In the wake of the most successful Olympic Games for triathlon in Great Britain and looking to build on the sports performance platform, British Triathlon is pleased to confirm their new commercial relationship with Upsolut Sport UK.
British Triathlon has worked with Upsolut Sport UK as their major event delivery partner since 2009 when the first ITU World Triathlon Series event in London's Hyde Park was delivered in partnership.
Triathlon is the ultimate lifestyle sport that embodies wellbeing and empowerment; currently experiencing significant participation growth in Britain. This growth is fuelled by the success of British athletes who in 2012 won major titles in the sport; Alistair Brownlee famously winning Olympic Gold in London, his brother Jonathan claiming Bronze and becoming ITU World Champion in Auckland in October. Britain's paratriathletes also delivered five world titles as they began their journey to Rio 2016. This individual achievement is matched by the GE Great Britain Team's success retaining their ITU Triathlon Mixed Relay World Championship title in Stockholm.
With major televised events a key part of British Triathlon's sports marketing strategy – the relationship between Upsolut and British Triathlon to co-market rights to the sport and the major triathlon shop window events is a natural progression.
On confirmation of the partnership Zara Hyde Peters OBE, Chief Executive of British Triathlon said:
“The relationship to date with Upsolut Sport has enabled successful delivery of an outstanding series of ITU World Triathlon Series events in Hyde Park. With the backing of a major sports marketing parent company, Lagardere; the extension of this agreement to include marketing of the sports rights is a natural progression of our partnership and one we hope will ensure triathlon's profile continues to grow and thrive as a dynamic and popular sport in this country.”
Robert Püstow, Managing Director of Upsolut Sports UK said:
“This is a unique opportunity to continue the success story of triathlon. Together with British Triathlon we are now in the position to deliver unique engagement opportunities across the sport, through participation, elite performance and event activation; and as 2013 is a landmark year for the sport, with London hosting the World Triathlon Grand Final, there has never been a more exciting time to be involved in triathlon.”
Upsolut Sport UK appointed as Commercial partner to British Triathlon
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Darwen Tower Triathlon returns for 2013
One of the oldest triathlons in the North West is set to make its come back in 2013.
The Darwen Tower Triathlon on the 30th of June will be using some of the original course dating back to the early 90s. The traditional pool has now been replaced by the eight lane state-of-the-art leisure centre in Darwen but the local support has remained. The scenic bike route and challenging run to the Tower and back make this an ideal sprint distance race for the summer.
For entry and route details go to www.mytriclub.co.uk
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Revisited: Challenge Henley 2012
Here is a look back at one of our favourite Tri247 videos of the year - Challenge Henley 2012.
Did you race? Did you have friends and clubmates racing? If you missed it first time around, take a look through this epic and see if you made the final cut.
Challenge Henley 2012 - The BIG Highlights Mega Montage!
Challenge Henley 2012 Coverage
Pre race: Pro press conference video interviews: Yvette Grice, Scott Neyedli, Stephen & Bella Bayliss, Joel Jameson
Pre race: video interviews with Olympic swimmer Ellie Faulkner and Age Grouper Kate McNeil
Race report: Bayliss and Crawford take victory
Race day image gallery
Race day finish line videos
Post race: video interview with ladies winner Gina Crawford
Post race: video interview with Stephen (1st) and Bella (2nd) Bayliss
Post race: video interview with Joel Jameson, second place
Post race: video interview with Chris Goodfellow, seventh place
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Train with Vanessa Raw in January
Vanessa Raw, GB Triathlete, to support triathletes training day in Bushey
Following on from our fantastic summer of Olympic sport and the current buzz around triathlons, Vanessa Raw, GB Triathlete, has happily agreed to take part and support a new and unique triathlon training day aimed at those new to triathlons. Created by Active Training World Ltd and called the ATW Train'athlon, this exciting new event appealed to Vanessa who is keen to encourage people to join the sport, said "I'm really looking forward to working with ActiveTrainingWorld at the ATW Train'athlon and helping newcomers to triathlon get hooked on this fantastic sport!"
The first of these Train'athlon events takes place on Saturday 5th January 2013, in the modern and well equipped Sports Centre at St Margaret's Private School in Bushey, Hertfordshire. With exclusive use of their luxury 25 metre heated swimming pool, sports hall and idyllic outdoor setting, event attendees will have a fun, informative and energetic full day of training. Triathletes will take part in various training sessions throughout the day with top professional coaches – some of whom themselves are former Olympians or have been part of the GB Triathlon team during their careers. And of course, Vanessa Raw, will be taking part throughout the day to offer her advice, support and motivation to those that attend.
Entrepreneurial James Shipley, founder of Active Training World, and keen triathlete, spotted a new-found demand for triathlon training after our Olympic success. As James explains “We've seen an increase in traffic to our website since the summer, it seems more than ever, people want to access our free running training plans, in particular, our triathlon training plans. I want to help people get the ‘triathlete bug' as I did 20 years ago. So I've created this training day which ensures attendees get top class coaching by GB triathletes and former Olympians. Plus they'll leave with loads of new advice and tips to practice in their usual training sessions.”
