Do you like a bit of music to accompany your swim training? We take a look at the NU DolphinTOUCH PRO (4GB) waterprrof MP3 player with FM radio (www.nu-global.com).
The main problem with swimming as far as I can see, is it can get quite boring after a while. I put it on a par with treadmill running. How thoughtful then that some of the brands have produced a few products to make it all so bearable. We have touched on waterproof MP3 players already and here we have another pool friendly player.
NU have been producing them for sometime so should be putting out pretty good products. The new one we have here is the 4GB model capable of storing around 1,000 tracks give or take. With song recordings of decent quality I would say 800 would be easily accommodated. The units includes a touch screen control method, FM radio and around 13 hours playback.
The unit has a nice feel, well built and solid, made from metal. it feels substantial in the hand but definitely not heavy.
Sound is good too, nice and rich with comfortable inner ear pieces. Several options are supplied for different ear sizes.
No doubt you may have seen the unit before in previous models (we tested one HERE). Connection is straight forward and simply clips to your goggles at the back of the head. I found with the majority of underwater MP3 players the connection method can be fiddly. With this in mind I found the best method is to keep the player attached to a pair of googles used solely for training. Voila! Simply pull on your pool goggles and away you go.
I suppose that the main question will be how does it sound under water? Very good indeed; way better than I was expecting. I seldom use an MP3 player whilst running, let alone under water, but it performed well. The headphones were comfortable and once I had found a suitable volume and fit we were off! A tip somebody gave me was to use the ear phones under a swim cap to avoid then being caught in mid stroke. This is a very good idea for the faster performers or more vigorous swimmers. I only had one occasion to refit the phones so a pretty good performance. The unit comes with suitable ear pieces for underwater and on land.
One thing I found - and this would apply to all of the underwater players I bet - is that once wearing one you don't want to be messing around with skipping tracks etc as you may on a run. Sort out all that beforehand whilst filling the player with music. Trying to change tracks mid stroke is tricky! Plugging the Dolphin into the computer is easy enough and then it was just a case of dropping and dragging tracks over to it. I used it on a Mac with no issues, the device appears on my desktop ready to be filled with suitably aquatic tunes.
Battery life is a claimed 13 hours, but I never got close to draining it and charge holds well between use so far it has not run out, the USB connection topping up the 25g unit with charge as I add tracks to my play list. The screen has an unusual and pleasing curve with touch sensitive controls, these lock after a few seconds to avoid misplaced track skipping etc. The screen will display track names although I had little time to check this under water!
My only major point of issue was that I did need to consult the instructions for a quick run down of the controls. It was not really that hard and the instructions are mainly picture based! That said the controls are initially a bit confusing and need a little bit of getting used too. This is something that I used to find with other MP3 players. At least this has a screen to help you out.
The one thing I found that was (others mocked my eureka moment!) I can use it running too. Doh! Oh yes, it says so on the box. It is not just for swimming, it works perfectly on dry land and in the rain. On the few occasions when I have taken music with me on a run it had been my phone. I have an armband for it but would not want to trust it in the rain. Here the Dolphin would be perfect, a downpour? No problem!
The Dolphin TOUCH Pro is available for approximately £99.
AMAZON | ADVANCED MP3 PLAYERS | 3 WISE MONKEYS
Review: NU DolphinTOUCH Pro MP3 player
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TriExercise Pembrokeshire Coast Triathlon
Dave Astins reports from the TriExercise Pembrokeshire Coast Triathlon, which hosted the Welsh Triathlon Championships.
FULL RESULTS
TriExercise Pembrokeshire Coast Triathlon - Saturday 7th July
After a run of poor weather, in particular the afternoon before the race, sunny skies and calm sea conditions greeted over 250 athletes who took part in the 8th TriExercise Pembrokeshire Coast Triathlon in Broad Haven.
Over 60 competitors took part in a relay team for this iconic event in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, which once again hosted the Welsh Triathlon Championships.
The event has a long history at this venue, having first appeared way back in 1994 when a certain Marc Jenkins won the Junior title! It reappeared in 2009 after an absence of 12 years and has not looked back.
The event saw some superb performances, none more so than from local winner Oliver Simon (Pembrokeshire Tri/TriExercise) who exited the water in second place, but took the lead after the first hill on the bike and went on to build a victory that stretched to nearly seven minutes by the finish, completing the course in 2:15:16, just outside the course record he set last year. The winning times highlights just how tough this course is.
Top female was Carol Bridge (Rhondda Tri) who dominated the women’s race finishing over 12 minutes clear of the next lady in 2:31:19, with second placed Clair Davies (Pembrokeshire Tri/CD Training) coming home in 2:43:40 scooping the veteran's title in the process. First super-veteran was Christina Smith (Celtic Tri) in 3:13:02.
The men's veteran title went to David Murray (Pencoed Tri) in 2:26:37, and an excellent sixth place overall. First super-veteran was Steve Pryke (Pembrokeshire Tri) in 2:46:43 and the first vintage veteran was Charles Cowan in 2:54:37.
The hotly contested club prize, sponsored by Eddie Thomas Garage, was won yet again by Pembrokeshire Tri (Oliver Simon, Jonathan Pryke and Paul Davies) in a combined time of 7:15:42. In the relay category, the honours again went to Pembrokeshire with Beauty and the Beasts (Jenny Manners, Mark Jones and Luke Watson) coming home in 2:26:55. The fastest corporate relay team was won by event sponsors TriExercise, winning a prize donated by Newgale YMCA.
Mike Griffiths once again completed the event dressed as Batman, and collected money for event charity Wales Air Ambulance as he went around the course. Further funds were raised for this worthy charity by the raffle of a week’s holiday kindly donated by Timber Hill.
