual athlete at Phase 4 shall be at the absolute discretion of the 2016 BTF Olympic Nomination Committee. The committee may determine not to select an individual athlete."
What's that in English please, John? Back to that policy again...
When evaluating the performances of athletes in the events listed above the nomination committee will consider the following performance factors:
2.1 Evidence of an ability to win an individual medal
2.2 Evidence of a race performance profile that will compliment the athlete(s) race performances profile that have already qualified (i.e. Non Stanford and Vicky Holland), and therefore will enhance Team GB's ability to win medals at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Lots of words, but ultimately designed to leave the selectors options wide open, whatever happens on Saturday. It's possible, (for example) that the selectors might believe that the best chance of Team GB medals success is through one or both of Stanford and Holland. It's then possible that the selectors may then decide that the 'race performance profile' of one (or both) of the potentially selected athletes (Jenkins or Stimpson), may reduce the chances of that happening (due to their relative discipline strengths for example), and trying to forecast how that could impact the race in Rio, relative to their team mates and opposition. i.e. Would the race tactics and strengths/weaknesses of either Jenkins of Stimpson, working to optimize their own result in Rio, potentially result in a scenario which works against the objectives of the already qualified athletes (Stanford and Holland), or in favour of the other nations we are competing against? Mystic Meg is useful here...
It's a shame that someone will miss out... but that is (the joy and pain of) elite sport
Whatever happens on Saturday, and whoever prevails, and whatever the selectors decide... there will be huge disappointment for one of these fine athletes. For Jodie, while Commonwealth Champion in 2014, she's yet to make it to an Olympic Games. For Helen, potentially, this could be her third Olympic Games chance and perhaps an opportunity to overcome the memories of London 2012 where, despite finishing fifth, injury prevented her from fully displaying the abilities that almost everyone had her marked down for, at the very least, a podium finish.
It's a pressure situation, a tough challenge for two athletes who I have had the pleasure of following, interviewing and commentating on at events over many years now - in both good and bad times. You would be hard pushed to find two more genuine, professional and hard-working individuals... but two into one doesn't go. And that - for us mortals watching - is part of the attraction. Elite sport is tough, not everyone can win. Indeed, the vast majority of athletes may never win. Helen and Jodie, more than anyone, will be well aware of that, so sincere best wishes to both that they can bring their A-game to race day and let their performances decide the outcome.
For the rest of us, we can watch on as fans, supporters, family, friends, media and more. While there is likely to be both celebration and commiserations post-race depending on the result, we can ALL celebrate sporting rivalry at its finest, and as Jodie said, "let the best girl win".
Over to you Helen and Jodie.
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Harlech Triathlon report 2016
Harlech Triathlon - A Fantastic 15th Birthday on Sunday 3rd April
Good weather, a fantastic group of competitors and a 13th Century Castle for the finish – it doesn't get much better as Harlech Triathlon celebrated its 15th Birthday. Over 350 competitors took part in the day's events, which included the Triathlon (400m swim, 21k bike, 6k run), Duathlon (5k run, 21k bike, 2.4k) and 3k Fun Run. As always, scores of volunteers ensured that the competitors had a safe and enjoyable race.
This message from one of the triathlon competitors sums up the day:
"Can I say a huge thank you to all the organisers and marshals for yesterday's amazing triathlon. Finishing in the castle was quite an experience and it was brilliant for supporters to be allowed in to cheer folk on that final push. Can I also say that the fact there were three events running on the day felt like the whole town came alive and it was lovely to see all the kids and runners doing the fun run. Keep up the good work and I'm already looking forward to 2017"
Special thanks go to CADW and Tony Payne, the Castle's Custodian, for allowing Harlech Triathlon Club to use the Castle.
The events are run by volunteers for the benefit of the community. Over the years Harlech Triathlon Club has donated over fifteen thousand pounds.
The competitors' family and friends had free access to the Castle to cheer them on as they climbed the steps to the finish. The spectator area on the middle ward provided the perfect viewing point. As well as the run it provided a bird's eye view of transition, the run up Beach Road and those starting and finishing the bike.
Harlech hosted the Welsh Duathlon Championships. The photo shows the winning woman Jasmine Bowyer, who lives in Harlech.
