Derek Biggs has been reappointed as President of Triathlon England following unanimous support from his fellow Triathlon England Council members. Jem Lawson was also reappointed to his position as Chair of the Triathlon England Management Board.
Over the past 12 months, Triathlon England has seen its membership continue to grow and has provided members with a high-quality series of National Championships, which are set to grow even further in 2013.
The London 2012 Olympic Games provided a unique opportunity to inspire participation in sport and Triathlon England has an exciting range of initiatives planned for 2013 that aim to increase the number of people enjoying triathlon throughout England.
Derek Biggs, who starts his second year as President commented: “It’s very exciting to be reappointed as President of Triathlon England in what will be a pivotal year for the sport. We will aim to deliver even greater value to our membership, and encourage many more athletes to join Triathlon England. With seven Triathlon England – National Championships on offer in 2013, there are plenty of opportunities for all our members to achieve their personal triathlon challenges.”
Jem Lawson was also delighted with his reappointment adding: "The sport of triathlon continues to grow with the number of race entries increasing year on year and we have a number of exciting plans in 2013 to ensure there are many more opportunities to participate in our fast growing, modern and dynamic sport. We have already kick-started 2013, with our New Year’s Resolution campaign, encouraging as many people as possible to take up the triathlon challenge this year.”
Director of English Operations at Triathlon England, Mark Barfield believes the two reappointments will greatly benefit the triathlon community adding: "Both Derek and Jem have significantly contributed to Triathlon England's growth over recent years and with their continued direction; I expect to see even more success in 2013."
President and Chair of Triathlon England reappointed
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Swallow makes it three in a row
Jodie Swallow has 'three-peated' at Ironman 70.3 South Africa today in a race which saw a mainly European domiance of both mens and women's races. Bart Aernouts (BEL) took the overall win ahead of Ronnie Schildknecht (SUI) while former long-time SA resident, Tim Don (GBR), closed out the main podium places with his third spot. Jodie Swallow kicked off her 2013 season in the same way as the past two years and dominated the race - she finished inside the top 20 overall - while up-and-coming Susie Hignet - see our pre-race interview HERE - took second place ahead of Lucie Reed (CZE) - you'll know her better under her maiden name of Zelenkova.
Will Clarke, who we also interviewed pre-race HERE, picked up fifth place (though he's indicated via Twitter that he lost around five minutes, while at the head of the race on the bike due to lack of course markings) with Mark Threlfall eighth and Stephen Bayliss 12th while Bella looks like being a DNF - no details on why yet. Full results are on the WTC's site HERE.
The was unfortunately terrible news from the event (confirmed HERE), that two South African male athletes, aged 29 and 37, suffered fatal cardiac respiratory arrest during the swim leg. A minute's silence will be held at the awards ceremony on Sunday evening in their memory.
Pos
Men
Women
1st
Bart Aernouts (BEL) 4:03:53
Jodie Swallow (GBR) 4:34:30
2nd
Ronnie Schildknecht (SUI) 4:06:23
Susie Hignett (GBR) 4:43:38
3rd
Tim Don (GBR) 4:10:40
Lucie Reed (CZE) 4:44:19
4th
Marko Albert (EST) 4:12:11
Natasha Gorrie (RSA) 4:45:27
5th
Will Clarke (GBR) 4:13:47
Jeanni Seymour (RSA) 4:48:11
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Britain’s juniors secure another bronze at Australian Youth Olympics
Britain's mixed triathlon relay team won bronze at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival in Sydney. Just a day on from winning two bronze medals in the individual events, Britain's quartet won another bronze to complete a successful two days of international triathlon racing.
The team of Marc Austin, Georgia Taylor Brown, Sophie Coldwell and Gordon Benson will have appreciated the slightly cooler weather as temperatures had hit over 40 degrees during the individual races on the hottest day in Sydney since 1939.
Team GB started well, pushing the pace at the front of the race until Australia's Holly Grice made a break during the bike section of the third leg.
Australia's Green team finished in a time of 1:11:37, very closely followed by Australia Gold three seconds later. Team GB came in a minute later with a time of 1:12:41, comfortably ahead of Japan and New Zealand, and maintaining the strong reputation that the national team has in international mixed relay competition.
British Triathlon coach, Rick Velati, said: “The AYOF provided a great opportunity for our junior athletes to race in a multi-sport environment incorporating most aspects of Olympic competition.
“The festival ultimately provided a high level of racing in the peak of the Australian season, and it is with great credit our athletes were able to achieve a consistent level of performance, measuring themselves against some of their peers whilst in the early stages of winter training.
“We learned a lot about racing in the heat and also the powers of thorough recovery to get ready for the relay only 20 hours later.”
Marc Austin, winner of individual and relay bronze, said: “I'm really happy with winning bronze. It was an amazing opportunity to be part of the Team GB experience. This has given me confidence in myself to see what I can do, and gives me a platform for the rest of the year and towards Glasgow 2014.”
Georgia Taylor Brown, who also won double bronze, added: “Training was the focus for me so the medals were a bonus. The races gave me confidence that my training is going in the right direction.”
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Weekend roundup: January 19-20
With all the UK multisport events and more than a few of the runs cancelled or postponed owing to the arrival of the white fluffy stuff there's nothing to report from the domestic scene. Fortunately there was some excellent racing and solid performances from the GB pro athletes at a number of events in warmer climates.
Saturday's Challenge Wanaka in New Zealand kicked off the 2013 iron-distance season with wins at both ends of the long-distance experience scale. Gina Crawford took the title for the fifth time, while Dylan McNeice took the men's victory at his first attempt after a long career in short distance racing, meaning both titles remained on home soil. Check out the full race report HERE, the results are on the Challenge site HERE.
Pos
Men
Women
1st
Dylan McNeice (NZL) 8:51:18
Gina Crawford (NZL) 9:24:31
2nd
Jamie Whyte (NZL) 8:55:43
Candice Hammond (NZL) 9:44:22
3rd
Chris McCormack (AUS) 8:58:05
Joanna Lawn (NZL) 9:44:30
Saturday also saw the traditional season opener at Club La Santa, the Lanzarote International Duathlon which runs over the relatively short 5k / 20k / 2.5k format, starting and finishing on the blue tartan track at Club La Santa.