The local community really got behind the event, including The Ocean who provided the event HQ and food for the volunteers. In addition to the sponsors mentioned already, the event had great support from Harcourt Colourprint (who also entered 2 relay teams), Rockpool Design, Broad Haven YHA, Drew Buckley Photography, Speedy Hire, St. Bride’s Bay Clothing, Station Self Drive and Physiofit West Wales.
Members of Pembrokeshire Paddlers and Haverfordwest Kayak Club provided safety cover for the swim alongside David Perry and Bob Hannaford in a RIB, with further support from the RNLI inshore lifeboat and beach lifeguards.
The event organisers were delighted with the support provided by Pembrokeshire County Council, who provided support from several services including highways and Pembrokeshire Leisure, and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park by allowing use of their car park for the event. Amongst the 80+ volunteers on the day, several were from Valero’s Community Volunteers and event charity Wales Air Ambulance. The event raised over £1,700 for this worthwhile charity, enough to respond to an emergency situation.
Full results can be found on the Pembrokeshire Triathlon Club web-site www.pembrokeshire-tri.org.uk. Photographs from the event can be found at www.drewbuckleyphotography.com.
Dave Astins, Race Director for Pembrokeshire Triathlon Club, said "Another fantastic event in Broad Haven, the reputation of the event grows each year, and the welcome we receive from the local community is second to none. Having sold out this year, we are already making plans to raise the limit by 50 to 300, but that will be it - all agree this event needs to retain it's charm and a super large field is not what we need. Athlete feedback tells us that every aspect is spot on, from organisation, to value for money, and even the food at the finish line which always has something unique!.
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ITU World Triathlon Hamburg preview
The final ITU World Triathlon event before the Olympic Games takes place this weekend in Hamburg, Germany.
Following last weekend's Sprint Eliminator format at the Tiszaujvaros World Cup race in Hungary, the Hamburg race will be run over a Sprint (750m / 20km / 5km) format, rather than usual Standard/Olympic distance. Cable / Satellite viewers can also watch the event live via the BBC Red Button, otherwise you can access coverage via triathlonlive.tv. Race times (UK time) are:
Elite Men - Saturday 21 July - 17:25
Elite Women - Sunday 22 July - 15:00
This will be the 10th consecutive year of ITU racing in Hamburg, the races won last year by Brad Kahlefeldt and Emma Moffatt, who led home the 'three Emma's'. Hamburg was also the scene of Will Clark's best ever finish, where he took second to Brad.
You can read the full ITU preview piece HERE.
None of the British Olympic team are racing this weekend, the British entries comprising of Tim Don, David McNamee, Will Clarke, Aaron Harris, Adam Bowden, Non Stanford, Vanessa Raw and Lois Rosindale.
In the absence of the Brownlee brothers, Javier Gomez (ESP) will be expected to feature strongly and perhaps give an insight into his form and fitness ahead of August 7th. [UPDATE] The Australian Olympic team of Emma Jackson, Emma Moffatt and Erin Densham will be racing in Hamburg, but NOT reigning Olympic Champion Snowsill.
The course is likely to see very close racing, as a one lap swim makes things relatively simple, while a four-lap, flat and very technical circuit is likely to make breakaways on the bike difficult. Expect a fast and furious 5km run to sort this one. However the race unfolds, the huge Hamburg crowds always make it an incredible atmosphere.
WEBSITE:
hamburg-triathlon.org
START LISTS:
Click here for women's start list
Click here for men's start list
LIVE COVERAGE:
Live video coverage from Hamburg be available on race day at triathlonlive.tv or at @triathlonlive on Twitter.
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Rebecca Romero ready for Ironman UK
This weekend 2008 Olympic Individual Pursuit Champion Rebecca Romero will be taking on her first Ironman when she races at Ironman UK in Bolton.
Rebecca recently had a swim session with British Triathlon swim coach Alan Rapley and 2012 Olympic triathlete Lucy Hall, the pair swapping advice on their respective strengths.
With a rowing silver medal from 2004, she is a talented lady - and now has more confidence in her swim potential too...
What are your aims at Ironman UK?
To get through it and complete it. To get to the start line first of all having survived the training and to get there in ok shape.
To get through the swim efficiently will have a good knock on effect on the rest of it. Having a reasonable swim time will put me in a good position to go on to the bike and the run.
How have you found your transition into being a triathlete?
Triathlon is taking on two new sports, swimming and running and maintaining the cycling as well.
There is a frustration of knowing you can't put 100% into each of those disciplines, and it's not my full time job anymore.
When I was a full time athlete I couldn't wait to be doing something different, but now that I'm integrating triathlon with other stuff I'm thinking it would be nice to be full time and put a lot more work into it.
For now it's good to have that balance so it's not too much pressure.
I'm getting to seven months down the line having trained to get through the ironman distance. In a way that's a massive challenge and a massive ask for myself and I've been cutting corners to be able to do that.
But it's put down a foundation of long training that will be a good base after the Ironman to really start working on getting some speed out of my swimming and out of my running maybe.
Was the swimming session beneficial for you?
First of all I was really nervous as it's the first time I've had my swim technique analysed and had any real coaching. I could have been told I was really awful and there was no hope.
It's a big confidence boost because actually being told that I've got the fundamentals of the stroke that are there to start of with, and that there's a lot that can be done to get a lot more improvement is really good
To get a few pointers that have enabled me to instantly change and get a bit more speed is amazing.
I know that one of my strengths as an athlete is to having an awareness and a good technical feel of things so I can correct things fairly quickly, so to get that with my swimming stroke as well is really good, it's exciting because I know I've got the potential to make big improvements and go faster.
I know I can make big changes to improve so I know if I'm doing ok swimming now that there's the potential to get faster.
Will you be watching the triathlon at the Olympics?