Andrew Deans, from the Welsh Triathlon Association commented "we couldn't have asked for a better setting, next to Harlech Castle, for the finish line. Can you please pass on our thanks to all the volunteers”
First prize winners were:
TRIATHLON
Overall Male
Phil Ellison
St. Helens Tri club
01:02:06
Overall Female
Helen Marshall
IntrTri
01:10:34
Junior Male
William Piper
01:23:34
Junior Female
Tilly Edwards
Scarab Triathlon Club
01:20:55
20-29 Male
Andrew Nash
RAF Triathlon
01:04:52
20-29 Female
Sian Owen
01:32:46
30-39 Male
Phil Ellison
St. Helens Tri club
01:02:06
30-39 Female
Helen Marshall
IntrTri
01:10:34
40-49 Male
Scott Whittlestone
Chester Triathlon Club
01:03:21
40-49 Female
Karen Newby
Scarab Triathlon Club
01:17:03
50-59 Male
Andy White
Chester Triathlon Club
01:05:21
50-59 Female
Paula Sky Tunnadine
Wrecsam Tri Club
01:22:30
60-69 Male
Malcolm Harrison
GOG Triathlon
01:20:36
60-69 Female
Linda Arthan
Bike with Claire
01:39:26
70+ Male
Bruce Cameron
Poole Runners
01:42:23
Best Local Male
Hedd Roberts
Seiclo madog/rhedwyr hebog
01:13:05
Best Local Female
Eleanor Davies
Clwb Beicio Bala
01:17:38
Hill Climb Male
Rhys Davies
Clwb Beicio Bala
Hill Climb Female
Helen Marshall
IntrTri
DUATHLON
Overall Male
Dylan Griffiths
Clwb seiclo madog/hebog
01:05:50
Overall Female
Jasmine Bowyer
GOG Triathlon
01:15:35
20-29 Male
David Cooper
Bangor University Triathlon Team
01:09:55
20-29 Female
Jasmine Bowyer
GOG Triathlon
01:15:35
30-39 Male
Dylan Griffiths
Clwb seiclo madog/hebog
01:05:50
40-49 Male
Justin McIlveen
Team Elite
01:06:37
40-49 Female
Lesley Park
Trismart
01:26:05
50-59 Male
Mike Pfeiffer
Brecon Triathlon Club
01:06:28
50-59 Female
Bridget Ripley
01:23:10
60-69 Male
Colin Hunt
Wrecsam Tri Club
01:19:15
60-69 Female
Sarah Greaves
Ootri
01:29:30
70+ Male
Phil Jones
Hebog
01:33:47
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Vanessa Raw designs Windsor Triathlon medal
Prominent triathlete and respected artist Vanessa Raw will design the medal for the 2016 Windsor Triathlon, to be held on Sunday 12 June. Vanessa, who was crowned Queen of Windsor in 2010, is now taking on another type of challenge as she uses her artistic skills to create a must-have reward that will be given to each of the 3,000 finishers as they cross the line.
For many years Vanessa Raw has been balancing a hectic elite training schedule with time in the studio creating her landscapes and portraits. Both worlds will meet for her latest piece, giving every person who enters the historic event a chance to take a piece of her art home. Vanessa has already submitted her design, which will be revealed in the weeks leading up to the Windsor Triathlon.
Since its debut in 1991 tens of thousands of participants have competed in the Windsor Triathlon, becoming one of the most popular triathlons in the UK. Several distances are on offer in the historic and beautiful surroundings of Windsor Castle, including Sprint, Olympic and relay options. New waves recently launched allow a limited number of triathletes to avoid Saturday registration and rack on-the-day for the first time. The Mates Waves will give friends, family members and rivals the chance to race alongside each other regardless of age and gender.
Vanessa Raw said "Windsor Triathlon holds a lot of fond memories, with it also being the first Olympic Event I ever took part in. When asked to design the medal, I was pleased to be able to give something back. Hope all the competitors have a fantastic experience too!” Vanessa’s website for her art is www.vanessarawart.com
Nick Rusling, CEO of organisers Human Race, said "We are all massive fans of Vanessa's work, so were thrilled when she agreed to work with us on this project. Having been champion of the Windsor Triathlon in 2010 she knows the event inside out, and has come up with something elegant and pertinent. This is a very special medal, which every triathlete professional or amateur will want to add to their collection."
Thousands of people are already signed up to compete at the Windsor Triathlon on Sunday 12 June, with only limited places remaining. To secure your place visit www.humanrace.co.uk/windsortriathlon
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National Triathlon Show: Simon Ward
Simon Ward at the National Triathlon Show
Taking place this weekend, 8th-10th April 2016, the National Triathlon Show (www.220triathlonshow.co.uk) takes place at Lee Valley Velopark.
Regular Tri247 contributor, coach Simon Ward, will be one of those present at the Triathlon Expert Seminars (see full schedule HERE). All seminar sessions are included within your ticket price - check out the schedule and drop in to those that are of interest.
Simon's sessions include:
Saturday 9th April, 9:40am - The top three triathlon questions I get asked and the ‘surprising’ answers.
Triathletes always have lots of questions but some come up more than others. At this presentation on Saturday (9.40am) I’ll reveal the top 3 triathlon questions I get asked and the ‘surprising’ answers.
Saturday 9th April, 1:05pm - Forget Marginal Gains! Boost performance with more obvious training changes.
Marginal gains is a great concept for elite athletes near their maximum potential. But at 1.05pm on Saturday I’ll show you how to take advantage of some very obvious gains that are staring you in the face
Saturday 9th April, 5pm - Triathlon coaches Andy Blow and Simon Ward 'argue' over the hottest tri topis.
Who will come out on top? See it all LIVE! 5pm, Saturday
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FREE Stryd Power Meter with HUUB purchase this weekend
FREE Stryd Power Meter when you buy a HUUB wetsuit at the National Triathlon Show this weekend.
British wetsuit brand HUUB (www.huubdesign.com) have a very attractive offer on this coming weekend (8th-10th April) at the National Triathlon Show (www.220triathlonshow.co.uk), being held at Lea Valley Velodrome.
For the first 100 purchases of HUUB's brand new range of scientifically advanced wetsuits, the Aerious or Atana, you will also receive a FREE Stryd Power Meter worth £179.99! To take advantage of this offer, visit the HUUB team at the show.
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The Brownlee's talk to CNN
"Once it comes down to the last part of the run, all those bets are off and we're just racing to win"
This coming Saturday sees the return of Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee to World Triathlon Series racing in the Gold Coast. Due to various injuries, we only saw the two race together once during 2015 at the World Triathlon Series London - and that would prove to be no 'race' at all, as Jonathan arrived in T1 to find that he already had a puncture before he had even touched his bike. Alistair went on to cruise to victory in front of a patriotic home crowd, his 19th victory in World Triathlon Series racing.