The men's event was totally dominated by Richie Nicholls (GBR) while Eimear Mullan (IRL) (who now lives on the island after joining Team TBB) picked up the win on the bike after pulling away from Jenny Schulz (GER). The full race report is HERE and results are HERE.
Pos
Men
Women
1st
Ritchie Nicholls (GBR) 58:13
Eimear Mullan (IRL) 1:05:17
2nd
Alejandro Santamaria (ESP) 1:02:07
Jenny Schulz (GER) 1:08:04
3rs
Peru Alfaro (ESP) 1:02:17
Natascha Schmitt (GER) 1:08:51
Officially on Sunday but with their position half way round the world making it still Saturday here, there were more Brits in action at the first running of Ironman 70.3 Auckland. Paul Ambrose picked up fourth place while Fraser Cartmell had a strong race to take tenth and Liz Blatchford picked up seventh. Our full report on the race is HERE and the results are on the WTC IronmanLive site HERE.
Pos
Men
Women
1st
Christian Kemp (AUS) 3:56:03
Annabel Luxford (AUS) 4:19:19
2nd
Bevan Docherty (NZL) 3:56:37
Caroline Steffen (SUI) 4:25:16
3rd
Clark Ellice (NZL) 3:58:24
Meredith Kessler (USA) TBC (no chip)
4th
Paul Ambrose (GBR) 3:59:27
Sarah Crowley (AUS) 4:32:05
5th
James Hodge (AUS) 3:59:58
Anna Ross (NZL) 4:36:08
Sunday's Ironman 70.3 South Africa saw a mainly European domiance of both mens and women's races with Bart Aernouts (BEL) nicking the win ahead of Ronnie Schildknecht (SUI) while long-time SA resident Tim Don closed out the main podium places with his third spot. Jodie Swallow kicked off her 2013 season in the same way as the past two years and dominated the race - she finished inside the top 20 overall - while up-and-coming Susie Hignet took second place ahead of Lucie Reed (SCZE) - you'll know her better under her maiden name of Zelenkova.
Will Clarke picked up fifth place, Mark Threlfall eighth and Stephen Bayliss 12th while Bella looks like being a DNF on or after the bike - no details on why yet. Full results are on the WTC site HERE.
Pos
Men
Women
1st
Bart Aernouts (BEL) 4:03:53
Jodie Swallow (GBR) 4:34:30
2nd
Ronnie Schildknecht (SUI) 4:06:23
Susie Hignett (GBR) 4:43:38
3rd
Tim Don (GBR) 4:10:40
Lucie Reed (CZE) 4:44:19
4th
Marko Albert (EST) 4:12:11
Natasha Gorrie (RSA) 4:45:27
5th
Will Clarke (GBR) 4:13:47
Jeanni Seymour (RSA) 4:48:11
The British Juniors continued the goos work of the last decade or more in that age group with medals at the Australian Youth Olympic Games on Friday and Saturday. Georgia Taylor-Brown and Marc Austin took bronze in the individual events, and then joined with Gordon Benson and Sophie Coldwell to add another in the Team Relay.
Pos
Men
Women
1st
Jacob Birstwhistle (AUS) 55:03
Jaz Hedgeland (AUS) 59:22
2nd
Luke Willian (AUS) 55:20
Sumire Ohara (JPN) 59:33
3rd
Marc Austin (GBR) 55:33
Georgia Taylor-Brown (GBR) 59:37
FULL WEEKEND RESULTS LISTINGS
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London Bike Show 2013
It's sadly true but there's very little that's new in the bike business. No, really, there hasn't been anything radical for a decade or more. The trade might make a big deal about adding an extra sprocket to get us 11-speed or having electronic gear changing (what's newsworthy is that this time around it actually works...) but the annual model churn is really just making last year's technology cheaper and therefore available one step down on the range ladder. The materials get cheaper / lighter / stiffer but there's no radically new stuff. Or at least there wasn't any on show at the London Bike Show this weekend.
What is clear, abundantly so, is that there's more choice - the Far Eastern producers can pop carbon fibre machines out so reliably now that if you stripped all the paint and decals off certain ranges on show you would be very hard pressed to work out which one came from where. New brands are popping up like molehills on a tennis court - somehow they all look the same and you have to wonder how they will survive.
Perhaps there's an incentive for the major brands to be more like the car makers - don't churn the whole range every year, a new paint job might be all you need to refresh. With shops stocking ten brands (or more) and each range having, say, five road models, a couple of TT/Tri bikes and a couple more hybrid and MTB offerings that's a hundred variations each year. And with 15-20 major brands now on the market and a host of new ones or niche ones the bewildering array serves more to confuse than inspire confidence.
What is also abundantly clear is that all this supply - even with the Olympic-fuelled enthusiasm for two wheels - has made the market increasingly competitive. If there's an over-supply of product then the price has to fall (or be cut by discounting) as the buyer has the upper hand. There were signs around the hall of pretty much everything being up for negotiation and the discounts and deals on some bikes were astounding. And this isn't really a selling show so the signs were really saying "come and visit us in-store or online and we'll do a deal".