Oh yes definitely, I remember being in Athens competing and after I'd finished I got tickets to the triathlon there and definitely now that it's my new sport I've got a lot more interest in it and it's looking really exciting for the GB athletes, and hopefully there are a few medals there!
Rebecca Romero is an ambassador for ZeroD. Alan Rapley provides coaching support to British Triathlon and has thousands of swim sessions to download on www.mycoach.org.uk.
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Marc Jenkins: road to London
Last month we brought the 'road to London' update from World Champion and one of the favourites for Olympic gold, Helen Jenkins.
In this piece, Helen's coach and husband Marc Jenkins - an Olympian himself - provides some insights into the preparation for August 4th and why 'Team Jenkins' will be remaining at home in Wales during the big build up to the Olympic Games.
The year so far has been filled with hotels and planes with a few races thrown in to liven things up. In February we headed to Noosa about an hour North of Brisbane to train for a few weeks before the Sydney round of the World Series. It was a good camp and Hel trained well although nothing is ever smooth sailing and she lost a week or so of running after the long travel across the world. None-the-less she was still in great shape which became apparent in Sydney where she raced extremely well and picked up second spot on the podium.
We then headed to the Sates for the second round of the World Series in San Diego. We opted to stay in a town called ‘Cardiff by the Sea'; the name sealed it really, a home from home! Training here was fantastic and Helen loved the place to bits. Like Sydney, nothing is ever smooth sailing and Helen picked up a sore shin and missed a week or so of running once again. That said she had another great performance and won the San Diego WCS leg comfortably! Imagine what she can do without the backlash of travelling...
We headed straight home after the race in San Diego and took a few easy days off before the focusing on the big push towards the Olympics.
It seems since we got home you can't go anywhere without seeing something about the Olympics. We are trying to avoid all the hype and have given up simple things like turning the news on in the morning just to keep it off our minds. We are trying to make life as normal as possible but obviously have the Games in our minds; what we are aiming for and how close it is becoming.
In June it was announced that Helen would be joined by Lucy Hall and Vicky Holland in London. There was a bit of fuss with this selection and apparently a few challenges from other athletes but that always happens and it always fades away quite quickly. We have just got on with our jobs and left the federation to deal with the tricky decisions. I know the other girls in the team are doing the same and with just under three weeks left everyone is getting on with what they need to so they are in the best shape possible come race day.
We have opted to stay at home in Wales during the build up to the Games. We have the team we need here who look after everything for us and if we were to leave then we would not have the support we are used too and this would be a big risk. Helen is training hard and looking forward to three weeks time when she is able to put her foot on the start line and give it everything she has. The weather during this period certainly isn't what you want, but the one positive is come August 4th when the heavens open up then we will be used to the torrential rain that we have almost seen consistently since May.
Every day at the moment is focussed on the goal of August the 4th and apart from swim, bike, run, gym, physio, eat, drink, sleep and the occasional dog walk for Helen there is not a lot going on. August 5th, no matter what happens, I think life will return to normal. Well, normal for us, but I guess everyone's 'normal' is different! Thinking about it, it's probably not normal.
Hope Life is going well for the GE Capital family.
Best wishes to everyone and hope to see you all in London on August 4th to cheer on Helen and the team.
GE Capital have been supporting Marc and Helen Jenkins on their journey to London 2012 for the past three years.
During this time the Jenkins' have instilled the triathlon ethos throughout the business by hosting triathlon masterclass events at local business sites, supporting over 150 employees taking part at the London Triathlon and Hyde Park Olympic test event and giving motivational and insightful talks from 5 to 500 employees.
They have also taken triathlon to a group of underprivileged children from South London, giving them an opportunity to try a sport they wouldn't normally have access to.
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High5 partners with TriStar Events
High5 in new partnership with eight TriStar events
TriStar, the International Triathlon Series has confirmed a partnership with High5, the advanced sports nutrition company for eight European destinations in 2012. Participants from TriStar Mallorca, Salzkammergut, Worms-Germany and Kufstein have already benefited from this fruitful partnership, and the upcoming TriStar races in Milton Keynes (next week), Estonia, Madrid and Split will have High5 as the exclusive sport nutrition partner as well.
High5 is providing a wide range of nutritional products for TriStar athletes in these eight events, helping athletes to perform at their best. High5 and TriStar are working with a specific nutrition concept in these races through pre-event information and advice, and developing a full support program, with the best High5 products at the disposal to the triathletes in all the TriStar Energy Stations before, during and after the races.
Michael Atkinson, High5 Director said “We’re really pleased to be involved with the TriStar this year. The events are well organised and offer a great platform for athletes that want to have a go at a triathlon. For improved riding performance High5 EnergySource contains a new 2:1 fructose formulation for 40% greater energy delivery and it’s very easy on the stomach. You can find lots of advice on how to fuel your next ride in our Faster & Further Nutrition Guides and we are also working on a TriStar 111 Nutrition Concept so that we’ll see you at the finish line with a smile on your face.”
The High5 Faster & Further Nutrition Guides apply the latest scientific findings, to provide step-by-step nutrition guides for each sport, race distance, race day weather and athlete body-weight. The guides are practical, easy to follow and ensure the optimum performance boosting intake of carbohydrate and caffeine. If you follow these guides you will ride substantially faster and further. You can find detailed guides for Road Cycling, MTB, Triathlon and Running at: www.highfive.co.uk.
“We are excited to partner with High5 because it means we are supporting the empowerment of TriStar athletes, helping them to accomplish their goals and to have more fun while they are racing!”, said Laurent Gauthier, president of Star Production SARL.
For your chance to win an entry to a High5 Partner Event in the TriStar Series, visit the High5 Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/High5Nutrition).
To celebrate the new partnership, High5 are also giving away a Race Faster Pack to the next 50 athletes that sign up to TriStar111 Milton Keynes.