The boys recently spent time with CNN International's 'Human to Hero' team in their Yorkshire training base, where "obsessional" and "determined" were their descriptions of each other.
The Brownlee Brothers on CNN's 'Human to Hero'
On their childhood and the earliest memories of their rivalry:
Alistair Brownlee: "Everything we did from running around in the garden to playing badminton or football or cricket, everything we did… Probably even doing the tidying up, everything turning in to a competition."
On competing on the Olympic and World stage alongside each other:
Jonny Brownlee: "Each of us wants to win, and there's only one person that can win. When we actually start the race I get the feeling it's us as a little team against everyone else."
Alistair Brownlee: "It is team tactics in that we're both furthering our aims jointly, but it's not like one sacrifices their performance for the other on the day."
On winning Gold and Bronze medals in the Triathlon at London 2012:
Jonny Brownlee: "Well, London 2012 was incredible experience. To be able to race in front of a home crowd of a million people, it was the best triathlon I've ever done. And Triathlon is one of those sports where so much can go wrong in the race itself so to be able to get two people on the podium was a great achievement."
Twice a month, Human to Hero gets to the heart of what it takes to be a sporting star, exploring the discipline, dedication and determination involved, as well as the sources of inspiration for the world's best athletes.
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Grandstand tickets for World Triathlon Leeds
Grandstand Tickets Now On Sale For The 2016 Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds
Watch GB's finest triathletes go head-to-head against the rest of the world in their last race on home soil ahead of Rio
Today sees the launch of the Grandstand tickets for the 2016 Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds, taking place on Sunday 12th June.
Officially on sale to the general public from 09:00am on Friday 8th April, Grandstand ticket holders will be able enjoy unsurpassed views of the thrilling racing action from the comfort of their seat overlooking the finish-line in the heart of Millennium Square.
The much-anticipated Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds, which is part of UK Sport's National Lottery-funded #EveryRoadtoRio event series, will provide the British public with a once in a lifetime opportunity to watch local heroes Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee, as well as other leading GB triathletes including Non Stanford and Vicky Holland, battle for glory against some of the world's best triathletes in their last race on home soil ahead of Rio.
Ticket holders will see the elite athletes pass them seven times on the bike and four times on the run, as well as witnessing the conclusion of the races, which often end with a thrilling sprint finish. A big screen will be located opposite the Grandstand showing the live BBC coverage so that ticket holders can stay up to speed with the race whilst it momentarily goes out of view.
Available to purchase from: http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?agency=LEEDS_CC&organ_val=21996&pid=8219898 tickets will be priced at £30 for adults and £20 for children (U15s). With the women's race starting at 13:00 and the men's at 15:45, ticket holders can expect well over four hours of live triathlon action. Organisers are anticipating demand to be extremely high and are encouraging individuals to secure their tickets today to avoid disappointment.
Simon Morton, Chief Operating Officer at UK Sport, said: "The Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Series Leeds ‎is one of the final events on our National Lottery funded #EveryRoadtoRio campaign, which set out to showcase our athletes' journey to the Games and boost their preparations through home crowd support. Leeds will provide a spectacular setting for this final send off for our triathletes and I'm sure the passionate home crowd will witness some fantastic performances from Britain's Rio medal contenders."
Councillor Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council, commented: “We are very excited to be welcoming the Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds this June, and the opportunity for fans to be in the Grandstand and watch all the action overlooking the finish line on Millennium Square promises to be a truly unforgettable experience.”
Jack Buckner, Chief Executive of British Triathlon, said: “The Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds is the final opportunity to watch Britain's world-class triathletes race on home soil before they travel to Rio and we are expecting the city of Leeds to come out in force. The Grandstand is located in the heart of the action and will provide the perfect location to watch the stars of our sport cross the finish line and deliver an atmosphere to remember.”
Speaking of the Grandstand ticket launch, Rupert Pybus, Global Head of Brand and Marketing at Columbia Threadneedle Investments, added: “We are very proud to be the title sponsor of the Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds 2016. We hope that you will all join us at, what promises to be, a fantastic weekend of sport in Leeds, where you will be able to see some of the best home grown talent compete before a great summer of sport. It's going to be a thrilling event and we are fortunate that it is being hosted in such a historic city. We look forward to seeing everyone there.”
In addition to offering individuals the opportunity to watch the elite races, the Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds, organised by British Triathlon in partnership with Leeds City Council, also provides recreational triathletes with the unique opportunity to compete on the same course as the elite athletes across a range of different distances, suitable for first timer's right through to experienced triathletes. A limited number of entries are still available for both the Saturday and Sunday events – for more information please visit: http://leeds.triathlon.org/enter_now/.
For the latest information on the Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds, please visit http://leeds.triathlon.org.
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Weekend preview: April 09-10
After the domestic excitement of last weekend the focus definitely switches to the international racing for this weekend. There's going to be a lot of GB's top triathlon names out there in action over the two days and there's the very strong prospect of more podium places to be claimed.
In terms of headlines it has to be the return to action of the Brownlee Brothers plus Olympic selection stories at the ITU's World Triathlon Series: Gold Coast event. Lining up with Alistair and Jonathan are Thomas Bishop, Gordon Benson, Jodie Stimpson and Helen Jenkins plus Bryan Keane (IRL). Jodie and Helen are, of course, going head-to-head to grab that final women's slot for the Rio Olympics. A certain Gwen Jorgensen is coming out to play too. She has won her last twelve ITU World Triathlon Series events... will the curse of '13' strike? Probably not. She won this race at a canter 12 months ago.