The comprehensive and interactive sessions will take place in the pool, outside in the idyllic school grounds and in the sports centre. The sessions include improving your swimming techniques and an introduction to open water swimming, transition coaching – mounting and dismounting at speed, bike handling skills, advice on how to avoid specific triathlon injuries and an optimum bike set up.
Active Training World Ltd will be hosting these events throughout 2013 and in various locations throughout the UK. They cost £90 per attendee which includes five informative training sessions, a nutritious breakfast and lunch, a free event t-shirt and swim cap. Plus the opportunity to meet and train with our special guest Vanessa Raw and other GB triathletes and former Olympians!
FULL DETAILS
Find out more about the event by emailing ATW founder James Shipley at James@activetrainingworld.co.uk
SIGN UP HERE
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Enduroman Arch to Arc: Channel 4, Saturday, 7am
See how inov-8™ athlete Mark Bayliss smashed the Enduroman Arch to Arc Record on Saturday at 7am on Channel 4
Saturday 21st December 2012, 7 am
After running, swimming and cycling over 290 punishing miles from London to Paris inov-8 athlete, Mark Bayliss, successfully completed the Enduroman Arch to Arc triathlon in September 2012 setting a new World Record of 73 hours and 39 minutes*. This Saturday morning at 7am (and afterwards on 4oD, Channel 4’s online on demand service), a 30 minute documentary will show exactly how he achieved this amazing feat.
Mark Bayliss became the first person to complete the ultra distance triathlon without the use of a wetsuit for the Channel swim and only the 11th athlete to have ever finished the Enduroman Arch to Arc. Starting from Marble Arch in London, the event involves a gruelling 87 mile run to Dover, a Channel swim from Dover to Calais and a 181 mile bike ride from Calais to the Arc de Triomphe, Paris.
The documentary, commissioned by inov-8 and shot and directed by Martyn Hollingworth of spirit XO productions gives a great insight into Mark’s mindset throughout with interviews with his support team and the existing record holder, Eddie Ette of Enduroman events, who observed Mark throughout his record attempt.
The documentary, the first in a series of athlete stories being told by inov-8, aims to inspire other committed athletes to take on some of the toughest endurance events in the world.
Commenting on the Mark Bayliss challenge and documentary, Wayne Edy, inov-8 Company Founder said: “We are extremely proud of everything Mark has achieved; he has shown that he is the ultimate committed athlete and really encapsulates inov-8 values of pushing the limits of performance. We couldn’t have asked for a better start to our inov-8 Challenge Series and this beautifully shot documentary gives a true insight into the mind of a truly committed extreme athlete.”
In addition to inov-8™ enabling this challenge, Mark was supported by Parlee Bicycles (www.parleecycles.com), Gatorade (www.Gatorade.co.uk), GB Cycles (www.gbcycles.co.uk), i-ride (www.i-ride.co.uk), Dynamo Boxing Gym in Croydon and Wings Transport (www.wingstransport.co.uk).
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Revisited: Ironman UK 2012
Having taken a look back at our Challenge Henley 2012 video highlights yesterday, here is another one of our epic 2012 productions: Ironman UK 2012.
Dan Halksworth and Eimear Mullan may have taken the wins, but did you - or your friends, family or club mates - make the final cut too?
Ironman UK 2012 Coverage
Rebecca Romero: ready for Ironman UK
Ironman UK: Pro preview
Ironman UK race report
Ironman UK: The Age Groupers
Ironman UK: finish line videos
Daniel Halksworth interview (video) - male Pro winner
Rebecca Romero qualifies for Kona (includes videos)
Sam Baxter talks through his race (video) - first Age Group athlete
Eimear Mullan interview (video) - ladies Pro winner
The Kona qualifiers from Ironman UK
Roger Canham report: 45-49 winner
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British Triathlon gets funding boost for Rio
Following the participation funding increase news for Triathlon England released on Monday from Sport England, today UK Sport has announced the performance programme funding figures for Olympic sports for the four year cycle leading to Rio 2016.
A small increase on the funding levels for London 2012 (to £5.5m), plus £2.16m for paratriathlon should be considered good news, given the cuts suffered by Swimming and Volleyball for example, while Basketball, Table Tennis and Wrestling are among the sports that have had their support removed completely.
British Triathlon support for Rio confirmed by UK Sport
UK Sport has confirmed their funding programme to British Triathlon for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games today (Tuesday 18 December 2012).
British Triathlon has already begun preparations with the recent appointments of a new Performance Director and Head Coach.
The UK Sport award of £5.5m for Olympic preparation and delivery as well as £2.16m for the new paratriathlon programme will ensure that Britain can build on the high level of performance set by the sport in London 2012 when British triathletes won two of the six medals on offer, including gold in the men’s race.
Paratriathlon looks set to become the next big success story with five athletes crowned world champions in their category in Auckland this October.
The UK Sport award for the Rio 2016 Olympic triathlon programme shows a small increase (4%) on the exceptional funding levels of the London cycle, and is based on the performance funding model that recognises the athletes that are already identified on the Rio pathway, with scope for additional investment for athletes identified over the cycle.