Some of the major brands simply won't allow their product to be shipped in a box and assembled by the customer but others are more than happy for that to happen. Quite what the customer gives up in the way of rights if they have a claim later is one for the consumer group activists - I for one definitely want a qualified spanner man working on anything I'm going to be riding. And if that costs me a bit more then so be it - chiselling an extra percentage point of discount rather than having an ongoing relationship with my bike shop always seemed a strange philosophy
So, what was interesting at the London Bike Show? A couple of things caught my eye:
Out of Ireland comes a really very clever solution to secure bike storage in the form of the Bike Shel. Available in two-, four- or six-berth versions it's a semi-circular weatherproof shell with integral bike slots for both road and MTB models. The central steel frame can be ground anchored, the bikes can be locked to the frame and then the shell closed and double locked to the frame. There's a choice colours available and with a two-berth at £610 and a four-berth at £830 it's not outrageously expensive when you compare it to a bike box that you might use once or twice a year. The price includes delivery and it's supplied fully assembled, you just need to bolt it down. As well as having serious appeal to those needing to get a bit of space back in their garages or garden sheds (and we all know how vulnerable they can be) it also offers businesses a way to provide secure storage to employees looking to ride to work. Check them out at bikeshel.com
Rotor have a solid reputation in the bike transmission market with their range of cranks, chain rings and bottom brackets. They are also the latest to get into the power measuring market and, based on a brief chat with staff on their stand, it looks like the established players are about to get a bit of a shake-up. Unlike Garmin's attempt to break into the power game with their Vector pedal-based system that sadly didn't prove as reliable as they had hoped and has been delayed, Rotor have gone back to the basics and measure the power using strain gauges in the cranks. SRM, the long-established leader in the market, and Quark (now owned by SRAM) both measure in the spider but Rotor's Power system has the strain gauge (actually four of them) inside the crank arm with the electronics hung off the back in a plastic casing that also includes the user-replaceable battery. And, unlike the spider-based systems, there's a strain gauge on each side so you can get direct comparison of left/right balance.
The whole rig weighs just 30gm more than a standard 3D+ MAS crank and the cost is a remarkably sane sounding £1,450 which includes your choice of 110 or 130 BCD spider and a steel bottom bracket - screw or press fit to suit. OK, that cost does not include rings - various bundled options are available or you could just swap your own onto the cranks - and you'll be bringing a suitable head unit to the party as well, a current Garmin 500 or 800 would be good to go. Availability is a little tight at the moment, current orders face a wait of up to eight weeks as initial demand has totally outstripped supply, but I'm hoping that we can get a set to test at some point in the near future. Power measurement at the crank, as SRM's dominance of the market shows, is the real deal - anywhere else in the transmission that input will potentially be subject to losses - and with more and more serious athletes working off power programmes it looks like Rotor have tapped a major potential market and introduced a new lower price point in the process. Visit Rotor for more information.
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The 2013 events calendar
Quite simply, the Tri247 Events Calendar is the most complete, accurate and frequently updated events calendar in the sport. We already have a huge number of events listed for 2013 (around 1300 already), and the calendar is being updated and amended on a daily basis. If you are planning your 2013 season this is your ultimate event resource.
Our aim is to list EVERY triathlon, duathlon, aquathlon and open water swim race - plus quite a few others for good measure too - that takes place in Great Britain, PLUS a comprehensive listing of all of the World and European championships events, and major international races such as Ironman and 70.3 events, Challenge Family series and many more.
Most running events, even if organised by a triathlon or duathlon organiser, will be listed on our sister site, Run247.com, unless they form part of a triathlon or duathlon event.
Events are at the heart of Tri247 and we are always working to provide the very best multisport event resource we can - and this is the number one event calendar in the sport.
To make things even easier for your to search for events in 2013, we've put together a series of 'shortcut' articles (see links below), so you can quickly search the database by Month, Region, Race Type, Organiser... and many more options. You can of course always search the database HERE, or just click on the graphic at the bottom of the page!
The calendar is never 'finished' - we update, amend and fix things on a daily basis - so if you see anything incorrect please contact us via editor@tri247.com and we'll fix things for you.
If you want to add an event (and chances are it is already there), you can do that HERE.
So, if you are looking to plan your 2013 season - take a look now!
2013 Event Search Shortcuts
Search events by Month
Search events by Region
Search events by Race Type (Tri / Du / Aqua / Swim / Run / Other...)
Search Triathlon Events by Race Distance (Iron-distance / Middle / Standard / Sprint...)
Search events by Race Organiser
Search for major International Races
2013 Age Group Qualifying races (arranged by ETU / ITU events)
2013 National Championship Events (includes English, Scottish and Welsh Championships)
2013 European Championship Events
2013 World Championship Events
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UK National Triathlon & Duathlon League 2013
UK National Triathlon League organiser Kevin Robinson reports on plans for the 2013 season. If it sounds interesting to you and your club, get in contact with Kevin via his contact details below. We host updates from the League throughout the season in our dedicated section.
An entry form for the League is available for download HERE (Word Document) together with an information sheet HERE plus List of Events HERE, or alternatively contact Kevin Robinson directly.
Hello, Leaguers. Here we snow again!
In the last 12 months we've had the driest drought, the incessant rain and floods, and now of course, it's time for the white stuff! Which means, of course, that it's time for the League Info sheet which tells established leaguers and potential leaguers thirsting for fame and glory how the League works.
Here also is the List of Events, which has something for all sorts of league competitors, short duathlons, longer duathlons, and various distances of triathlons. As far as entries are concerned, the minimum number is three, the maximum is thirty, from the same club, and there are lots of trophies to be won, with team and individual successes reported on the League specific site on Tri247.com. It's all there waiting for you, with international and Championship events included. Entries may be sent in until June 16th, but meanwhile, those who are new to the League should see the forms printed here and look at some of the previous reports on Tri247.com. Here below are two paragraphs extracted from the UK League section shown on Tri247.com on 31.01.2012; these two paragraphs detail changes that were in operation in 2012 and will continue in 2013.
"The second major respect in which leaguers are now affected (and also this derives largely from the economic situation) is that some of our competition rules are changing this year. Club teams and individual members will, in 2012, be classed on their best three, not their best four results. Also, the Competition for the best three results at Olympic/standard distance will be judged on a leaguer's best three, not best four results. I did indicate, towards the end of 2011 that I would not include this competition in 2012, because of low take-up, but I have relented and will give the competition at this distance another year. The Endurance Competition will now require only two results at the 190+ tariff. Now that even the half-iron events at these tariffs require an entry fee of £100, some leaguers under greater financial pressure deserve some relief, and those not needing such relief may still do as many 190+ tariff events as they wish, but will now be classed on their best two results. Another step which constitutes an important change is to the Duathlon Competition. Since I started this competition many years ago, it has required leaguers to complete three duathlons and one triathlon to be classed. This requirement was intended to encourage duathletes to attempt competitive swimming. Now, however is, I think, the time for this requirement to be dropped, so perhaps some duathletes will now be able to rest easier in their beds and save a little money.