Related Article: Tom Bishop eyes Rio Pilot role
Tune in via the ITU TV channel to catch the racing in the very early hours of Saturday morning or you can watch on the BBC's Red Button service, the race coverage there is scheduled between 00:30-00:230 (women), and 03:30 and 05:30 (men) on Saturday with highlights on Sunday at 13:00 to 14:50 (BBC Two).
Related Article: Gordon Benson - aiming ro Rio selection
The ETU have another weekend of European Cup racing at Melilla (Spain) with a strong GB presence. The senior squad includes Iestyn Harrett, Liam Lloyd, Douglas Roberts, Calum Johnson, Matthew Sharp and Beau Smith but there seem to be no GB women on the list. In the junior event Lewis Bryam is our sole representative.
There's a lot of Ironman going on this weekend but the only full distance race is Ironman South Africa in Port Elizabeth. Long a favourite with the GB pro athletes (and the Tri247 team!) we have Stephen Bayliss and Simon Oliver representing the men but the women's squad is nothing short of awesome: Jodie Swallow, Lucy Gossage, Susie Cheetham and Corinne Abraham - who is going to bet against there being at least one of those on the podium on Sunday? Check out John's in-depth preview HERE. It was a British one-two-three last year and, we believe, could we be again. As to the potential order... take your pick from that trio of talent.
Two more half-distance races with pro fields, Ironman 70.3 Florida is an age-group only race, and both feature GB representation. Ironman 70.3 Texas sees James Hadley, Scott Neyedli, Emma-Kate Lidbury and Robert Wade (IRL) on the list while the South American Championships at Ironman 70.3 Palmas includes Tim Don and Leanda Cave. See what we meant about a strong GB presence?
Back home to the UK and hopefully most of the mud has been cleaned from bikes and kit ready for the weekend racing... Saturday sees just two races: the Newbury Duathlon and the RAF Scampton Duathlon.
A scattering of triathlons for Sunday, it's still pretty fresh out there first thing, with options at Clitheroe Pool, the West Lancashire Sprint, Halesowen, the Haywards Heath Sprint and Supersprint, the Newtown (Mid Wales) Triathlon, Desford and East Fife which is hosting the Scottish Student Championships.
Still plenty of duathlon races around so you can take your pick from the Dinton Duathlon, the Easter Duathlon at Dartford Bridge, the Thames Turbo Duathlon with both senior and junior races, the Hereford Duathlon which has two distance options, the MBH Penzance Duathlon and the York Tri Club Sprint Duathlon.
We're not done yet with the bike/run options as there the Vale of Glamorgan Duathlon, the Dales Duathlon, the Decathlon Bolton Duathlon and the Holmfirth Junior Duathlon.
Just a couple of aquathlon events to round things off, the Basildon Aquathlon which also has a kids option and and there's the fourth in the Tewkesbury Aquathlon Series.
FULL WEEKEND RACE LISTINGS
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Garmin cuts Vector power prices
Price reductions to Garmin Vector pedal-based power, plus Shimano compatibility
Garmin have today announced a pricing restructure (read, reduction), to their range of Vector power meter systems. This follows up on the news from earlier this week that, via the purchase of a new pedal cartridge, users of Garmin Vector can now use both the original Look Keo compatible pedal or use with a Shimano Ultegra pedal.
The dual-sensing Vector 2's are now priced at £899.99 (and £100 reduction), with the single-sensing Vector 2S now £549.99 (a £50 reduction). The new Vector Shimano Ultegra Pedal Cartridges are £99.99.
Here are the full details.
Vector 2’s dual-sensing pedal-based power meter measures cadence, total power, left/right balance and displays cycling dynamics, revolutionary metrics that provide feedback to cyclists on their position and pedal form. With cycling dynamics users can tailor their training around specific weaknesses and strengths by viewing exactly where they are generating power throughout the pedal stroke. Cyclists can also view where force is being applied on the pedal itself to ensure proper cleat position, as well as when and how long they were seated versus standing during a ride to gauge position effectiveness.
The affordable, single-sensing Vector 2S system reports cadence and measures forces on the left pedal to approximate total power. By measuring the deflection in the pedal spindle as users pedal and comparing that measured deflection to a factory calibration, Vector 2S can determine how much force is being applied to the pedal. An optional right-side upgrade pedal allows users to take the next step in monitoring power output whenever they choose.
During a ride, both systems measure and send data to compatible Edge® cycling computers, Forerunner® multisport watches or other ANT+® enabled devices for viewing.2 Post-ride analysis, data sharing, mapping, route planning and more can also be integrated into training through Garmin Connect™. Viewing power metrics, and graphically displayed cycling dynamics in Garmin Connect can help cyclists evaluate all aspects of a ride to train more efficiently.
Vector 2 and Vector 2S will be available in Standard (cranks 12-15 mm thick, up to 44 mm wide) and Large (cranks 15-18 mm thick, up to 44 mm wide) for a suggested retail price of £899.99 and £549.99 respectively. The optional Vector 2S right-side upgrade pedal will be available for £449.99 and the Vector Shimano Ultegra Pedal Cartridges will retail at £99.99
Vector Pricing as of 8th April 2016:
Vector 2, Standard - £899.99
Vector 2S, Standard - £549.99
Vector 2S Upgrade Pedal, Standard - £449.99
Vector Shimano Ultegra Pedal Cartridges will retail at - £99.99
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Special entry offer to Outlaw Half Holkham
The new Outlaw Half Holkham event is set for north Norfolk on 3 July covering a 1900m swim, 56mile bike ride and 13.1mile run at the stunning Holkham Estate. There's on site camping, open-air cinema and accompanying events including 10km and 2.5km runs.