Dr Sarah Springman CBE, President of British Triathlon said:
“British Triathlon is absolutely delighted about the award for paratriathlon that reflects our enormous potential for Rio 2016 after our paratriathletes won over 40% of the gold medals in the 2012 ITU Paratriathlon World Championships in Auckland and given that the ITU is still working with the IPC on the number of categories and how they will be classified.
“We acknowledge with thanks to UK Sport, at this time of austerity and refocusing priorities after a home Olympic Games, the continued substantial Lottery support for our Olympic programme. I am personally disappointed that the Olympic Award focuses on maintaining our position; we believe we can stretch our performance given the opportunity to introduce programme innovation that we could not afford to implement before which would help to maintain our potential for repeat performances in Rio. We hope that if the triathlon mixed relay is added to the Olympic programme that there will be an opportunity for programme review based on the increase in medal potential.”
After being notified by UK Sport, Zara Hyde Peters OBE, Chief Executive of British Triathlon said:
“UK Sport has been a consistent partner to triathlon in delivering on our performance aspirations, and they have demonstrated that support again. The guidelines for funding were clearly laid out and this award recognises the success delivered in a challenging sport, and backs us for success in our new Paralympic journey. When taken alongside the substantial increase in English talent funding that Sport England has just confirmed for our sport, this investment will contribute to ensuring we can maintain this success in future Olympic and Paralympic cycles.”
More information can be found on www.uksport.gov.uk
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Results roundup: triathletes on the run!
Happy New Year everyone!
While the rain may have continued to fall, the wind blown and the temperatures keeping somewhat on the chilly side, we've still managed to track down plenty of our best known triathlon names keeping in competitive action over the Christmas and New Year holidays. Swapping the swim/bike/run for the simplicity of road and, in a few cases, off-road running events, here are a few results that suggest that these athletes have been making sure they burned off the Christmas puddings and turkey to start 2013 in good shape.
Chevin Chase - Boxing Day, 7-mile off-road
We've been reporting on this race pretty much every year here on Tri247 since we launched, and once again it was a Brownlee taking the win in the event run over Otley Chevin in Guisely, West Yorkshire. No start for Alistair this year, but ITU World Champion Jonathan Brownlee won their local event for the third consecutive year.
Alistair has won the event four times (2005, 2007, 2008 and 2009), with Jonathan winning the last three (having also finished second to Alistair in 2007/08/09), making the Chevin Chase a true favourite in the Brownlee household. The only year of the last eight they didn't win (2006), neither brother started. Women's winner Victoria Wilkinson is a regular Duathlon competitor as well as international fell runner, while Donna Edmondson is no stranger to the podium in triathlon events either.
Pos
Men
Women
1st
Jonathan Brownlee (Bingley Harriers & AC) 39:03
Victoria Wilkinson (Bingley Harriers & AC) 46:24
2nd
Danny Hallam 39:54
Donna Edmondson 49:14
3rd
Darren Kay (Pudsey & Bramley AC) 41:35
Gill Myers (Wharfedal Harriers) 50:39
Wheaton Ashton Roman 10k - 27th December
The first of two holiday period wins, as Jodie Stimpson finishes eighth overall in the event. [UPDATE] Chris Carter is also a triathlete, a member of the T2 Coaching (www.t2coaching.co.uk) development team.
Pos
Men
Women
1st
Martin Williams 31:48
Jodie Stimpson 34:58
2nd
Chris Carter 32:41
Tess Parkinson 36:37
3rd
Oliver Harradence 32:55
Myshola Kirkham 38:08
Ribble Valley 10k - 30th December
Always a top quality event, 2011 World Duathlon Champion Katie Hewison took a close second to GB international runner Alyson Dixon - but just edged out Australian triathlete Felicity Abram. International duathlete Phil Wylie finished in 30:50 which was 'only' good enough for 19th overall, which tells you the depth of quality of the Ribble Valley event.
Pos
Men
Women
1st
David Bishop (Bristol & West AC) 30:03
Alyson Dixon (Chester le Street AC) 34:04
2nd
Matthew Bowser (Lincoln Wellington AC) 30:06
Katie Hewison (Horwich RMI Harriers) 34:17
3rd
Andrew Wiles (New Marske Harriers) 30:10
Felicity Abram (Abbey Runners) 34:21
Coventry New Year 5 (miles) - 30th December
Another win for Jode Stimpson over 5-miles this time - to finish 14th overall.
Pos
Men
Women
1st
Kevin Seaward (Cardiff AAC) 25:02
Jodie Stimpson 27:58
2nd
Stephen Emery (Coventry Godiva Harriers) 25:52
Nicole Roberts (Birchfield Harriers) 29:32
3rd
Daniel Clarke (Coventry Godiva Harriers) 26:08
Myshola Kirkham (Coventry Godiva Harriers) 30:24
Pednor 10 (miles) - 30th December
First lady - and second placed overall - was recent triathlon convert Emma Pallant at this tough event in the Chiltern Hills. Expect to hear more from Emma over the next couple of seasons.