"The competitions for age-groupers and novices will follow the changes set out above in all respects. There is, however, one final change to notify here. That is that the maximum entry from any one club will now be set at thirty members. This is because it is noticeable, year on year, that many people are registered with the League who only complete one event, or indeed none at all. This results in a lot of work on my part for no result. Club Secretaries/Captains may now have to indulge in some degree of selection rather than simply entering someone who is merely entertaining an idea without perhaps intending to fulfill it. This degree of selection should, once again, save a club some money, as well as saving me trawling through results for names which are unlikely to appear. Numbers entered for the middle-sized and small-sized competitions are unaffected by this change, and ladies still enjoy the privilege of being able to score for their club's main team as well as for their club's separate ladies' team if their club has one."
These changes make entry to the League less expensive and also give more clubs a chance to win the League Championship as well as some of the top individual trophies. If clubs wishing to join the League have any queries on matters described here or, for example, on retroactive scoring before they actually enroll, they should make contact with me by letter, e-mail, or by telephone.
Kevin
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UK National League: how it works
UK National Triathlon League organiser Kevin Robinson explains how the UK National League works.
You can find out more about the 2013 National League HERE, download an entry form for the League is HERE (Word Document) plus find a List of Events HERE. or alternatively contact Kevin Robinson directly (contact details below).
What the League is intended to do and how it works.
The League promotes high level competition between club teams, but also provides an arena in which individuals can distinguish themselves. It provides a stairway to experience and perhaps to success. There is a general classification in which clubs and individuals are classed on their best three results across the season. There is also an Endurance Competition, a Duathlon competition, and a competition for the best three results at Standard (Olympic) distance triathlons. Ladies have their own classification, but can also score for their club's main team. Clubs may mix and match their events as they please across these various competitions in order to get their best four results.
Trophies
Trophies are presented every year so that various categories of teams and individuals are rewarded for their successes. There are trophies for the top three teams, for the top team with more than six but no more than twelve registered League competitors, for the top team with six or fewer competitors, for the top three individuals, for the top male and female competitors in the Endurance and Duathlon competitions, and for the top male and female competitors who achieve the highest scores in three triathlons at the standard distance. There are trophies for male and female veterans 40+, 50+, 60+, 70+, and for the top novices male and female regardless of age and registered as having completed less than two seasons of triathlon or duathlon by their club secretary. There are thus a total of twenty-seven trophies across the board for which Leaguers may compete.
Scoring
Every year the League publishes a list of recommended events. Each event has a tariff of points. The winner scores the full tariff; other finishers score a percentage of the tariff depending on how long in time they finish after the winner. In domestic events which attract foreign competitors, Brits score their points in relation to the first Brit to finish.
Publicity
The League website is being refurbished at the moment, but reports on what is happening in the UK League appear throughout the year on Tri247.com in a dedicated section HERE.
Events (with important changes: please see www.tri247.com on 31 Jan. 2012 for details
The League list always includes a selection of duathlons and standard distance triathlons so that athletes need not feel overstretched. The Endurance Competition includes all events with a tariff of 190 or above, and competitors are classed on their best two events. Competitors in the Duathlon Competition must complete three duathlons.
Clubs may register with the League until 16th June, but it is helpful to the League if clubs register earlier than this; scores obtained by members of teams before they are registered will be credited retroactively. Club secretaries and team captains thinking of entering their club in the League can contact me for further info:
Dr. Kevin Robinson, 16, Foster Rd., Trumpington, Cambs CB2 9JR. Tel: 01223 845286
e-mail: UKNationalTriathlonLeague@cambridge2.freeserve.co.uk
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UK National League Events 2013
The UK National Triathlon and Duathlon League events for 2013 are listed below. For more information on the 2013 League, check out this article from league organiser Kevin Robinson, which explains how it all works.
For regular updates on the League, or to look back on how things unfolded over the past four seasons, check out our dedicated section on the site.
Any specific queries on the league, scoring, how to join etc should be directed to Kevin directly, via UKNationalTriathlonLeague@cambridge2.freeserve.co.uk.
UK NATIONAL TRIATHLON AND DUATHLON LEAGUE 2013
LIST OF EVENTS / POINTS TARIFF
09/03 - Dambuster British Duathlon (Champs) - 175
14/04 - Cambridge National Duathlon (Champs) - 170
20/04 - Ashbourne Duathlon - 180
29/04 - Horst Powerman Duathlon ETU Champs - 190
18/05 - Lanzarote Ironman - 220
19/05 - Crystal Palace Tri - 170
01/06 - Belfort ITU Long-distance Tri Champs - 195
02/06 - Swashbuckler Middle-distance Tri - 195
08/06 - Beaver British Middle-distance Champs - 195
09/06 - Bala Middle-distance Tri - 195
10/06 - Weymouth Middle-distance Tri - 195
14/06 - Alanya ETU Tri Champs - 185
16/06 - Wimbleball 70.3 Tri - 200
22/06 - Dambuster National Champs Triathlon - 180
06/07 - Bournemouth International Tri - 185
07/07 - The Outlaw Triathlon - 220
14/07 - Big Cow Cowman Middle-distance Tri (UK Champs) - 190
14/07 - Roth Ironman - 220
20/07 - Cleveland Double Steelman - 195
21/07 - City of Birmingham Tri - 180
24/07 - Ironman UK Bolton - 220
24/07 - Alpe d'Huez Long Tri - 195
28/07 - Milton Keynes Tri - 180
01/08 - Ripon Tri - 180
11/08 - Cambridge Tri - 180
11/08 - Swanage Classic Tri - 180
18/08 - Challenge Vichy ETU Long Distance Champs - 200
18/08 - Ely Monster Middle-distance Tri - 195
31/08 - The Vitruvian - 195
02/09 - CATS Cotswold Tri - 175
08/09 - Leeds Tri - 180
08/09 - Ironman Wales - 220
08/09 - Zofingen Powerman Duathlon - 210
08/09 - Bala Tri - 180
16/09 - Henley Ironman and Half-Ironman - 220 & 190
22/09 - New Forest Middle-distance Tri - 190
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LAST CHANCE: Massive collection of prizes to be won through industry survey
*** LAST CHANCE - SEE PRIZE LIST FOR SUNDAY 27TH JANUARY BELOW ***
Throughout the month of January, no fewer than 75 fantastic triathlon prizes are up for grabs courtesy of the Triathlon Industry Association’s (TIA) member organisations. The prizes are for respondents to TIA’s groundbreaking research study of Britain’s triathlon community.