During April it's possible to enter for £100 if competitors can pledge to raise £100 for charity. This is instead of the usual entry fee of £142.50. Entering a relay team is also be discounted by the same amount, £42.50, if competitors can hit £100 of fundraising.
To access this offer, visit the OSB Events website - http://www.onestepbeyond.org.uk - and enter the code ‘CRUK100' at the entry page checkout. The standard booking fee and requirement for a BTF day licence applies.
OUTLAW 2016, YOU CAN STILL ENTER!
The Outlaw is set for 24 July in Nottingham. Although it's sold out, you can still be part of the big day and there is still plenty of time to train! CRUK has places available for just £50 for those willing to raise vital funds for the charity. Find out more here.
The Outlaw will be televised by Channel 4, and features a 2.4mile swim, 112mile bike ride and 26.2mile run.
HELP BEAT CANCER SOONER!
Did you know that 2 out of 4 people survive cancer? In the next twenty years it is Cancer Research UK's goal to increase this number to 3 in 4, but we need your help.
Please join the fight against cancer, and join Team CRUK. All you need to do to is set up a fundraising page, which you can do here (https://www.justgiving.com/cancerresearchuk).
CRUK can offer bespoke fundraising ideas and advice, and be there on race day to cheer you along. Also, if you manage to raise £250 or more, you'll receive a CRUK cycling jersey. We'd love to have as many of you on the team as possible, so join today and we will beat cancer sooner.
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ERDINGER Athlete of the Month: March 2016
ERDINGER Athlete of the Month - March 2016. And the winner is...
Last month we announced Paul Sellars as our first ERDINGER Athlete of the Month for the new year, presenting him with our award for February 2016.
Read on to found out who we have selected as our March 2016 winner.
As we've said from the outset, picking a winner for this award can be based upon a range of factors including (but not limited to!):
Outstanding performance at one race,
Consistent performances over a number of events,
Recognition of an athletes efforts over many months, years…or even decades in some cases!
Overcoming setbacks, challenges or obstacles.
The month of March 2016 saw a significant step up in both the volume and quality of racing action on the domestic scene. Well over half of the domestic events in our calendar for March were duathlons, and the marquee domestic events of the month were the ETU / ITU qualification events for the Great Britain Age-Group team. It is from these events we have selected our winner this month.
Please do continue to keep you nominations coming in through the year, it really is appreciated and they are all reviewed. Read on to find out this months winner...
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL OF THE WINNERS FROM 2015
Two World Championship qualification events and two (overall) wins - you can't do much better than that, which is why we award our ERDINGER Athlete of the Month award to...
MARCH 2016: CLAIRE STEELS
Claire Steels is a class athlete, the current ITU Duathlon (Sprint) World Champion in the 25-29 category, which she won in Adelaide last year, heading home a GB podium sweep. She will be looking to add the European Championship title to that in her new 30-34 AG next weekend in Germany.
The 2016 World Championships will take place this year in Aviles, Spain in June and this year where Claire is looking to race over the longer Standard Distance (10k / 40k / 5k), and therefore in March raced at both of the qualification events - Clumber Park and Dambuster. Not only did she win her category and confirm qualification (at both events), she also finished as the first female overall. At both events. Claire also race earlier this year at the Anglian Water Duathlon (a qualification event for the 2017 ETU Champs), and she won that one too. Three qualification events and three (overall) wins. Very impressive.
Look out for a lot more from Claire Steels in the future - she's only been riding a bike for about 12 months...
We are delighted to make Claire Steels our ERDINGER Alkoholfrei AOTM for March 2016. Claire will also receive these great prizes courtesy of ERDINGER Alkoholfrei:
1 x 24case ERDINGER Alkoholfrei Cans
2 x Water Bottles
1 x Rucksack
1 x Visor
1 x Multifunctional Scarf
1 x Small Towel
Help us find the Athlete of the Month for April 2016! - #AOTM
We want YOU to help us identify an Athlete of the Month candidate each month through 2016!
Perhaps you have got a friend, rival or club-mate who you feels deserves recognition for their efforts - as well as some tasty cans of ERDINGER Alkoholfrei plus some great prizes? The criteria is up to you - they may be the fastest, have recovered from injury, have sacrificed their own performances from others, shown consistency... anything you think is worthy of recognition!
How can I nominate someone?
Simple - two really easy options:
Simply email aotm@tri247.com with who you would like to see recognised and a brief note on why, or,
If you are on Twitter, use the hastag #AOTM and tweet us @tri247 and let us know when you have seen a noteworthy performance, or have someone you would like us to recognise!
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Con Doherty ready for Neptune Steps
2012 World Junior Bronze medal winner all set for Red Bull Neptune Steps
Last year Red Bull produced “Obstacle Course Racing on a whole new level” (HERE), by mixing swimming and obstacles through 400 metres of Scotland’s Mary Hill Lock in the United Kingdom’s toughest and most innovative open water endurance test. Received to much fanfare last year, Red Bull have returned and this year sees elite athletes such as Mark Dean, Scottish Open Water Champion and Con Doherty, leading junior triathlete all line up to take on the challenge.
We caught up with Con Doherty, 24 hours before the event, and asked him just what attracted the triathlete to take one of the United Kingdom’s most innovative races:
PH: Please can you tell us a little bit about yourself as a triathlete?