Pos
Men
Women
1st
Matthew Salt 56:23
Emma Pallant 58:29
2nd
Darren Mcneely 1:00:36
Sian Thomas 1:04:30
3rd
Matt Winn Smith 1:02:15
Katy Young 1:08:40
Ely New Year's Eve 10km - 31st December
A win for 70.3 South Africa bound Will Clarke, while European LD Duathlon Champion Lucy Gossage took third for the ladies.
Pos
Men
Women
1st
Will Clarke (Cambridge Tri Club) 32:23
Daisy Glover (Ely Runners) 36:03
2nd
Kevin Skinner (Newham & Essex Beagles) 32:30
Philippa Taylor (Nene Valley Harriers) 37:19
3rd
Will Mackay (Bedford & County AC) 33:37
Lucy Gossage (Cambridge Tri Club) 38:01
Auld Lang Syne fell race - 31st December
Second in the past two editions, Jonathan Brownlee ended 2012 with another win at this six mile event based at Penistone Hill Country Park, near Haworth, Keighley to complete a Christmas holiday win-double and his first win at the Auld Lang Syne.
Pos
Men
Women
1st
Jonathan Brownlee 43:10
Annabel Mason 47:58
2nd
Tom Addison 43:28
Olivia Walwyn Bush 48:09
3rd
Mark Addison 44:27
Victoria Wilkinson 49:12
Wymondham NYD 10k - 1st January 2013
Joe Skipper, who performed so well at Challenge Barcelona in September finished second today in "sunny but bloody windy" conditions!
Pos
Men
Women
1st
Ben Fletcher 33:04
Ruth Senior 37:56
2nd
Joe Skipper 34:38
Nikki Neal 39:13
3rd
James O'Neill 34:47
Jayne Williams 39:27
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Video: The Black Sheep Ripon Tri
Start of the New Year, so what's the most important thing to get done... your racing plan for 2013, obvioulsy!
If you are looking for something different to try in 2013, how about the The Black Sheep Ripon Triathlon organised by NYPTri Club (www.nyptri.freeuk.com) and The Black Sheep Brewery.
Race date is Saturday 13th July 2013 and takes places at Ripon Racecourse, Ripon, North Yorkshire. It's a Standard distance event (1.5k / 40k / 10k), and entries are available now (CLICK HERE). With a Saturday race day and a 2pm start time, very convenient for athletes from around the country - and a great excuse for a party on Saturday night too. It's a real festival atmosphere with bouncy castles and assault courses for the kids, lots of space for caravans / camping, family disco, pasta party on Friday night plus BBQ on Saturday plus more - inluding, of course - Black Sheep Ale at subsidised prices.
Sounds good? Well, the organisers have gone several steps further to tempt you - here are some great videos from the 2012 event. Well worth a look, and a great insight into what looks and sounds like a weekend well worth attending.
Ripon Triathlon - The Swim
Ripon Triathlon - The Bike
Ripon Triathlon - The Run
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Stuck for IM training in Oz?
Statistics show that we do have a loyal readership 'down under' so if any of you are in the Sydney area and looking for bike training with a view to doing Ironman Melbourne or Ironman Port Macquarie then you might be interested to know that the Steam Cycling club are running training sessions specifically focussed on these events. Membership of the club is $AUS95 and that includes your training sessions so it's a bargain.
The sessions have been put together for the club by our mate Darren Brewer who occasionally does event reports for us and also runs NAD+, an online coaching service. Darren has helped with Jen's Ironman training over the past decade and coaches a number of UK triathletes so we know his advice is solid.
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New for 2013: Stanford Hall Duathlon
Stanford Hall Duathlon and Half Marathon
Over the weekend of 23rd / 24th March 2013, Stanford Hall will play host to a one lap half-marathon and both Adults and Kids Duathlons - new additions to the Just Racing UK (www.justracinguk.com) portfolio of events.
Set in the picturesque countryside of Leicestershire and Northamptonshire, the prestigious 17th century Hall and its grounds will create a unique experience for all athletes and spectators. Stanford Hall provides fantastic facilities which will be available to all athletes and spectators throughout the weekend. The Hall is also easily accessible and located close to the M1, M6 and A14. The half-marathon course takes you through some quaint villages around the hall grounds with some stunning views. The course is undulating throughout and set on quiet roads.
The adult Duathlon (Saturday 23rd March) will again be using the location and similarly the course used for the half which takes place on Sunday 24th March. A fast paced course with some great inclines to really get the most out of the bike leg! The event, as per usual will be well organised to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all athletes. The kids Duathlon will also be sharing the Saturday with the Adults. The event will be available to 8-14 year olds with different distances for each Tristar age-group.
Adults:
10k Run | 40k Bike | 5k Run
Kids:
Age 8: 400m Run | 800m Bike | 200m Run
Age 9-10: 1.2k Run | 2k Bike | 400m Run
Age 11-12: 1.6k Run | 4k Bike | 600m Run
Age 13-14: 2k Run | 6k Bike | 800m Run
For more information and entries, go to www.justracinguk.com
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Triathlon training camp Barcelona 2013
Triathlon Training Camp Challenge Barcelona 2013
Under the guidance of head coach Graeme Stewart (8:23 ironman) and in association with Swim Smooth trained coach Alan Cardwell, this immersive camp consists of a highly structured program of technical analysis and correction, fitness training and theory.