The study will provide the most comprehensive overview of Britain’s multisport population ever assembled and the triathlon industry has clubbed together to offer a huge prize pot to show its appreciation to all those who take part.
Over three winning weekends in January, 25 prize winners’ names will be drawn every Sunday from all completed survey responses.
With a Garmin Forerunner 910XT, a week at Club La Santa in Lanzarote, three wetsuits and places at the 220 Triathlon Awards amongst the prizes available, TIA has dug deep to offer some great rewards.
In addition to the prizes up for grabs, all UK based triathletes that complete the survey will also receive a summary of the main findings as a thank you for taking part.
The three prize draws will be made on Sunday 13, 20 and 27 January and the prize pot available each week can be viewed on http://www.facebook.com/TriathlonIndustry.
To participate in the research and be in with a chance to win one of the fantastic prizes, visit the Facebook link above or: https://www.research.net/s/UK_triathlete_survey_2012
The results from the study will be used by the members of the Triathlon Industry Association and British Triathlon Federation to help grow and shape the business side of the sport that helps fuel growth, participation and performance.
FINAL Winning weekend prizes (to be drawn Sunday 27 Jan)
220 Triathlon: 4 x table seats (2 x 2) at the 220 Triathlon awards evening in March 2013
Speedo: 1 x wetsuit
Zoot: 2 x Zoot run shoes
Blueseventy: 1 x blueseventy transition bag
Pinpoint CE: 1 x Aftershokz sport headphones
Synergy Action: 5 x Zensah leg sleeves
Triathlon Show: 5 x free entry ticket to 2013 Triathlon Show
TriBlogs.com: 4 x premium subscriptions to TriBlogs.com
LCD Events: 1 x free entry to Tri Together Lancaster
Star Events: 1 x free entry to TriStar Monaco
Xtra Mile Events: 1 x free entry to The Eirias Middle Distance Triathlon
Xtra Mile Events: 1 x free entry to any Xtra Mile Events Sprint race
One Step Beyond Promotions: 1 x free entry to the Outlaw Triathlon
Winning weekend #2 prizes (20th January):
Sports Tours International: 1 x Week apartment stay at Club La Santa, Lanzarote
Tri 247: Signed picture of Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee
Swim for Tri: 1-2-1 swim analysis lesson
Orca: Orca Sonar wetsuit
Speedo: Speedo tri suit
Zoot: 2 x Zoot run shoes
Huub: Huub multisport backpack
220 Triathlon: 10 x annual subscriptions to 220 Triathlon magazine
Synergy Action: Synergy Action goody bag including various samples
Xtra Mile Events: 1 x free entry to Llandudno Sea triathlon
Xtra Mile Events: 1 x free entry to The Leeds Triathlon
LCD Events: 1 x free entry to Tri Together Glasgow
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Newby Hall Triathlon Weekend
Functional Fitness Events will be coordinating a Triathlon Weekend at Newby Hall, North Yorkshire. On the 27/28 July. The weekend starts on Saturday morning with a Sprint Triathlon with the opportunity to have free coaching and advice from experienced triathletes and coaches in the afternoon.
On Sunday morning you can take part in a Team Relay Event ( 4 per team cat). This will be an excellent opportunity, and perfect timing for teams who are planning to do the National Relays to fine tune their team tactics. Newby Hall is a stunning location for Triathlon, but there is also plenty for the family to do with free camping and access to the restaurant, activities and gardens of Newby Hall.
Quite simply it’s going to be a great triathlon weekend. For more details about the Triathlon Weekend see www.functionalfitnessevents.co.uk.
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Challenge Wanaka 2013 gallery
Last weekend's Challenge Wanaka (www.challengewanaka.com) in New Zealand represented the start of the international iron-distance season, with the wins going to Dylan McNiece and Gina Crawford - full report HERE.
The event may not be the largest, richest or fastest in the world - but it has earned a reputation as the 'world's most scenic long distance triathlon'. Check out this great gallery courtesy of Getty Images (Hannah Johnston and Phil Walter), to see why.
CLICK THE 'LAUNCH IMAGE GALLERY' LINK ABOVE TO VIEW
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Thames Turbo series open for entry
The ever-popular (it's been running over 20 years) Thames Turbo Series at Hampton Pool has launched its 2013 series with a brand new website and has started taking entries. As always, the four races are on Bank Holiday Mondays and there's the extra challenge of an aquathlon with separate dates for juniors and seniors.
Check out the event information HERE and if you fancy a go you can always visit our How to Succeed at... feature for some tips about the course.
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Leanda Cave to ride Canyon Bikes in 2013
Double world champion Leanda Cave has a new ride for 2013. Previously aboard the Pinarello Graal TT bike, Leanda's new bike sponsor for 2013 is Canyon Bicycles (www.canyon.com), where she will be riding their Speedmax CF model.
Also confimed here is that with Kona qualification all confirmed and validated, Leanda will be racing at Challenge Roth in July, perhaps seeking to make her way further up the sub-nine listing of all-time fastest iron ladies, where currently Leanda is the 10th fastest female ever with a best of 8:49:00 (Arizona 2011).
Canyon Bicycles and Leanda Cave, who is currently the world's best female triathlete over the middle and long-distances as well as the reigning “Queen of Kona, will be embarking on a new cooperation in 2013. Her new tool of the trade is the time-trial bike Speedmax CF, which has already won several awards. The Speedmax CF is perfectly optimized to meet Leanda's requirements and offers great rider flexibility thanks to the diverse possibilities that are available to combine stem, base bar, extensions and spacers.