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Ironman UK Pro preview
Pennington Flash, Lancashire will once again host the swim start of the fourth Ironman UK event to be hosted by the North West town of Bolton. For Age Group athletes, 50 Kona slots are on offer.
Ironman UK is a P-1000 event for professional athletes seeking qualifying points towards their Kona Pro Rankings (KPR), and has an overall prize purse of $25,000.
Pro Women
Despite racing in only her second Ironman event (she finished eighth, Ironman Florida (9:41:58) last season), Ireland's Eimear Mullan starts as one of the pre-race favourites. The Ironman UK 70.3 Wimbleball winner will be hoping to make it a Wimbleball/Bolton UK double, something achieved by both Philip Graves (2009) and Fraser Cartmell (2010).
Her competition - and certainly somebody she will have to chase for a long time - is likely to be Amanda Stevens (USA). Stevens is perhaps the fastest female Ironman swimmer in the world, often exiting the water alongside the lead men. With a win recently at Buffalo Springs 70.3, Stevens is more than just a swimmer. Having finished seventh at the Ironman European Championships in Frankfurt two weeks ago though, will she be ready to race again?
Annett Kamenz may not be a familiar name to UK triathletes - but second place last year at Ironman Regensburg would indicate that she could well be the biggest challenger to Ireland's Mullan.
Bethan Fowler finished in the top-10 at both Ironman UK and Ironman Wales last season as an Age Group athlete, and is a newbie Pro for 2012; "I am thrilled and eager to discover the potential for this season."
Not racing as a professional - or indeed giving indications of expecting a high finishing position - is Olympic gold medal winning cyclist Rebecca Romero. More about her preparations HERE. With a half decent swim, expect to see her making some significant progress on the bike however given the small professional line up. With Olympic medals in two sports, her competitive instincts are likely to surface!
Pro Men
Winner two years ago, Scotland's Fraser Cartmell will be hoping he can return to the top of the podium again in Bolton. A very strong swimmer and cyclist, expect him to lead at T2. He also has the running ability to bring it home to Bolton Town Hall, and the course experience to know how to pace the bike leg.
teamTBB athlete Daniel Halksworth might provide significant company for Fraser for much of the race given his swim/bike skills. Though he was a DNF last wekeend at Ironman Switzerland, Bolton was always on his schedule and the primary goal. Sixth in Regensburg - his only Ironman finish to date - he is capable of more here.
France's Cyril Viennot, like Kamenz in the ladies, might be the unfamiliar name to watch. 15th in Kona last year and second at Ironman South Africa earlier this season marks him out as the man in form and perhaps the biggest threat to a British victory.
And, you can never rule out the legend Petr Vabrousek! Well over 100 ironman races finished and a bucket load of wins too - including Challenge Henley - he is always there or thereabouts, despite his unorthadox approach to racing.
Othe British pro entries include Outlaw 2010 winner Paul Hawkins, Martin Cain, Toby Radcliffe from Team Timex and fifth place finisher from 2011 and first year full-time pro Oliver Simon. We chatted to Oliver after Ironman Wales last year.
An interesting late entry is Outlaw Triathlon winner Harry Wiltshire. Technically of course, Harry is unbeaten over the distance - one race, one win! I suspect this will be only the second time he has run a marathon too...
Ironman UK (Bolton) - Men
Year
Gold
Silver
Bronze
Full Results
2011
Aaron Farlow (AUS)
Romain Guillaume (FRA)
Nick Saunders (GBR)
Results / triVIEWER
2010
Fraser Cartmell (GBR)
Stephen Bayliss (GBR)
Axel Zeebroek (BEL)
Results / triVIEWER
2009
Philip Graves (GBR)
Stephen Bayliss (GBR)
Jarmo Hast (FIN)
Results / triVIEWER
Ironman UK (Bolton) - Women
Year
Gold
Silver
Bronze
Full Results
2011
Kristin Möller (GER)
Diana Riesler (GER)
Yvette Grice (GBR)
Results / triVIEWER
2010
Yvette Grice (GBR)
Bella Bayliss (GBR)
Joanna Carritt (GBR)
Results / triVIEWER
2009
Bella Bayliss (GBR)
Abigail Bayley (GBR)
Irene Kinnegim (NED)
Results / triVIEWER
Prize purse breakdown
Pos
Men
Women
1st
$5,000
$5,000
2nd
$2,750
$2,750
3rd
$1,750
$1,750
4th
$1,250
$1,250
5th
$1,000
$1,000
6th
$750
$750
Total
$12,500
$12,500
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Weekend preview: July 21-22
Check out the whole weekend calendar through the link below.
This is a bit of an odd weekend in that it book-ends the Olympics, sees the finish of the Tour de France and fits in a couple of major events like Ironman UK but doesn't quite have that 'full-on' feeling that the last few have had. The season always slows down a bit at this time as people go on holiday and organisers scale back accordingly but the five ring circus seems to have both extended and increased that effect. Still, if the forecasters are to be believed (?) we might actually see some nicer weather - somewhat ironic given all the revolting stuff we've been served recently during the height of the season...
A quick whiz around the international scene shows that we have the ITU World Triathlon Series in Hamburg (previewed here) while the Ironman circuit hits Lake Placid and Bolton with a 70.3 in Antwerp. There's a pro preview here for the UK race, Lake Placid is not showing any GB pro athletes but Antwerp has an interesting selection: Matt Ellis, Bryan McCrystal (IRL), Philip Mosley, Joe Skipper, Natalie Barnard and Susie Hignett.
One of the iconic European races, the EDF Alpe d'Huez, kicks off its week of events with a duathlon on Sunday, the main events are, as always, mid-week with the Long on Wednesday and the Short on Thursday.