Dates
March 23rd – March 30th
March 30th – April 6th
Combined with the opportunity to relax and interact with coaches and fellow athletes this camp provides a unique opportunity to improve your performance.
Our goal is to bring you closer to achieving your performance goals by providing the tools and support to develop technique, fitness and psychology in a squad environment.
Whatever your distance or experience, the camp will provide a tailored program to meet your needs with several training options available most days.
Our aim is not to leave you feeling energized, trained but not exhausted and with the tools you need to keep progressing towards your goals.
For more information and to register go to our web site.
www.graemestewart.com/triathlon-training-camp-challenge-barcelona-2013
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Swim with Stannard
Seven-time World Champion and ten-times swim winner at the London Triathlon, Richard Stannard, is once again holding his winter Frontcrawl Swim Clinics at Surrey Sports Park, Guildford.
Richard will take his unique approach to break down your frontcrawl swim stoke and build it back up into a more efficient, faster and more relaxed technique, to enable faster training and ultimately faster racing times for the 2013 season.
Richard has coached all levels of ability from complete beginners all the way to Olympic athletes, so what ever your level Richard will help you to improve.
Sat 12th January 2013 - 9.30am-5.00pm Surrey Sports Park, Guildford - All Levels
Sat 2nd February 2013 - 9.30am-5.00pm Surrey Sports Park, Guildford - All Levels
Sat 16th February 2013 - 9:30am-5.00pm Surrey Sports Park, Guildford - All Levels
Sat 9th March 2013 - 9.30am-5.00pm Surrey Sports Park, Guildford - All Levels
Sat 16th March 2013 - 9.30am-5.00pm Surrey Sports Park, Guildford - All Levels
Frontcrawl Swim Clinic elements:
Technique Pool Session and HD Filming
Classroom Analysis and Video Tutorial
Land training for Frontcrawl (improve your technique without getting wet)
Triathlon Q&A with Richard - all triathlon related enquiries covered.
Training and Fitness Pool Session
(The above is a rough guide to what the Swim Clinic will cover, this is subject to change and requirements of the group)
The day will cost £120 including all video analysis and your own copy of the swimming. Places are limited.
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Ironman 70.3 UK almost full
The WTC, organisers of IRONMAN 70.3 UK, have announced today that the race is almost full for 2013, and that any athletes who wish to race should enter in the next few days to secure a place in the race. Places in the event may still be available via the two official charities, Rotary and Scope, who will subsidise the entry cost in return for fundraising by athletes, as well in conjunction with Nirvana Europe, the official travel partner, as part of an event package.
IRONMAN 70.3 UK will be held on 16th June 2013 at Wimbleball Lake and the setting of Exmoor National Park, along with the challenges of the famous bike course, will attract another sell out field. With IRONMAN UK selling out in October, it will leave IRONMAN Wales as the only race with places still available in the WTC’s UK calendar for 2013 and entries for the race in September are also well ahead of last year.
Kevin Stewart, Managing Director of IRONMAN UK said: “We are delighted that IRONMAN 70.3 UK is selling out ahead of last year, as did the full distance IRONMAN UK. We have had so many athletes begging for a place in Bolton that we want to make sure athletes realise this isn’t a ploy! The general entries for Wimbleball will be gone very soon as we already have over 95% of places sold.”
For further information about the event, charity places and how to enter visit www.ironmanuk.com.
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Celebrate ten years with a discount
The Worthing Standard Distance Triathlon is having its tenth anniversary this year and organisers Raw Energy Pursuits have decided to offer 100 slots at a special tenth anniversary price of £40 BTF and £44 Non BTF (as opposed to to £55/£59). These are already going fairly quickly but if any of the Tri247 readership fancy a great race at a discounted rate then strike while the iron's hot! You can get straight to the online entry HERE.
The Standard race has for many years been a classic, initially having been a mass start, but over the years developed into a Man v Woman format with the women given a head start based on the difference between the previous year’s winning male and female times. Last year's winner, Ironwoman Yvette Grice from Bodyworks XTC, has reduced the time difference for 2013 to only 9:30 which is the closest it's ever been. The first across the line cash prize is still there and no doubt five-time winner Colin Dixon and last year's winner Trace Harris will be looking to regain the title for 2013.
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T2 Coaching are recruiting
Following a successful 2012 London based triathlon coaching company T2Coaching (www.t2coaching.co.uk) is looking to add to its coaching team to meet increasing demand for its coaching services.
The choice of British pro’s Vanessa Raw (www.vanessarawtriathlete.com), Tamsin Lewis (www.drtamsinlewis.com) and Jonathan Hotchkiss (www.jonathanhotchkiss.blogspot.com), T2 employs the same methods and coaching techniques to their age group athletes.
T2 are seeking to recruit highly motivated and enthusiastic individual(s) who share our passion for providing high quality coaching services. You will be an experienced coach with at least three years experience, a minimum BTF level 2 qualification and ideally a higher education degree in an applicable area. Applicants interested in the position (s) should email their CV to coaching@t2coaching.co.uk by the 21st January. Additional information reference the position(s) can be provided via the above email.