“After my first meeting with the Canyon team I immediately realised just how much time and passion had been invested into the development of the new Speedmax CF. The R&D team is very progressive indeed and the feedback received from the athletes flows directly back into the development. For me the most important thing was the first test-ride on the new race machine. It immediately felt unbelievably fast and comfortable. I can hardly wait to start racing on the new Speedmax CF” – Leanda Cave.
During her current winter training schedule and for the short, hilly and technically demanding competitions the 34-year old from Wales trusts in the Aeroad CF with the triathlon set-up. Cave crowned her successful season in 2012 with the double world championship of 70.3 Ironman in Las Vegas and the Ironman World Championship on Hawaii and is the only female athlete in the history of the sport to have won both world titles in the same season.
“We are thrilled that we have been able to secure Leanda Cave's services for Canyon. We are also very proud that we are able to supply Leanda with one of the best time-trial bikes in the world, the Canyon Speedmax CF. During this cooperation with one of the most successful sportswomen around we hope to gain some very valuable feedback which will ultimately flow directly back into our R&D in the area of triathlon and time-trial machines”, explained Andreas Walzer, the Canyon Team Liaison Manager.
The official start to the new season is on 3rd March at the Escape from Alcatraz event. On 14th July she will be able to put her Ironman form to the test at the Challenge-Roth event. Her aim for 2013 is clearly mapped out: to establish her dominance in triathlon over the long-distance and defend her “Queen of Kona” title.
We are looking forward to a successful season with Leanda!
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Time for a job?
Race Timing Systems are looking for more timing staff to help them at weekends thoughout the year. It's a demanding role and will require a high level of commitment plus an ability to deal with both organisers and athletes under all conditions.
The basic attributes that they expect from a timer include:
Mature outlook on life: this could be an ideal part time job for an early retiree or someone who has taken redundancy
Punctual: we time things for other people so you need to be on time as well!
Not afraid of commitment: so if getting up at 4am to set up an event in the rain is not your idea of how you would be prepared to spend a weekend then you might want to reconsider applying for this one!
Responsible: you'll be looking after both our equipment and our reputation!
Understanding: you'll be dealing with people, sometimes under stressful conditions, so a cheery and understanding nature are definitely what they will be expecting to see on the outside!
Full, clean UK driving licence: we'll supply the vehicle but we need to know that you're OK to drive it!
Genuine interest in sports: we are really not talking about darts, snooker or golf here!
Degree of familiarity with computers and technology: training will be provided but an inherent fear of keyboards, mice and cabling is probably not something we can cope with!
Interested? Send your CV to info@racetimingsystems.net
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UK National League: 2012 Roundup
Earlier this week we published the details of the 2013 UK National Triathlon & Duathlon League (for which we maintain a dedicated section HERE), comprising of a summary of the 2013 plans (including how to enter), a document on 'how it works' and of course, a List of the 2013 scoring events.
Slightly later than planned, here is the final wrap up on the 2012 season from League organiser Kevin Robinson, which includes a few corrections to the final 2012 results, reflected HERE.
If you have any further question on the League, how it works or require further information, contact Kevin directly via: kevinrobinson@cambridge2.freeserve.co.uk.
As we all know, it's been a glorious year for triathlon and for many other British sports. We also know that it hasn't exactly been a glorious year for the British weather. Perhaps the weather clerk will be hauled up to answer to a Parliamentary Select Committee. In my view keelhauling might be a more appropriate sanction!
OK, we often hear about how the tough get going when things get difficult, but nobody in their right mind would call serious triathletes, and even duathletes, a bunch of fair-weather wimps, so I suggest that if the bulk of us had opportunities to train abroad in fair weather we could all do better, or at least do something apart from gym work, slogging up and down the local pool, and trying to avoid our boredom threshold on our turbo. Triathlon/Duathlon are generally conceived and performed as outdoor sports, and simulation in indoor environments does help training to some extent, but it certainly has its limitations, as we all know. Perhaps groups of athletes could pay into a club fund over a period of years and then draw their savings in order say, to travel to a big event abroad. Yes, I know a bank would provide this service routinely, but are we quite so ready to trust the banks these days? In recent times they have behaved fraudulently, been very slow to distribute money to businesses, money provided by the government in order to support businesses, and what's more, they have expected the taxpayer to carry the can for their frauds and failures.
Oh dear, but anyway, we persevere, and hope for better times. 2013 will be the UK Triathlon/Duathlon League's 20th year, and I will take this opportunity to express my thanks to all those, participating leaguers, event organizers, administrators, etc., not least John Levison of Tri247.com., who have helped the League in one way or another, especially though times that have not always been easy. Let's hope we can continue to keep things going.
So now, a few remarks on the conclusion of the 2012 League, and then some pointers for 2013.
I think most leaguers will know by now that Black Country Tri are the new and very worthy League Champions, and that they successfully changed places this year with Tri London, Champions in 2011, who finished in second place in 2012, with Derby Tri, who were fifth in 2011, improving to third place in 2012. Black Country were particularly impressive, not just through the performances of their front-running members, Lee Moreton and Mike Anslow, but through their strength-in-depth, which went right through to their senior age-groupers. It is this kind of concerted effort that wins the League Championship, and it is perhaps the best tradition provided by the League.
Another of the League's traditions is that there shall be some errors in the provisional results every year, and once again I have managed to maintain this tradition! This year I got things wrong with regard to the senior age-groupers. In the provisional results (now amended!) I reported that Jeff Mowbray (55-59) and Jon Zigmond (60-64), both of NYP Tri, had won their age-groups. In fact, Keith Bate of Black Country Tri, (55-59), and Chris Pedley, also of Black Country Tri (60-64) had won these respective age-groups. These corrections have been applied, and Keith Bate's and Chris Pedley's scores have been inserted with their scores in the 'Best 3 of any mix' table. Two 'labelling' errors have also been corrected, so that Matthew Knight and Joe Reynolds are no longer listed in the provisional results as members of Black Country Tri but as members of Coventry Tri. Both athletes were registered as belonging to Coventry Tri and scored as such throughout the season, so how were they listed as belonging to Black Country Tri? I really can't say for sure. Gremlins, an interruption of some kind at a crucial moment, being almost cross-eyed with fatigue, or just plain incompetence, quite apart from having to keep up a worthy tradition as aforesaid. Fortunately, there are leaguers who let me know when I have goofed in the provisional's, so that corrections can be made and we always get things right in the end!