CD: I am an ITU professional triathlete, sponsored and supported by Red Bull UK, racing draft-legal racing all over the world. My main goal for this season is the Under-23 ITU World Championships this year in Cozumel, Mexico in September 2016 where I am hoping to perform, in addition to some WTS racing which I think is the best in the world. However I am here today to take part in Red Bull’s Neptune Steps and I am looking to smash it.
PH: So can you tell us why a triathlete would be attracted to a course that offers a mixture of obstacles and swimming, in a short but sharp endurance event?
CD: The thing that drew me the most to this was, after a pretty heavy race schedule, this was a race to back off and enjoy. It is about having fun and cutting loose, do not get me wrong there is the competitive element (as there will be with most athletes tomorrow) but it provides a real chance to do something different, there is no pressure and there is a chance to have some fun.
This race is creative, innovative and is a chance for triathletes to take part in something special.
PH: What can a triathlete offer to this race in comparison with strong swimmers or even some strong obstacle course racers?
CD: The main strength that we have as triathletes is the swim, you have to be strong in your swim as a triathlete and this offers us the chance to show how good we are. Also we are blessed, although it can be a disadvantage on race day, of facing the unexpected with transition and handling the different disciplines of swim, bike and run.
This transfers perfectly into this race whereby the obstacles throw curveballs at you. We are used to mixing it up and adapting, be it going from the swim to the bike or the bike to the run, and we are not “locked” into always doing the same thing forever such as a road race. Triathlon is never monotone or simply repeating a process and because there is obstacles in this race that you can compare to T1 or T2, we have the ability to deal with the unexpected or being more aware of challenges.
This race is perfect for triahletes and gives us a real chance to show how good we can be.
Con Doherty takes on Neptune Steps tomorrow and his progress and bid to win the coveted title can be followed through RedBull’s dedicated social media page here: https://www.facebook.com/events/235606143443858/264373320567140/
Information on the event (and to enter next year) can be found here: http://www.redbull.com/uk/en/events/1331668145513/red-bull-neptune-steps
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Mario Mola runs to Gold Coast Gold
Mario Mola impresses once again with third consecutive WTS victory
Having finished third, second and second in the Columbia Threadneedle Rankings over the past three seasons, the quality and consistency of Spain’s Mario Mola is hardly new news – but with each passing race, his status as a genuine contender for Olympic Gold in Rio this summer gets even stronger. He has fully earned his status alongside the long-standing Brownlee-Brownlee-Gomez dynasty, and a strong swim and yet another hugely impressive run took him to Gold at the World Triathlon Gold Coast. Jonathan Brownlee looked all set for the Silver until what looked set to be a repeat of Alistair’s Hyde Park 2010 meltdown had him running all over the road during the final 500m which allowed Mola’s Spanish team mate, Fernando Alarza, to pass and make it a one-two.
Here’s the full report from the ITU – we’ll have the highlights for you very soon.
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 together on a breakaway push and were able to create a gap of 50 seconds and enter the second transition zone together with a slight advantage.
However, with the strong running legs of Mola and Brownlee coming up from behind, it was only a matter of time before they charged out of the transition gate and overtook Bishop and Shaw.
Running stride for stride, Mola and Jonny Brownlee stayed together for the first three laps of the run, giving the audience a flashback to when the two raced together in the Junior World Championships in 2009 in the Gold Coast. And just like in that race, Mola was able to finally kick in some final energy in the final lap and bypass Brownlee and cross the finish line and claim his third straight victory of the season.
Alarza found himself in a comfortable third place position for the first three fourths of the run, but when Brownlee started to run out of gas in the final kilometre, Alarza was able to make a move and finish with the silver.
Using up every ounce of energy left, Brownlee managed to finish strong and grab the final spot on the podium.
But perhaps the loudest cheers coming from the crowd was for the fourth place finisher, Bailie, who was able to claim his position on the Australian Olympic Team for Rio this summer.
Commenting on his Olympic performance Bailie said, “It hasn’t quite sunk in yet to tell you the truth, it has been a lot of hard work to get here. I knew what I had to do and I just wanted to take it out of the selector’s hands. When Rio did not go quite as planned I knew this was the race that I wanted to peak for. I just can’t believe it to tell you the truth.”
ITU World Triathlon Gold Coast - Elite Men - Saturday 9th April 2016
1.5km / 40km / 10km
Pos
Men
1st
Mario Mola (ESP) 1:46:28
2nd
Fernando Alarza (ESP) 1:46:55
3rd
Jonathan Brownlee (GBR) 1:47:09
4th
Ryan Bailie (AUS) 1:47:31
5th
Ryan Fisher (AUS) 1:47:45
6th
Joe Maloy (USA) 1:47:53
7th
Vicente Hernandez (ESP) 1:47:58
8th
Marten Van Riel (BEL) 1:48:01
9th
Jacob Birtwhistle (AUS) 1:48:04
10th
Gregory Billington (USA) 1:48:16
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Sensational Jenkins wins WTS Gold Coast
Jubilant Jenkins crushes WTS Gold Coast to secure Rio 2016 Olympic selection
Great Britain’s double World Champ ends the #Gwensanity winning streak in stunning style
[NOTE - Helen hasn't (formally) earned Olympic selection yet, given that the third spot is discretionary, however… if that performance, in the primary selection race isn't enough, then something is very wrong…]
Pressure? What Pressure? If you are going to qualify for the Olympic Games, how about beating the most successful female athlete in the history of the World Triathlon Series in the process. Helen Jenkins, that was a triathlon masterclass. That should result in the fastest selection meeting in history, congratulations Helen – there can be no doubts now, it’s Rio for you in August.