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Steffen, Naeth and Hauschildt headline Abu Dhabi
Organisers of the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon (www.abudhabitriathlon.com), which will be entering its fourth edition in 2013, have announced the first names lined up in the professional race on Saturday 2nd March this year. Caroline Steffen, Melissa Hauschildt and Angela Naeth will be three of the familiar names headlining the ladies race.
Three of the world's leading female elite athletes have thrown their hats into the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon 2013 ring, as they look to flex their competitive muscles against what is expected to be the strongest women's field to date.
Having peppered the podium for the last few years, Switzerland's Caroline Steffen, Canada's Angela Naeth and Australia's Melissa Hauschildt (nee Rollison), are all familiar with Abu Dhabi's ‘pure power' 223kms course, yet have fallen short of taking home one of the sport's richest prize purses, despite stringing together some of the sport's most prestigious accolades globally.
The UAE capital's warm weather, flat-out course and iconic distance have all proved to be a chink in the female trio's armour – hurdles all hope to overcome on March 2nd next year.
Steffen, one of the event's longest running competitors who has twice finished in the top three, is back for the fourth time and believes her knowledge of the unique Abu Dhabi course - which includes a 3km swim, 200km bike ride and 20km run - will stand her in good stead.
“I now want to win it. The biggest factors in the race are heat, wind and the gruelling distance on the bike but luckily I like all these influences so I hope this will put me at the top,” said the two-time ITU Long Distance World Champion.
The ex-national Swiss swimmer comes into the new season having dominated the 2012 circuit, taking the Asia-Pacific and European Ironman Championship titles and setting a world record bike split (4:35:29) at Ironman Melbourne, proving her versatility to handle any distance with ease.
Steffen will be acclimatising to the Abu Dhabi heat and training through her native European winter in Australia, where she will be focusing on her bike and swim, though in her opinion the race will be won or lost on the final 10k run.
Hot on her heels will be the Canadian ‘pocket rocket' Naeth, who will be racing to improve on her 2012 second place finish. Her excellent early season result in Abu Dhabi set her up for an outstanding season - winning Rev3 Portland, 70.3 Ironman Syracuse, 70.3 Ironman St. Croix (course record), Leadman 125 Las Vegas and 70.3 Ironman Panama.
The Canadian star, who will take on the 223km long course, is already working on her race strategy: “The biggest edge you can get in this race is just building the endurance needed to get away from the group, having the ability to push when needed on the bike will be key and that's what I intend to do.”
Naeth is confident she will be ready for the warmer temperatures come race day and is keen to not make the same errors as in 2012.
“In the last race I was able to stretch out from the group on the bike. I'll be keen as ever to make that gap again and hold it. Swimming faster will also help!”
A relative newcomer to long distance events, Hauschildt became an instant legend when she burst onto the pro circuit and claimed every title she raced for - including the 70.3 World Championships. With a handful of wins in 2012 and a course record at the 70.3 Australian Pro Championships at her back, the 29-year-old Brisbane girl is keen to prove she is one of the world's best.
“I think my biggest challenge last time was conserving energy on the bike. I came out a few minutes behind in the swim and rode hard to make up that lost time. When we caught the leaders I had already put out a lot of energy and wasn't prepared for the surges. I also sat too far back as I was nervous about coming into the draft zone,” she said.
2012 was Hauschildt's first time racing in Abu Dhabi and she believes the experience has given her what it takes to go all the way in March.
“With experience of the course and a good season behind me, I'm in a competitive position to fight for the podium. I also went into last time with a rolled ankle so my physical fitness is in much better condition this time.”
Hauschildt will be training in the Southern Hemisphere sun to prepare for the emirate's Arabian temperatures, which can reach a 30 degrees Celsius in March. She'll also be putting in hours on the bike for the long 200k cycle leg where she hopes to get her lead and come into T2 strong.
The impressive female line-up continues with yet another athlete who is set firmly in the pro history books – New Zealand's Jo Lawn, who owns the title of seven-time Ironman New Zealand winner. She raced Abu Dhabi in 2011 and finished in the top ten – a result she wants to better.
In addition Canadians Heather Wurtele and Rachel McBride, as well as their fellow countrywoman and newcomer Tenille Hoogland, whose first full Ironman was last November, are also keen to make waves at the event.
Overall female participation in the event has seen a steady increase since its inception in 2010, both with professionals and amateurs. Between 2011 and 2012, female participation rose by 15% to 413 athletes, with more than half coming from the GCC - a positive barometer for the sport's growth across the region.
“Sport is about breaking down boundaries and to see so many female athletes take to the starting blocks is highly positive for triathlon's future in the region. Being able to compete with role models like Angela, Caroline and Melissa in Abu Dhabi gives many people the added motivation to take up the sport. With an ever increasing number of facilities and clubs for budding triathletes to join across the emirate, it has never been easier to Tri,” said Faisal Al Sheikh, Events Manager, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), which is behind the race.