Now, to 2013, which will be the 20th year of the UK Triathlon/Duathlon League. First, the number of events available, and the fees will be as they were in 2012. The changes to the requirements of the various competitions that I made for 2012 will also continue. The overall Championships for teams and individuals will be determined on the basis of 'Best 3 events of any mix.' The Endurance Competition will be determined on the basis of best two events with a tariff of 190 points or above. The Duathlon Competition will require three events, but no swim will be required. The Standard/Olympic distance Competition will require three events. Now that these changes from previous practice have been established I shall not, in 2013, publish a list of positions in a table for Best 4 events or Best 2 events as these were not lists which related to a trophy but merely of interest.
There will, however, by one major change which I am making, on an experimental basis in view of the current economic situation. I have noticed, over these recent years, that clubs often have two members who enter and finish a given event. So the two athletes who finish gain individual points, but there are no team points. For this year, therefore, I intend to award team points to a club which finishes two members at a given event. Of course, a club may have many more finishers than this, and they will all earn their individual points, but the two best will score team points for their club. This will mean more team points at events throughout the League season, and it might even help middle-size and small squads to challenge for the Championship. We'll see. If it doesn't work I'll revert to the three for a team score practice, but my feeling is that it will work, and that all the disappointment caused by the absence of a third team member will be avoided. I used (50+ years ago), to ride my bike for one of the top London cycling clubs, and there were often events in which we would have taken the team prize if a third member who was booked to ride, had turned up. We had one particular offender, with a beautiful style who could get good results, but often stayed in bed. I can't remember his name now, but I still haven't forgiven him, and maybe never will! However, should our economic situation improve, we will, as leaguers, be able to chose which route we then take, the old or the new.
Well that's it for the present, or should I say for the old year of 2012, and for the future. I'm currently working hard on the List of Events for 2013. Most of the old favourites will be there, but don't forget that I also apply the occasional use of the principle of 'rotation.' This year (2013), one event that has been listed in each of the previous nineteen years will be given a rest, and there will again be some new events.
Be of good heart, and all the best for 2013.
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Triathlon England Management Board positions announced
Triathlon England is pleased to announce the latest members of the Triathlon England Management Board, following the Annual General Meeting at the end of 2012.
The Triathlon England Management Board
Chair: Jem Lawson
Director Midlands Region: Lawrence Green
Director Southern Regions: Howard Vine
Director Northern Regions: TBC
Director England Talent: John Mills
Director Membership Services: Gemma Herbertson
Director Events, Rules and Technical: Duncan Hough
Director Communications and Marketing: Sally Lockyer
Independent Director Finance: James Barton
Independent Director Business: Bill James
There are four newcomers to the Board including Bill James as newly appointed Independent Director for Business. Bill commented following his appointment: “This is a really exciting time for everyone involved in our sport and I’m pleased to have the chance to contribute to Triathlon England making the most of the popularity and participation we are enjoying.”
Gemma Herbertson is another new face as Director for Membership Services. Gemma added: “I am delighted to have been selected to advise on the membership work stream; and I am really looking forward to helping the organisation to inspire more people to become valued Triathlon England members.”
John Mills joins the Board as Director for England Talent. John said: “I am delighted to be joining the Triathlon England Board at such an exciting time for the sport. I look forward to contributing to the development of talented athletes at all stages of the performance pathway in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2014 and beyond.”
The final newcomer to the Board is Sally Lockyer in the role of Director for Communications and Marketing. Sally added: “I am both privileged and delighted to join the Triathlon England Board at this pivotal time. The Director for Communications and Marketing is a new role on the Board and reflects the importance of maximising the sports marketing opportunities. I am committed to building on the tremendous success already achieved and growing the popularity of triathlon to even greater heights.”
The Board also had a number of reappointments including James Barton as Independent Director for Finance and Duncan Hough as Director Events, Rules and Technical.
Two of the three Triathlon England Council members who represent the North, Central and Southern regions of the membership have also been confirmed. Howard Vine is the newly appointed Director for Southern Regions, Lawrence Green Director for Central Regions with the Director for Northern regions still to be confirmed.
Chair of the Triathlon England Management Board, Jem Lawson concluded: “It’s been an exciting time for Triathlon England with many new faces on the Board. As a collective, we will all strive to deliver ever-greater value to our members and ensure the continued growth of the sport throughout England. Each of the newly appointed and reappointed positions will hold post for two years, and I am looking forward to their valued contribution along with the continued support of the existing members in 2013 and beyond.”
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Wiggle to sponsor Etape Cymru
Wiggle Announced as Headline Sponsor for Closed Road Etape Cymru
Human Race, the UK's largest organiser of mass participation sports events, have today announced that online retail giant, Wiggle, will be the new headline sponsor for the 2013 Etape Cymru which was voted the UK's best sportive in 2012. This follows the exciting news that Wiggle will also be extending their partnership with the Etape Cymru's sister event, the prestigious Wiggle Dragon Ride.
To celebrate the partnership, Human Race will be launching the Wiggle Dragon Double, a promotion offering guaranteed entry to both the sold-out Wiggle Dragon Ride and the Wiggle Etape Cymru for £110. There are 100 spots available and places will be available from 9am on Monday 28th January on a first come first served basis.
On Sunday 9th September the hugely popular Wiggle Etape Cymru takes place with the event being described by event ambassador and Olympic Gold medallist Geraint Thomas as “gruelling” but “fantastic.”
The 92 mile route is once again taking place on closed roads, offering participants an unparalleled experience of riding in this spectacular area with full use of the course. Starting and finishing in Wrexham, the Wiggle Etape Cymru features some truly testing terrain, making it into one of the most challenging events on the sportive calendar.