So, what's left on the domestic front? Saturday offers another of the OWS Aquathlon series for those who like to start their racing early - there's another aquathlon at Trent Park and the first of the Swim Super Series at Bray Lake. For more conventional triathlon fans there's the Eirias Middle Distance at Colwyn Bay, the Gower Sprint, the USN Salty Sea Dog at Boscombe and Tri in the Park at Cheltenham. You can even get some off-road action at the Durty Triathlon, part of the Scott X-Tri Series, at St Mary's Loch in Selkirk.
The Markel Castle Triathlon Series hits Castle Howard with a full range of distances from TriStars up to standard and there's more full distance racing to be had at the Cerist Triathlon which has its swim at Aberdyfi and then ride and runs to Machynlleth. The latest round of the Cornish Triathlon Series is a standard distance at Stithians Lake near Redruth or you can go shorter at the Marlborough Fast Twitch, Shetland Sprint or Wilkins Kennedy Grays Triathlon in Essex.
Swimmers get a choice from the Deal Regatta swims and the Big Cove Swim Series at Bowleaze Cove.
All pretty standard fare but there are a couple of unusual ones: the Hathersage Hilly in Derbyshire has a pretty fearsome reputation for the amount of upage and downage or the run-challenged can have a go at something different with the Gr8events Aquacycle at Ellerton Lake near Richmond in Yorkshire.
There's lots more to choose from all round the country as well, check out all the listings through the race calendar link below.
FULL WEEKEND RACE LISTINGS
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Open water swim weekend at Kempton Park
Kempton, Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex
New open water swim lake and Triathlon training venue
Kempton are pleased to announce a new venture with the National Open Water Coaching Association (NOWCA) which will see them become a NOWCA swimming lake and triathlon training venue.
To launch this new project there will be three promotional weekends held at the lake over the coming months where you will have the opportunity to swim, bike and run at this beautiful location, meet with coaches and join NOWCA at a reduced rate.
For more details on the promotional weekend, opening times, and NOWCA, please visit the promotional page on the NOWCA website at www.nowca.org/lake/20/Kempton.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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Coach Clean: online learning resource now available for coaches
Coach Clean, a new e-learning resource for sports’ coaches, is now available online. The education tool is designed to offer coaches essential information on their roles and responsibilities in relation to anti-doping.​
Coach Clean has been developed in partnership with sports coach UK, ideally for UKCC level-2 coaching qualifications. The programme is nonetheless relevant to any coach working with all levels of athlete.
Previewed at the 2011 UK Coaching Summit, the online resource has been developed in light of research that showed the positive influence of coaches on today’s athletes. The programme covers topics from testing procedures to the anti-doping landscape, offering coaches an insight into how coaching style and environment can influence an athlete’s decision not to dope.
Upon completion, coaches will receive a certificate, which they can insert in their candidate portfolios for UKCC level 2 or CPD records as part of the licensing scheme.
UK Anti-Doping Education Manager Amanda Batt said: "The launch of Coach Clean is an exciting step in UK Anti-Doping's prevention strategy.
“We know that coaches and other support personnel play a vital role in influencing and supporting athletes through their careers. It is so important that we reach these core influencers so that they can in turn influence athletes and promote the values of clean sport.”
Coaches can sign up to Coach Clean via Skills Active. The course is available for an introductory offer of £15.00, increasing to £25.00 from 01 October 2012.
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Triathlon Live brings London 2012 to Edinburgh
Triathlon Live is coming to Edinburgh's Festival Square, one of the eight UK Big Screen locations showing the sporting action during this summer's London 2012 Olympic Games.
The live triathlon hub will allow fans to give triathlon a try by competing in a mini triathlon event as well as cheer on Team GB via a BBC Big Screen.
Triathlon Live will take place in Edinburgh from Saturday 4 to Tuesday 7 August.
Utilising a cutting edge Endless Pool® to simulate a current which is suitable for swimmers of all ages, Triathlon Live will feature competitive events for enthusiastic triathlon club members and newcomers to the sport alike.
Younger children can also get involved in the action through a simulated swim before trying out a state-of-the-art static bike and treadmill.
And promising Scottish national triathletes will demonstrate their swim talents on Monday 6 August when members of the public can quiz National Performance Development Manager Chris Volley.
There will also be fantastic prizes and giveaways up for grabs, ensuring everyone enjoys their Triathlon Live experience.
Gemma Simpson, Events and Volunteer Manager at triathlonscotland, said: “We are delighted to be hosting Triathlon Live in Edinburgh and can't wait to get the triathlon activity underway. The aim is to get as many people as possible enjoying our dynamic sport over the four days and who knows, in the shadow of the screened Olympic action, we might even inspire the next Team GB triathlete.”
Triathlon Live is a joint initiative run by the International Triathlon Union, British Triathlon, and LOCOG. Triathlon Live Edinburgh is supported by triathlonscotland, The City of Edinburgh Council, The Tri Centre and Krystal Klear Water.
For more information about Triathlon Live in Edinburgh, visit www.triathlonscotland.org
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Hyde Park prepares...
We are getting close. Two weeks tomorrow, Saturday 4th August, we will see Helen Jenkins attempt to win the Olympic Games Triathlon, and three days later the Brownlee brothers will have their sights on the podium too.
Hyde Park is, of course, the host venue for triathlon and events such as the Olympics take a lot of planning and the venue a lot of building. We took a visit to get a sense of just how much - and came away very impressed.
My god, it's BIG!
Having seen a couple of photos of the venue build for triathlon at Hyde Park appearing on Facebook, I thought while I was in London for a new store opening around the corner from the park, I would take a stroll over and have a look at how the build was coming on.
I knew it would be big; bigger than last year's test event, but I wasn't really prepared for just how big it looks.
Standing at the Lido Café with the grandstand in front of me, I started to get goose pimples and it isn't even finished yet. I think the Olympic Triathlon is going to be awesome, and that's not just because I love triathlon.
