Leading European Sports Nutrition Company, Atlantic Multipower is delighted to announce the sponsorship of one of the world’s top long distance triathletes, Eneko Llanos.
The signing of the Spanish triathlete, who finished runner up at the ITU Long Distance World Championships last year, bolsters a growing roster of endurance athletes which includes Ironman competitor Virginia Berasategui, Great Britain Olympic triathlete Will Clarke and Cannondale Pro Cycling.
Llanos marked the announcement with an impressive second placed finish in his most recent event, the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon on March 5th. A gruelling race in high temperatures saw Llanos come in behind winner Frederik Van Lierde, and a clear two minutes ahead of the third placed athlete.
Llanos, 36, who next competes in the Melbourne Ironman event on March 24th, is already taking maximum benefit from a number of products across the Multipower Sportsfood range, including the Re-Charge Drink, Magnesium shots and the innovative Multicarbo Jelly which he used during the Abu Dhabi event.
Llanos said: “I’ve always considered nutrition to be one of the most important foundations for my performance, and because of that I'm counting on the support and experience of the Multipower brand. Their range of supplements cover all the nutritional aspects that my workouts and competitions need and I can be certain of counting on the best quality products in the market.”
Multipower Marketing Director, Alex Schmelz said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Eneko to the brand. The addition of an athlete of his international stature is further recognition of the quality of our range, and the feedback we gain from our group of top athletes gives us the motivation and direction to continue the development of our products.”
Eneko Llanos signs with Multipower
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XTERRA Guam: Allen, Slack win again
Australia's Ben Allen was pushed hard all day today by South Africa's Dan Hugo at XTERRA Guam, but the nothing could stop the Aussie from completing a Pacific region XTERRA trip crown (of XTERRA Philippines, Saipan and Guam) for the second year - and going one better than 2012, by making it four wins in as many weeks - also winning the Tagaman road triathlon last weekend.
It was another good day for Ben's partner, Great Britain's Jacqui Slack, who after starting the Pacific tour with fifth in the Philippines, took her third win in as many weeks, adding XTERRA Guam to XTERRA Saipan and Tagaman.
Report
In the men's race, Allen and Hugo were locked together throughout the swim and bike, before Ben was to prove the stronger on the run and pull away from the 2011 XTERRA World Championship silver medal winner Hugo.
Allen, speaking to XTERRA media said "Today was the last race of the tour and I just laid it all on the line. I was so determined to get this win today, and I think it showed. Dan is such a high-class athlete, and I have full respect for him. I even look up to him as one of those inspiring XTERRA athletes. It was guys like him and Conrad that were the driving force to inspire me to do races like this.”
Behind the leading pair, the trio including Brits Sam Gardner and Rory Downie, plus South African Bradley Weiss were in close order through much of the bike leg before Weiss was able to pull clear of Gardner on the run to take third, leaving the three-time XTERRA Guam winner in fourth with the youngster Downie fifth.
For Slack, her win proved to be a gun-to-tape effort. Always swift in the water, last years winner Renata Bucher (SUI) was only able to close a minute on Slack during the bike, not enough to catch her - only for Slack to take all of that back on the challenging run to finish three minutes clear.
Slack said, "I think my mountain bike and running skills have improved heaps. Last year I came to gain the experience, this year I wanted to come back and see the difference."
After four straight weeks of racing, Allen and Slack get just one week 'off', before XTERRA Australia on 7th April followed by XTERRA New Zealand the week after that. They are made of tough stuff, these off-roaders...
Pos
Men
Women
1st
Ben Allen (AUS) 2:23:01
Jacqui Slack (GBR) 2:52:44
2nd
Dan Hugo (RSA) 2:26:48
Renata Bucher (SUI) 2:55:35
3rd
Bradley Weiss (RSA) 2:36:06
Carina Wasle (AUT) 3:01:05
4th
Sam Gardner (GBR) 2:37:48
Daz Parker (GBR) 3:06:33
5th
Rory Downie (GBR) 2:29:44
Mieko Carey (JPN) 3:12:59
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Tom Lowe's Cervélo P5
With the Ironman Asia Pacific Championships, Melbourne just a few hours away, it's time to complete our preview of the British Pro entrants and their rides. We've spoken to Corinne Abraham and checked our her Trek Speed Concept. We got the lowdown on Craig Twigg's preparations, and had a look at his Holdsworth Triath-Elan.
We also had a good catch-up with former British Ironman record holder Tom Lowe... but what will the big man, known as 'The Lung', be riding? Here is the answer to that - and serious bike bling it is too. Meet Tom Lowe's fully pimped Cervélo P5 Six.
(All images © www.robholdenphotography.com)
Even a quick glance tells you that this is a 'no compromises' bike, ready for one of the best cyclists in the sport. At 6 feet 5 inches tall, it's not a small frame either. The P5 'Six' is the fastet (non-UCI legal) incarnation of arguably the fastest bike in the world.