The 2013 Abu Dhabi International Triathlon will start with a sunrise swim in the Arabian Gulf's shimmering turquoise waters off Abu Dhabi's Blue Flagged public beach, before weaving through closed roads along the Corniche Beach, up to the spectacular Yas Island and around the Yas Marina Circuit – home to the annual Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - before returning to the heart of the UAE capital.
The Abu Dhabi International Triathlon offers three course distances; the 223km ‘long course' (3km swim, a 200km cycle and 20km run), the half-length ‘short' course (1.5km swim, a 100km cycle and a 10 km run) and the sprint course (750m swim, a 50km bike and 5km run). Both the ‘short' and the ‘sprint' can be run as a team relay.
Organisers have frozen athlete registration fees for the fourth year in a row. Athletes interested in entering should visit www.abudhabitriathlon.com and, after clicking on the ENTER NOW link, simply follow the instructions (entries open at 7am GMT 14 November 2012). Entry fees for the long and short distances are US$190 (AED 695) and US $130 (AED 475) respectively, while Sprint course rates are US$75 (AED 275) for individuals and US $120 (AED440) for a team. The fee for the team relay is US$280 (AED1,022).
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The London Bike Show returns
The UK's No.1 show for outdoor pursuits, The Outdoors Show, returns to ExCeL, London from 17 – 20 January 2013. Promising a great family day out, the show provides a fantastic opportunity to buy all the latest clothing and equipment at great prices, as well as offering FREE have-a-go attractions, special guest speakers and more.
To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the first successful ascent of Everest in 1953, The Outdoors Show will be hosting an exhibition, 60 Years on Everest. In conjunction with the Mountain Heritage Trust and the Royal Geographical Society, the exhibition will feature photographs, clothing and memorabilia documenting the key dates in the history of Everest, from 1953 through to the modern day - providing visitors with a fascinating insight into the amazing mountain.
New for the 2013 show is the Outdoor Photography Photobox. Featuring talks from top photographers including wildlife photographer Andy Rouse, BBC Human Planet photographer Timothy Allen, Planet Earth photographer Sue Flood, Julian Love and others. WEX Photographic, formerly known as Warehouse Express will have a large retail presence at the show making the event well worthy of a visit for photography enthusiasts, whether looking to buy some new photography equipment or looking to learn a thing or two from some of the world’s best photographers. There will also be numerous competition galleries displayed at the show featuring a fantastic range of photography.
Also new for the 2013 show is The Wild Britain Stage, in association with Ordnance Survey. Ordnance Survey will be back at the show for the first time since 2010 and will be bringing a host of navigation experts with them. The stage will also feature talks on the best walking spots, wildlife, equipment and more!
That’s not quite everything! The Outdoors Show will once again run alongside The London Bike Show, The Active Travel Show and the Tullett Prebon London Boat Show. With a ticket to The Outdoors Show allowing visitors access into all four shows, there will be lots more to see and do, helping to create an entertaining, affordable day out for all visitors.
If all this isn’t enough, the perfect way to top off a day at the show is with some great food and drink. The Farmers Market will offer visitors a delicious range of local foods perfect to fuel their next outdoor adventure.
Visitors can compliment the delicious food with some Beer or Wine Tasting, courtesy of Beer Boutique and Virgin Wines respectively in the Globe Taste Experience. Expert sommeliers will be on hand to talk visitors through the beers and wines from all over the world. Tickets for the tastings, which cost £10 per person, per session can be booked in advance through The Outdoors Show box office.
Opening Times
Thursday 17 January: 10am – 6pm, Friday 18 January: 10am – 6pm, Saturday 19 January: 10am – 7pm, Sunday 20 January: 10am – 6pm
Event Ticket prices (tickets can be booked online HERE)
Tickets Advance On the door
Adult (16+) £16 £20
Senior (60 Years +) £13 £15
Student (with valid student ID) £13 £15
Children (15 and under) FREE – ticket needed FREE – ticket needed
Group discount (10+ people) £12 per person -
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County Cross Country Champs 2013 roundup
With the triathlon season still some way off for the majority of UK-based athletes, plenty of multisport regulars - as we featured over the Christmas and New Year period - are getting their racing fix through road and cross-country running. Across the UK, last weekend was for most areas the County Cross Country Championship weekend, and as usual we spotted a number of duathlon/triathlon familiar names performing well around the country.
Here is a quick summary of some performances we noted by county and if we've missed any, do let us know via the email link at the foot of this article, as we're sure there will be several others to add!
Yorkshire
ITU World Champion Jonathan Brownlee (3rd), Australian international triathletes Felicity Abram (3rd)
Cambridge
World and European Junior Duathlon silver medallist Georgina Schwiening (4th) senior, first Under-20.
Sussex
XTERRA Japan 2010 winner Ian Leitch (3rd) senior, first V35
Buckinghamshire
2012 Age Group Sprint Triathlon World Champion Phil Holland (5th) senior, first V35.
Gloucestershire
Age Group Duathlon World medallist David Roper (2nd)
Leicestershire
Elite Irish ITU athlete Conor Murphy (2nd), with another former ITU Age Group World Champion Mark Couldwell (5th), first V35
Middlesex
Thames Turbo's Esther Evans (5th)
Warwickshire
Multi-talented (and World Record breaking) Hywel Davies, third V35 with BTF Event Manager John Muddeman 15 seconds ahead.