The opening 1.5km, non-wetsuit swim was a case of advantage Jenkins in terms of the battle for British Olympic selection with Jodie Stimpson. A leading group, headed in typical manner by Spain’s Carolina Routier, built a significant gap of a clear 30 seconds over the chasers, which included Jodie Stimpson and 2012 Olympic Silver medallist Lisa Norden (SWE).
That was the perfect scenario for Jenkins, who had athletes of the talent of Flora Duffy (BER), Andrea Hewitt (NZL), Emma Moffatt (AUS), Erin Densham (AUS) plus the U.S. athletes Gwen Jorgensen, Sarah True, Katie Zaferes and Kirsten Kasper for company. Remember, Gold Coast 2015 saw a U.S. podium sweep. That group extended further their lead over the chasing Stimpson group, which hovered at around one minute over the opening bike laps. In the process, Gillian Backhouse (AUS) was just one of the athletes who couldn’t stay with the pace of the leaders and would drift back to the chase pack.
”Why don’t they ever attack Jorgensen and try to beat her”, is a comment I’ve seen several times over the period of #Gwensanity dominance, currently counted back to 12 consecutive WTS races. Far easier said than done. Well, your prayers were answered today, as midway through the bike leg the trio of Duffy, Hewitt… and Jenkins, upped the pace once again, pulled away and kept going. Working well together, adding time every lap, they reached T2 with a more than significant lead of one minute, 31 seconds. We’ve always wondered how much gap Gwen COULD catch up if needed… would we find out today? The Stimpson pack arrived seemingly way out of contention, another minute or more later.
Swim and Bike was Jenkins perfection; could she complete the deal on the run? Hitting the run course first was a great start and within the first 2km she was away and clear of Hewitt and Duffy. Not surprisingly, the Jorgensen chase was on. Jenkins was 19 seconds clear after 2.5km (one lap), but Jorgensen had closed just two seconds over the same period. Was Jenkins set to crack the Gwen winning streak in perhaps the best performance of her career?
At the 5km marker Helen had built her lead over Hewitt to 41 seconds, with Duffy seven seconds behind – Jorgensen was still 1:27 behind. Again, just two seconds gained over that lap. Helen Jenkins was having a marquee day to remember and proving, were it needed, that Gwen Jorgensen is no guarantee for Gold in Rio. Back in Leeds, Non Stanford and Vicky Holland will have enjoyed what they were watching.
With just 2.5km to go Helen’s lead was 57 seconds over Hewitt, 1:02 over Duffy and 1:17 to Gwen Jorgensen. This was her race to lose and that was certainly not going to happen. A 2.5km lap of honour in a World Triathlon Series race? Incredible!
Helen Jenkins didn’t falter for an instant and came home with a huge winning margin to secure her third career World Triathlon Series victory. More importantly perhaps, Olympic selection will be hers.
”I can’t quite believe it… I got to the run and just went for it. Even with 90 seconds, you never take it for granted.”
After winning the first round in Abu Dhabi, Jodie Stimpson ran through from the second main pack to finish 12th. As the first Australian home in seventh place, 2008 Olympic Bronze medal winner Emma Moffatt secured her spot at her third Olympic Games.
ITU World Triathlon Gold Coast - Elite Women - Saturday 9th April 2016
1.5km / 40km / 10km
Pos
Women
1st
Helen Jenkins (GBR) 1:56:03
2nd
Gwen Jorgensen (USA) +41
3rd
Andrea Hewitt (NZL) + 43
4th
Flora Duffy (BER) +55
5th
Rachel Klamer (NED) +2:03
6th
Katie Zaferes (USA) +2:11
7th
Emma Moffatt (AUS) +2:44
8th
Vendula Frintova (CZE) +3:03
9th
Lisa Perterer (AUT) +3:04
10th
Kirsten Kasper (USA) +3:06
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Ben Hoffman wins Ironman South Africa
While the women’s race today at IRONMAN South Africa took the primary focus from a British perspective, a strong field also lined up for the $30,000 first prize on offer in this African Championship race.
A close race saw Ben Hoffman (USA) – second at Kona in 2014 – take the tape first in what was a very close and competitive race throughout.
TO BE UPDATED VERY SOON
IRONMAN South Africa - Sunday 10th April 2016
3.8km / 180km / 42.2km
Pos
Men
1st
Ben Hoffman (USA) 8:12:37
2nd
Tim van Berkel (AUS) 8:14:51
3rd
Marko Albert (EST) 8:18:52
4th
Matt Trautman (RSA) 8:19:25
5th
Boris Stein (GER) 8:19:51
6th
Ruedi Wild (SUI) 8:24:47
7th
Alessandro Degasperi (ITA) 8:29:37
8th
Christian Kramer (GER) 8:29:57
9th
Ronnie Schildknecht (SUI) 8:32:11
10th
Jens Petersen-Bach (DEN) 8:34:03
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Cheetham, Gossage on podium in South Africa
Finland takes Gold as Cheetham and Gossage complete the podium in Port Elizabeth
Kaisa Lehtonen (FIN) earns her first Ironman title at Ironman South Africa, to take $30,000 prize and guaranteed Kona qualification.