The bike might well be bling... but just like the rest of us, a trusty piece of insulation tape marks the correct saddle height on this machine.
A very clean front end to Tom's bike features the 3T Aduro™ aerobar with hidden cables, Shimano Di2 electronic shifters, a TorHans Aero 20 water bottle - with the Magura RT8 brake levers operating the P5 specific Madura hydraulic brake calipers.
Tom's saddle choice is an ISM Adamo Breakaway with what looks like the front of the saddle rails zip-tied, to bring the saddle 'prongs' of the increasingly popular ISM brand closer together to meet his personal comfort needs. A behind-the-saddle cage hides away his Cytomox nutrition - and hopefully, he won't be needing the puncture repair canister.
The front end of Tom's Melbourne ride.
A Shimano Dura Ace SRM powermeter with Di2 shifting. No head unit for the powermeter present - on these images at least - so we're wondering if Tom will race on feel or power? Perhaps a Garmin or SRM will appear on the aero bars on race day...
As noted in our interview earlier in the week, Tom will be riding HED wheels this year, this weekend being a rear Stinger disc and front Stinger 9. Both are tubular, glued with Continental Competition tubs.
Still 'only' (!) 10-speed, might be one of very few upgrades (?) possible to this extremely high-spec machine.
Relaxed and ready to race, Tom Lowe with his race ready Cervélo P5.
(All images © www.robholdenphotography.com)
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Eneko Llanos wins Melbourne classic
Before the men's race at the 2013 Ironman Asia Pacific Championship today, we said on Friday "we'll go for Belgium's Marino Vanhoenacker for the win. Craig Alexander, along with Jordan Rapp (USA) and Eneko Llanos would be our picks to fill the podium alongside the six-time Ironman Austria winner." Well, we did get the top four - just not (quite!) in the right order.
As we said of Amanda Stevens in the ladies race, whatever the length of the weather-impacted and shortened swim, everyone confidently predicted the swim lead of Australian's Clayton Fettell, and he was joined by training partner Joseph Lampe in reaching dry land first. The big names of Craig Alexander and Eneko Llanos were a minute back, with the bike power of Belgium's Marino Vanhoenacker a further minute behind that duo amongst a host of pretenders to these icons. Those gaps soon vanished, and very early in the ride Alexander and Llanos bridged up to Fettell, Lampe and Bell, and it wasn't long before the imposing figure of the white-suited Marino Vanhoenacker joined the party, the first 45km into a storming headwind. How significant was the wind? Marino's first 45km out: 1:16:10, Marino's second 45km back: 55:33...
The Vanhoenacker ace in the pack is his bike speed, but he was keeping his powder dry and his tactics perfect in the first 90km. Keeping out of the wind, never setting the pace... because as soon as the second half of the bike started and turn was made for lap two, boom! Gap made instantly, and the Vanhoenacker attack was on. Alexander, Fettell, Llanos and Tim Reed were the chasers, trying to keep that gap as small as possible. Marino reached T2 with a five minute lead and a 4:22:32 bike split. A fine runner himself, with perhaps the even faster running Alexander and Llanos behind, the race was set up nicely. All three started the run looking great... this was going to be good.
Llanos and Alexander started gaining on Vanhoenacker from the start - but only marginally. The tall Belgian was running smooth, looking great and all of the maths was suggesting that his chasers would run out of time to catch him. It's difficult to gain much time on a guy running sub 2:45 marathon pace himself.
Llanos and Alexander spent the first half of the run together, the Spaniard only able to break the three-time Ironman world champion after the halfway mark. All were running well though, no meltdowns - this was a battle of attrition to the finish. In the final 10k, Vanhoenacker's pace did drop slightly, and that was the opportunity for Llanos to close the gap and finally reel in his prey.
Llanos was to prove champion on this day, closing out his race with a 2:43:35 marathon to cross the line just shy of three minutes clear of the 2:51:28 of Marino. Just 38 seconds later, defending champion Alexander - in the week of becoming a father for the third time - completing the podium with a 2:46:44 run. Great racing from three of the finest Ironman athletes in history.
Tom Lowe finished 11th (8:02:15) with Craigg Twigg 37th Pro (96th overall) in 8:52:01.
Sunday 24th March 2013
Ironman Asia Pacific Championship, Melbourne
1.9k** / 180k / 42.2k
(** swim shortened due to rough sea conditions).
Pos
Women
1st
Eneko Llanos (ESP) 7:36:08
2nd
Marino Vanhoenacker (BEL) 7:38:59
3rd
Craig Alexander (AUS) 7:39:37
4th
Jordan Rapp (USA) 7:50:54
5th
Chris Legh (AUS) 7:52:29
6th
Per Bittner (GER) 7:58:28
7th
Jimmy Johnsen (DEN) 7:59:37
8th
Jeremy Jurkiewicz (FRA) 8:00:50
9th
Petr Vabrousek (CZE) 8:01:09
10th
Tyler Butterfield (BER) 8:02:15
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Medal for Taylor-Brown at World Cross Champs
A great day for Great Britain's European Junior Triathlon and World Junior Duathlon Champion Georgia Taylor-Brown.