Oxfordshire
Rachel Hallam (nee Stokes) of Oxford Tri Club took fourth place in the Oxfordshire Champs.
We're sure we've missed some notable others too - drop us a line via editor@tri247.com if you know of any other top performances from the weekend.
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Challenge Family adds Almere
Is this the start of another busy year of expansion for the Challenge Family (www.challenge-family.com) series of middle and long distance triathlons?
With 2012 ending with a flurry of new editions in Penticton, Rimini, Vitoria, Taiwan and Phuket, 2013 starts with the announcement that the long-standing full-distance Almere Triathlon in The Netherlands is to join the 'family' to become Challenge Almere-Amsterdam (www.challenge-almere.com), set for 14th September 2013.
With easy acccess from the UK, the event is also - potentially - a fast one with a men's course record on the sub-8 listing, while three women have beaten the nine hour barrier too.
Challenge Family has started the New Year by announcing a partnership with the world’s oldest triathlon outside of Hawaii. The Holland Triathlon, based in Almere, has been running since 1981 and now joins the other great legacy events of the sport, Challenge Roth, Challenge Penticton and Challenge Phuket as Challenge Almere-Amsterdam on 14 September 2013.
The Almere course is the world’s only long distance triathlon course located below sea level on reclaimed land at the bottom of what was once the Zuiderzee (South Sea), just 25 kilometers from the Dutch capital of Amsterdam. Still surrounded by water, the course features the typical Dutch landscapes renowned the world over – dikes, windmills, tulip fields and endless straight, fast roads where the battle is between you and the elements.
Almere’s long history of triathlon includes hosting four European Championships (1985, 1991, 1999, 2006) and two World Championships (2003 and 2008) with the race record held by Jan van der Marel with a time of 7:57:46.
René Peeters, alderman of the City of Almere, said the city was looking forward to adding a new era to its triathlon history. “Almere and triathlon are strongly linked. Triathlon is the DNA of our community. There are two triathlon clubs, we have the national schools championships, a regional high performance centre and many volunteers. And by joining forces with a cultural festival, the race is a party for everyone. In the Challenge Family races, like Challenge Roth, we recognize events strongly rooted in the community. We share that philosophy and together we can build Challenge Almere-Amsterdam into a significant international event.”
“Almere is a city about innovations, it’s incredible what it has achieved during its short lifespan and it’s the ideal venue for a triathlon,” said Felix Walchshöfer, CEO of Challenge Family. “But what is best of all is something that is absolutely unique to Almere and that is its enduring legacy of triathlon. Older than even Roth in this respect, it is an honour to have such a vital piece of triathlon’s rich history included within the Challenge Family. The list of athletes who have raced here reads like a triathlon ‘hall of fame’, along with many thousands of age groupers and we look forward to welcoming many more to the Challenge Family as part of Challenge Almere-Amsterdam.”
One of those athletes is renowned Dutch triathlete, Rob Barel, Olympian, multiple European and National Champion as well as Long Distance World Champion.
“I stood as a beginner triathlete in 1983 with a mix of ambitions dreams, enormous admiration and a little wonder to watch the start of the first Almere triathlon. It was the birthplace of the sport in the Netherlands and Europe itself. Now more than thirty years later, this classic survived many critical moments. Almere was, is and always will remain a classic. Just like my first time, it will inspire, challenge and astonish many more athletes. The second oldest triathlon in the world is a monument that we should cherish.”
The start and finish of Challenge Almere-Amsterdam will take place in the heart of the Almere’s city centre, on the Esplanade, an area renowned for its culture and futuristic architecture. The two-lap swim takes place in the Weerwater, adjacent to the Esplanade. The name means 'water again', as this lake was dug after the city of Almere was reclaimed from the Zuiderzee, bringing the water back. The bike course will take athletes through the province of Flevoland, racing along the former Zuiderzee sea bed, between dikes and windmills. The run course features four laps of 10,5k through the city of Almere, alternating between modern architecture and calming nature and green spaces surrounding the Weerwater.
Race director, Richard Belderok, said, “Forming a partnership with Challenge Family allows Almere to secure its long lasting history and future of our iconic and typically Dutch race.”
The Challenge Family celebrates the sport of triathlon through its global series of long distance events and festivals that are changing the face of long distance racing around the world with its focus on athlete experience. Featuring spectacular courses in iconic destinations, Challenge Family events focus on delivering the race of a lifetime to every athlete, and creating a memorable spectator experience that captures all the excitement and emotion of this inspirational sport. The Challenge Family series currently features 18 events around the world including the world’s largest long distance triathlon, Challenge Roth in Germany. Other Challenge Family races take place in Germany, Austria, Canada, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Denmark, New Zealand, Thailand, Taiwan and now Holland.
Challenge Almere-Amsterdam takes place on 14 September 2013 and entries open today, 8 January at www.challenge-almere.com.
For further information on Challenge Family, please visit www.challenge-family.com or follow on Twitter @Challenge_Famil or like on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ChallengeFamily.
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