The venue looks stunning, even on an overcast day and I really can't image what the finish line will be like should Team GB carry their dominant form into the race and take a medal.
Here's a quick video of some of the sights I could see:
Signage is up around the park along with lots of 2012 branding and a couple of official merchandise shops.
Sitting in the café overlooking the lake and enjoying a rustic pizza I looked up to see Triathlon Competition Manager, John Lunt, smiling at me. I was lucky to spend ten minutes chatting to him (in-between his phone ringing) and my first impressions were of a man looking well. You might expect that having taken on a role of such magnitude you would be looking a bit frazzled at this crucial stage, but I have to say John looked in good shape - I believe he has been doing a fair bit of running...
I told him I thought the venue looked great and a much bigger an operation than I was expecting and he replied with "the triathlon will the pinnacle event of the Games, I have been telling everyone that for ages." I am sure that all of the different Competition Mangers will tell you that about their sport but having walked around the venue and knowing the level of talent we have in the team, I for one believe him.
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Win with Skechers
Skechers Performance Footwear (www.skechers.co.uk) recently joined with Challenger World as a long-term partner for two of their flagship triathlon events; the Virgin Active London Triathlon and the GE Blenheim Triathlon.
In conjunction with Skechers, Tri247 can offer this great competition prize: Five winners will gain entry to the 2012 London Triathlon AND a a pair of new Skechers Performance shoes each – Skechers GOrun ride™
How to enter?
Simply email competitions@tri247.com with the subject line "Skechers Competition". Closing date for the competition is Friday 27th July 2012.
The Virgin Active London Triathlon event takes place on the 22nd and 23rd September. Winners must be available to take part on these dates.
Twitter: @SKECHERS_UK | Facebook: SKECHERSUK | Website: www.skechers.co.uk
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Dr Sarah Springman carries Olympic Flame
After Tri247 Editor John Levison carried the Torch as part of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay on Wednesday - you can read his experience HERE - British Triathlon President Dr Sarah Springman CBE had her own Moment to Shine yesterday.
Dr Sarah Springman CBE, British Triathlon President did the fast growing sport of triathlon proud yesterday at 12.52 (Thursday 26 July), by taking part in the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay on the penultimate leg of its 8,000 mile journey around the UK.
Sarah carried the Flame through Lambeth for a total distance of 370 yards before passing the Torch to the next Torchbearer. Sarah was one of over fifty members of the triathlon community chosen to be Torchbearers, representing every level of the sport in the UK from volunteers through to elite triathletes since the first leg in Cornwall on 19 May.
Sarah’s leg of the relay also marked just nine days to go until the triathlon events of the London 2012 Olympic Games, as Sarah comments: “It was incredible to carry the Torch. A truly amazing experience to be cheered on by so many people lining the route, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. The Olympics have always been so important throughout my life, so to help the Torch come to a home Games is a fantastic honour.
“The triathlon events are just days away now and I can’t wait to see Team GB line up in Hyde Park on the 4 and 7 August. Triathlon is free-to-view and I am sure will deliver the most memorable events of the Games in front of the thousands of spectators we hope will be in Hyde Park cheering on the British triathletes.”
An average of 115 Torchbearers per day have carried the Olympic Flame during its 8,000-mile journey around the UK this summer before it will arrive at the Olympic Stadium today on 27 July. Its journey has taken the Flame to within 10 miles of 95% of the UK population.
Fans can watch the action at a number of iconic London landmarks including the south side of the Serpentine, The Wellington Arch, and Buckingham Palace, as well as plenty of areas within Hyde Park to view the event. To find out more and to plan your triathlon events visit www.britishtriathlon.org/london-2012
Join the conversation at #triathlon and follow @BritTri.
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Support Team GB by getting on your bike
In April this year I wrote a 'Britannia rules London' piece after visiting the Virgin London Marathon Expo, reflecting the patriotic colours on offer across a wide range of running brands.
There's no need to miss out on this trend if cycling is your thing either, judging by some of the items below which will be on display at the 2012 Cycle Show between 28 and 30 September. Check out the Tri247 ticket offer, and save some pounds too.
With the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games just around the corner, exhibitors attending the 2012 Cycle Show between 28 and 30 September have shared some of their favourite products that will have cyclists ‘flying the flag’ in style this summer.
Cyclists can show their support for the country by sporting the latest products and innovations in red, white and blue. Here is a taste of the best of British products that are available from some of the exhibitors at the show:
The Patriot helmet offers lightweight inmould construction, aerodynamic road styling, 360 degree ventilation and a removable visor, combined with a subtle Union Jack design.
The 2012 Limited Edition Union Jack Swallow Saddle from Brooks is a tricolour issue of the legendary B15, the precursor to the modern racing saddle. Only 500 of each colour have been made. The saddles even come in special “Union Jack” or “England” box.
For the devoted Brit, the custom made Lake CX401 Cycle Shoes give people the option to personalise their cycling shoes. Cyclists can take inspiration from Olympic track cyclist Wendy Houvenaghel and customise their own shoes with a union flag or go for gold with some stand-out metallic footwear.
Cyclists don’t have to compromise on a great ride with the Forme Axe Edge Sport Bike in white, red and blue. With its full carbon frame and high quality components from the Ergofit Collection, cyclists can be proud to be British and proud to ride this bike!
Women will leave bystanders star-struck in the stylish, yet functional IXS Women’s Jubilee Bike Shirt and water-repellent Sancy Jacket. The red, white and blue star pattern is combined with breathable, quick drying and anti-bacterial material, ideal for the regular cyclist.
Riding the top of the range Pinarello 2012 FPQUATTRO, with its new iCR internal cable routing system, cyclists can sport just a flash of red, white and blue this summer.