The 10th edition of the legendary Wiggle Dragon Ride, which has sold out every year since its inception, takes place on Sunday 9th June 2013. The event will start once again from the picturesque Margam Park and includes two challenging route options, the Gran Fondo (206km) and the Medio Fondo (125km). An exciting addition to the event this year is the inclusion of a women-only Cycletta, which will replace the previous Corto distance.
Nick Rusling, CEO of Human Race, said: “Following an award winning year in 2012 for the Etape Cymru and Wiggle Dragon Ride, we look forward to building on this success this year. We are delighted to have Wiggle on board as a partner for both events and believe their credibility will help to improve the event experience and make both events a huge success once again.”
Wiggle Sponsorship Manager, Andrew Whillas, said: “Wiggle is committed to supporting great cycling events and we really are excited to be involved with such a unique event like the Etape Cymru. Along with the Wiggle Dragon Ride we now have two of the UK's most popular sportives on our event calendar for 2013 and are looking forward to being a part of these events for the next three years.”
Entries for the Wiggle Dragon Double open at 9am on Monday 28th January, costing £110, and are available on a strictly first come first served basis. To enter, please visit: www.wiggledragonride.com/
Entries are now open for the Wiggle Etape Cymru, costing £59. More information on the Wiggle Etape Cymru can be found at: www.etape-cymru.co.uk
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The Eirias Triathlon returns
New state of the art venue makes the Eirias Triathlon one of the finest
The Eirias Triathlon, based in glorious North Wales, is back for 2013 and organisers have announced that the August 3rd event will be based at the amazing new Porth Eirias water sports hotspot in Colwyn Bay which is due to open in April 2013.
The Eirias Triathlon now has all the ingredients to make it one of the country’s leading triathlons. A new, permanent beach is being formed at Porth Eirias by shipping in 500,000m3 of sand. This new beach will host the start of the triathlon and will see hundreds of triathletes running into the sea to complete the 1900m swim leg. The triathletes will then run over the top of the Porth Eirias building to the transition area on the seafront where they set off on the new, two lap, 83km cycle leg that takes them through some of North Wales’ most picturesque scenery.
The 21.1km, half marathon run utilises the coastal cycle path providing runners with a relatively flat, refreshing run along the coast to Llandullas where they turn to return to the finish at Porth Eirias.
The Eirias Triathlon is now one of the hottest triathlons on the UK calendar. Following the success of the inaugural middle distance race last year, Xtra Mile Events are introducing a new standard distance race giving both standard and middle distance triathletes the opportunity to take part. The Eirias Triathlon takes place on Saturday 3rd August 2013. A Saturday race makes it the perfect opportunity for a club weekend away or a mini break with family and friends on the beautiful North Welsh coast, and there are plenty of activities to keep the non-competing members of the family busy during the race.
The middle distance race incorporates a 1900m swim, 83km cycle and 21.1 km run. The standard distance race takes place alongside the Eirias Middle Distance Triathlon on the same course with a 1500m swim, 42km cycle and 10km run.
Race Director Simon Hill, confident that the success of their award winning Llandudno Sea Triathlon can be repeated along the North Wales coast, commented: “We are very excited about the 2013 Eirias Triathlon. Porth Eirias has to be the finest venue in the country for a triathlon and launching the new standard distance race to run alongside the middle distance triathlon makes this race accessible to a wider triathlon audience. We shall announce an entertainment programme once the complex opens in April 2013.”
“For all non Welsh speakers out there, Eirias is an old Welsh word that means blazing hot and we thought that this was a very appropriate name for one of the hottest events in the UK triathlon calendar. “
Registration to The Eirias Triathlon is now open at www.xtramileevents.com/enter-now with individual entry fees of £100 for the middle distance and £62 for the standard distance race. Team relay entries are available too, at a cost of £150 or £75 respectively. The first wave will start at 8 am on Saturday morning.
The Eirias promises to deliver another memorable day in the North Wales sporting calendar, and the chance for some to literally take the plunge and see why triathlon is the fastest growing sport in the UK.
Entries close on 31st July 2013 or when sold out. Go to www.xtramileevents.com for further details and to secure your place now, like the Facebook page www.facebook.com/TriathlonUK and follow Xtra Mile Events on Twitter @GreatTriathlons. Other races in North Wales organised by Xtra Mile Events include the Rhyl Triathlon on 9th June and the award winning Llandudno Sea Triathlon on 29th June 2013.
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Weekend preview: January 26-27
The recent flurry of half-Ironman and long course action overseas has taken a short break, the only international racing this weekend is the Tartu ETU Winter Triathlon European Championships but based on what we can see from the start lists there are no GB athletes taking part in any of the categories.
Here at home the majority of the races are moving off-road and with the weather forecast looking somewhat unclear for the weekend we can only hope that we will avoid the wholesale cancellations that happened last weekend. F3 are running the first of their off-road Xendurance series on Saturday at the Berkshire College, previewed HERE, with a choice of distances for both run and duathlon events.
With the wintry conditions lingering, this weekend's IceMan, the third in Human Race's off-road series of trail runs and duathlons has seen a last-minute surge in numbers so the Army grounds near Frimley should be getting a serious pounding on Saturday. The series leaderboard is still wide open and the usual cast of suspects including the current top three men (Phil Westoby, Chris Nicholls and Johan Olivier) and top three women (Juliette Clark, Samantha Aplin and Sarah Whelan) are expected to be challenging one another to try to establish a bit of a gap in the points table.
Sunday continues the off-road theme with the second of the Bowhill Winter Duathlon Series races near Selkirk - this one's the middle of the three distances that the series covers - while last week's postponed Fritton XC Duathlon at Fritton Lake Country Park has a second crack at getting started.
Filling out the calendar for Sunday, Cerist Tri Club are staging the first of their traditional series of aquathlon events at the Bro Ddyfi Leisure Centre while Concept Sport have their traditional season-opening run, the Romsey 5 Mile at the Broadlands Estate down in Hampshire.
FULL WEEKEND RACE LISTINGS
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