The race
A great swimmer, Jodie Swallow was in a very familiar position – alone and clear at the head of the women’s 3.8km swim. A 52:11 split was almost four minutes quicker than Australia’s Annabel Luxford. While that of itself isn’t (surprising) news, it shouldn’t be taken for granted. Swallow is, and has been, at the peak of women’s triathlon swimming over every distance for 15 years now – kudos to her for maintaining her standards of excellence. Her performances make forecasting very easy – but we know the efforts that go into making it happen.
Luxford is a class athlete, a relative newcomer to Ironman racing, but she did finish 12th in Kona last year at her first attempt at the Ironman World Championships. Susie Cheetham (58:21) and Lucy Gossage (1:03:20) were the other leading Brits from last years podium, with Cheetham in the company of Kaisa Lehtonen (FIN), Bronze medallist last year in the ITU World Long Distance Championships in Sweden. She would be a serious challenger today.
Swallow’s progress and attempts for back-to-back wins at a venue she knows well were halted on the bike leg by a crash. The details we don’t have at the time of writing, but Swallow did get back up and finish the ride (still in second place, with a split of exactly five hours), but the impact would soon leave her out of the race.
With Swallow’s problems, Annabel Luxford took the lead on the new bike course and would reach T2 clear with a race best 4:49:17 bike split. 13 minutes later Lehtonen (4:59:41) arrived together with Gossage (4:56:10), who had made up her five minutes swim deficit on Cheetham in her strongest discipline. A fine runner, Susie arrived a further three minutes back alongside Asa Lundstrom (SWE). Thus, with Swallow out of the race, Luxford had a big lead with the pairings of Lehtonen/Gossage and Cheetham/Lundstrom ready to chase her down over the marathon.
13km into the run Luxford was still clear, but her lead had been cut significantly by Lehtonen to just seven and a half minutes, with Gossage at 11 minutes… but now with Cheetham alongside her. All three were making up time on Luxford, but Lehtonen and Cheetham were closing the quickest.
With 10km remaining it was all change – Luxford was heading backwards fast, and Lehtonen was now holding the lead, four minutes clear of Cheetham who had passed Gossage on the run, with the Duracell Bunny now third a further 90 seconds back. Luxford was going to be struggling to hold a top five position now with Lundstrom also closing fast.
While the Brits tried, this was going to be Lehtonen’s day in only her second Ironman. She also took second place (in a sub-nine hour time) at Ironman Barcelona last year. Gossage came good in the final stages of the run to close a few second back on Cheetham in the final kilometres, but it wasn’t going to be enough, as the Brits swapped their final finishing positions from the same race 12 months ago.
Coming back from a major bike crash and broken arm earlier in the season, Cheetham was happy to have stepped up one place on the podium from 2015 when she took the Bronze:
“Sometimes you just learn to suffer more – we’ve both come here with big challenges, but we’ve both made the podium. After my crash (at 70.3 South Africa), I didn’t know if I’d be back at all, let alone racing well here.”
Shortly after finishing, third placed Lucy Gossage gave huge kudos to fellow Brit (and physio), Parys Edwards, for even making the start line:
“I didn’t expect to finish, let alone get third… I couldn’t be more proud. I’d have liked to have beaten her (good friend, Susie), but she was better than me today!”
IRONMAN South Africa - Sunday 10th April 2016
3.8km / 180km / 42.2km
Pos
Women
1st
Kaisa Lehtonen (FIN) 9:06:50
2nd
Susie Cheetham (GBR) 9:09:49
3rd
Lucy Gossage (GBR) 9:11:43
4th
Asa Lundstrom (SWE) 9:15:34
5th
Annabel Luxford (AUS) 9:28:32
6th
Verena Walter (GER) 9:35:36
7th
Bianca Steurer (AUT) 9:39:25
8th
Annah Watkinson (RSA) 9:44:11
9th
Katharina Grohmann (GER) 9:50:27
10th
Dede Griesbauer (USA) 10:01:19
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Sharp and Johnson on top in Spain
Another British podium double in the ETU Triathlon European Cup Series
One week ago, Jessica Learmonth and Lucy Hall time-trialled their way to a British one-two at the Quarteira ETU Triathlon European Cup in Portugal. Seven days on and the series had moved to Spain for the Melilla ETU Triathon European Cup event. Onne again, it was Gold and Silver for Great Britain.
Racing over the Olympic Distance, this time around it was the turn of the British men to excel. Taking the spoils this week were Matthew Sharp and Calum Johnson, who both produced the joint fastest final run times (30:55), to finish well clear of third placed Italian, Massimo De Ponti, after the swim and bike sections had seen a large group arrive at T2 together to decide the podium over the final 10km.
The race was a contrast to his 34th place just a week ago in Portugal for Sharp, while Johnson was able to continue the form which saw him take Silver a week previously in the British Elite Duathlon Championships.
As well as Matthew and Calum, the remaining British position were: Douglas Roberts (8th), Iestyn Harrett (20th), Beau Smith (26th) and Liam Lloyd (35th).
Melilla ETU Triathlon European Cup - Sunday 10th April 2016
1.5km / 40km / 10km
Pos
Men
Women
1st
Matthew Sharp (GBR) 1:51:40
Margit Vanek (HUN) 2:05:47
2nd
Calum Johnson (GBR) 1:51:47
Anna Godoy Contreras (ESP) 2:06:28
3rd
Massimo De Ponti (ITA) 1:52:30
Verena Steinhauser (ITA) 2:06:55
4th
Ignacio Gonzalez Garcia (ESP) 1:52:44
Sarah Perez Sala (ESP) 2:09:30
5th
Stefan Zachaeus (LUX) 1:52:52
Camila Alonso (ESP) 2:11:12
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