You’ll be able to see more from these brands at the Cycle Show: HardnutZ (stand F10), Condor (E1), Today’s Cyclist (C11), Rose Versand GmbH (C62) and Yellow.
Even children can get in the spirit:
The Union Jack Scooter replicates the best of British design, with a union flag on its rear fairing. Children aged 2 to 6 will be the star of the playground with this classy ride, which can also be personalised with a name and number.
Ages 3 to 6 can enjoy the Union Jack Kurve. With award-winning British design, and its curved styling and rugged construction, your toddler will have long lasting fun.
There is also the Union Jack Helmet in a popular BMX Dirt helmet style and Union Jack Gloves, which has the same detail as adult rider gloves, keeping your child protected while looking stylish.
Both the Union Jack Scooter and Union Jack Kurve from Kiddimoto (stand B1 in Hall 11), will be available for children to try at the under 5’s test track at the show in September.
In addition to browsing the latest bikes, accessories and fashions from many of Britain’s biggest cycling brands, visitors can experience the latest bikes on the Dare2b Outdoor Mountain Bike Demo Track from top brands including Saracen, Trek, Specialized, Pivot, Diamond Back, Rose and Genesis while also trying out the latest in road, commuter and electric bikes on the road test tracks.
For more information, or to book tickets, visit www.cycleshow.co.uk.
CHECK OUT THE TRI247 TICKET OFFER!
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Weekend preview: July 28-29
Check out the whole weekend calendar through the link below.
That backseat chorus of "are we there yet?" is still ringing in our ears, and it isn't the kids trying to drive us insane as we go on holiday either. After four years of waiting we are very nearly there but there's still a few small items of business to take care of first.
Just one Ironman 70.3 this weekend, the Vitera 70.3 Calgary and a short pro list which includes Tom Lowe as one of the few non-North Americans. The ITU has its World Long Distance Championships in Vitoria-Gasteiz - that's in Northern Spain - and the only GB name on the elite lists is Jodie Swallow. British women have won the title in five of the last six championships, Jodie won in 2009 and also took silver in the European LD over this course in 2010 but the only fly in the ointment is likely to be Caroline Steffen. Check out the IUTU's preview of the race HERE.
Saturday sees the TriGrandPrix Ireland, check out the preview HERE, and a scattering of domestic events including the Milford Summer Duathlon, another of the Leybourne Lakes Sprint Series races and the Gullane Beach Triathlon - that one always used to be famed for the potential jellyfish encounters.
Sunday's calendar may be slimmer than we've been used to in recent weeks but there's some quality racing there. Highest profile has to be the TriStar 111 Milton Keynes even though the disappointing numbers have meant that the pro field prize purse has been withdrawn but if you are after middle distance action then you can check out the Fambridge Yacht Haven Half Iron instead. Standard distance racing fills most of the rest of the day with events at Blithfield, Beford, the Windfarmer and Lancaster plus the People's Triathlon which features a full choice from standard through to supersprint at Dearnford Lake.
Fancy something a little less taxing? Try the Leeds Xpress, Redcar Sprint, Hatfield, Culford or Droitwich which are all sprint or shorter. And that's pretty much it for the weekend - no quirks or oddities either! Still, they have forecast rain...
There's lots more to choose from all round the country as well, check out all the listings through the race calendar link below.
FULL WEEKEND RACE LISTINGS
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CEEPO clearance offers
Grab yourself a bargain and take advantage of this limited offer. Stock is limited and will sell fast.
Ceepo, the official bike of Ironman, is having a HUGE warehouse clear out and would like to give you the opportunity to get an amazing frame at a fraction of the regular price. Road and Tri geometry models are available.
Name
RRP
SAVE
SALE PRICE
Frame colours available
VIPER
£3,500
£2,300
£1,200
Black
KATANA
£2,600
£1,600
£1,000
Black, White or Red
VENOM
£2,500
£1,600
£900
Black
STINGER
£1,800
£1,050
£750
White/Black
GRACE
£1,800
£1,100
£700
Pink/White
MAMBA (Road Frame)
£1,600
£1,000
£600
Black or White
TRIUMPH
£850
£500
£350
Black/Pink
To take advantage of this offer and to check stock call TCL Sports on: 01189 321 556.
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XTRI24 2012 report
At 19:11 on Friday the 13th July 2012 ninety nine of the world's most intrepid triathletes including individuals from Brazil, Ecuador, Columbia, Norway, Italy, Germany, Belgium, South Africa, Australia and the UK smashed through heavy shore-dump before swimming the two mile length of Eastbourne Seafront on the South coast of England, but this was just the start of an incredible new extreme triathlon event called the XTRI24.
Having completed the arduous open water sea swim, participants were then required to cycle through the night to complete the entire one hundred mile length of the South Downs Way National Trail by mountain bike. Strict cut-offs at checkpoints all the way along the course meant that anyone unable to maintain a swift pace was pulled off the course.
Those that successfully completed the gruelling ride from Eastbourne to Winchester then ditched their mud splattered mountain bikes, donned their running shoes and set off on foot to Salisbury along the Clarendon Way, another famously picturesque and ancient cross-country trail that links Winchester to Salisbury. The race finished at the spectacular vantage point of Old Sarum Castle.
Participants were required to complete this epic non-stop off-road multi-sport journey in twenty four hours or less. In the end only sixty one gritty individuals managed to complete the course, and only forty five made it within the 24 hour time limit, a fact that makes local Fire-fighter Dave Woodgate’s winning time of 16 hours and 44 minutes even more incredible. First place female Manuela Vilaseca from Brazil was no less impressive with a finishing time of 18 hours and 47 minutes taking fourth place overall.
As if the scale of this challenge wasn't enough, weather conditions on the day made things even tougher. Event director Andrew Barker said “I guess we booked the weather when we decided to start the race on Friday the thirteenth, but to say the conditions were extreme is an understatement. An already exceedingly tough challenge very nearly became Mission Impossible.” Trails turned to streams and streams turned to rivers as the athletes battled heavy rain, strong head winds, savage terrain, pitch darkness, unseasonably low temperatures, and masses of mud, to completed this savage course.
After staggering across the line just minutes inside the twenty four hour cut off, Mark Norton a highly experienced endurance athlete from Cornwall said “I have never felt so close to quitting. It's the hardest event I've ever done, far harder than Norseman, and in my opinion, tougher than UTSW 100 mile footrace which I ran three weeks ago.”
Registration for the 2013 edition of XTRI24 opens in August at www.endurancelife.com
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25% off Tri Windermere 2013
25% off Tri Windermere 2013 for the duration of the Olympic Games
To celebrate the 2012 Olympic Games and launch of Tri Windermere 4, we're offering 25% off for the duration of the Summer Games.
Tri Windermere 4 will take place on 7th July 2013 at its stunning heart of the Lake District venue.
a 1,500m open water SWIM in England's favourite and most iconic lake
a 43K stunning BIKE on one full lap of Lake Windermere
10K RUN along the shore at Bowness.
To book your place on the start-line check out www.tri-windermere.co.uk
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Official Olympic triathlon startlists
These are the official start lists for the men's (11:30am Tuesday August 7th) and women's (9am Saturday August 4th) triathlon events as declared by the ITU. The pontoon draws will be on Thursday August 2nd for the women and Sunday August 5th for the men at their respective race briefings.
Men Women
Bib Name Country Bib Name Country
1 Chacon, Leonardo CRC 1 Riveros Diaz, Barbara CHI
2 Bai, Faquan CHN 2 Perterer, Lisa AUT
3 Jones, Kyle CAN 3 Caelers, Maaike NED
4 McMahon, Brent CAN 4 Klamer, Rachel NED
5 Whitfield, Simon CAN 5 Rivas, Claudia MEX
6 Butterfield, Tyler BER 6 Kovacs, Zsofia HUN
7 Noble, Gavin IRL 7 St Louis, Fabienne MRI
8 Jaskolka, Marek POL 8 Hall, Lucy GBR
9 Banti, Hervé MON 9 Holland, Vicky GBR
10 Felgate, Christopher ZIM 10 Jenkins, Helen GBR
11 Hauss, David FRA 11 Charayron, Emmie FRA
12 Luis, Vincent FRA 12 Harrison, Jessica FRA
14 Vidal, Laurent FRA 14 Peon, Carole FRA
15 Heo, Min Ho KOR 15 Adachi, Mariko JPN
16 Pais, Bruno POR 16 Ide, Juri JPN
17 Silva, Joao POR 17 Ueda, Ai JPN
18 Varga, Richard SVK 18 Frederiksen, Helle DEN
19 Murray, Richard RSA 19 Jensen, Line DEN
20 Giglmayr, Andreas AUT 20 Norden, Lisa SWE
21 Riederer, Sven SUI 21 Bazlen, Svenja GER
22 Wild, Ruedi SUI 22 Dittmer, Anja GER
23 Sapunov, Danylo UKR 23 Haug, Anne GER
24 Van de Wyngard, Felipe CHI 24 Zhang, Yi CHN
25 Bryukhankov, Alexander RUS 25 Densham, Erin AUS
26 Polyanskiy, Dmitry RUS 26 Jackson, Emma AUS
27 Vasiliev, Ivan RUS 27 Moffatt, Emma AUS
28 De Cuyper, Simon BEL 28 Morrison, Aileen IRL
29 Quinchara, Carlos Javier COL 29 Mazzetti, Annamaria ITA
30 Brownlee, Alistair GBR 30 Frintova, Vendula CZE
31 Brownlee, Jonathan GBR 31 Vodickova, Radka CZE
32 Hayes, Stuart GBR 32 Hewitt, Andrea NZL
33 Colucci, Reinaldo BRA 33 McIlroy, Kate NZL
34 Sclebin, Diogo BRA 34 Samuels, Nicky NZL
35 Fabian, Alessandro ITA 35 Verstuyft, Katrien BEL
36 Uccellari, Davide ITA 36 Duffy, Flora BER
37 Hosoda, Yuichi JPN 37 Yelistratova, Yuliya UKR
38 Tayama, Hirokatsu JPN 38 Bravo, Elizabeth ECU
39 Atkinson, Courtney AUS 39 Simic, Mateja SLO
40 Kahlefeldt, Brad AUS 40 Abysova, Irina RUS
41 Sexton, Brendan AUS 41 Razarenova, Alexandra RUS
42 Huerta, Manuel USA 42 Ryf, Daniela SUI
43 Kemper, Hunter USA 43 Spirig, Nicola SUI
44 Celustka, Jan CZE 44 Damlaimcourt, Marina ESP
45 Svarc, Premysl CZE 45 Murua, Ainhoa ESP
46 Frodeno, Jan GER 46 Rodriguez, Zurine ESP
47 Justus, Steffen GER 47 Roberts, Kate RSA
48 Petzold, Maik GER 48 Sanders, Gillian RSA
49 Tellechea, Gonzalo ARG 49 Oliveira, Pamela BRA
50 Grajales, Crisanto MEX 50 Czesnik, Maria POL
51 Gomez, Javier ESP 51 Jerzyk, Agnieszka POL
52 Mola, Mario ESP 52 Bennett, Laura USA
53 Perez, Jose Miguel ESP 53 Groff, Sarah USA
54 Docherty, Bevan NZL 54 Jorgensen, Gwen USA
55 Gemmell, Kris NZL 55 Findlay, Paula CAN
56 Sissons, Ryan NZL 56 Tremblay, Kathy CAN
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More Pages to Explore .....