As we highlighted on Friday, Georgia - along with fellow triathlete Gordon Benson - was representing Great Britain today in the IAAF World Cross Country Championship, and continuing her successful 2012 season, she has managed to come away with another international medal to add to what is building to be a very impressive collection.
Finishing 17th overall, and second Britain, just one place and seven seconds behind Emelia Gorecka; along with Amy Neale & Bobby Clay the quartet secured the team bronze medal behind the dominant Kenya and Ethiopian squads.
Junior Women - IAAF World Cross Country Championships 2013
Pos
Women
1st
Faith Kipyegon (KEN) 17:51
2nd
Agnes Tirop (KEN) 17:51
3rd
Alemitu Heroye (ETH) 17:57
16th
Emelia Gorecka (GBR) 19:19
17th
Georgia Taylor-Brown (GBR) 19:26
21st
Amy Neale (GBR) 19:34
27th
Bobby Clay (GBR) 19:45
(86 finishers)
Georgia said: "The start was so fast and I thought this is not going to be a good day. I just thought I've got to build into it and as Steve (Vernon) said during his team speech run your own race and obviously it worked. I worked hard on the hill and when you get to the top, people start jogging, so I tried accelerating off the hill.
"It's amazing to get that third team place – all the way around people were shouting that we were moving up, so I had to hold off a few of the athletes there at the end. It killed me, but I'm so happy with that race."
In the men's junior race, Gordon Benson finished 58th (fourth finisher of the six Brits racing). The race was won by Hagos Gebrhiwet (ETH), and to give some context on his abilities - he has a 12:47.53 PB for the 5000m... and he hasn't turned 19 yet. Having onl ytaken up running "seriously in 2010....", it will be interesting to see where his career heads.
Junior Men - IAAF World Cross Country Championships 2013
Pos
Women
1st
Hagos Gebrhiwet (ETH) 21:04
2nd
Leonard Barsoton (KEN) 21:08
3rd
Muktar Edris (ETH) 21:13
58th
Gordon Benson (GBR) 23:50
Gordon said: "That was the hardest race of my life, no doubt about it. The Kenyans and Ethiopians are so quick; you don't want to just let them run away but you don't really have a choice. Because of my competitive nature it's horrible just sitting in and letting them go.
"This is unreal cross country, I've run in all sorts of conditions but this is the toughest race and toughest course I've ever done, it just gets harder and harder.
"I didn't know what to expect, I've came here and given it everything so I can't moan too much at that. You always want to finish higher but it was so hard to judge with so many runners in the race.
"Normally when you're running in GB the six of us would be at the front but when you're in a position it's out of your control, you want to try and run your own race but you can't control the pacer and it's really hard.
"The girls were third and they did great, so well done to all the girls. We can't moan too much with our team position, there are lot of good countries here and we've all worked really hard and put it on the line. We're moving forward and that's what it's all about so that's a positive to take from it.
"I've done what it supposedly the hardest triathlon course in the world but that was nothing compared to this."
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Who is Corinne Abraham..?!
So, who is Corinne Abraham?
Following her brilliant victory at the Ironman Asia Pacific Championships, Melbourne on Sunday, you could be excused for thinking in some quarters that Corinne had simply appeared out of thin air, unknown to the triathlon community.
Perhaps that is the case to the wider world, but we feel here at Tri247 that we've been on something of a journey with Corinne, following her triathlon progress almost from the very start - and well before we (or perhaps, even she?!) knew she had any thoughts of ever being a professional triathlete.
Here is a look back through some key milestones on that journey.
(All images ©www.robholdenphotography.com)
Cowman Middle Distance - 4th July 2010
I remember this race well, because I was there! As well as watching the Cowman, I also raced the accompanying Sprint Triathlon that morning... which happens to be the last triathlon I ever took part in! (I will remedy that soon). An unknown name to us at the time, Corinne finished second that day to Ironman UK and Challenge Henley winner Yvette Grice. After losing significant time to Grice in the swim, Abraham went on to finish just one minute and 22 seconds behind Yvette.
Ironman Regensburg - 1st August 2010
Cowman was to be a warm up for Corinne's first attempt at an Ironman, the inaugural event in Regensburg, Germany. Still racing as an Age Group athlete, Corinne took third place overall with the win going to 2012 Kona fourth place finisher Sonja Tajsich. 9:41:21 first time out was pretty impressive - and meant a date in Kona in October.
Ironman World Championship - October 2010
In the lead up to Kona 2010, Corinne contributed to our Kona Diaries series.
Her race in Kona was solid (10th in AG f30-34, 10:09:02), but reporting on that performance to Tri247 HERE, she said " I just don't feel that I raced to my potential on Saturday. With time I'll go through my preparation and the race in more detail, looking at what went well, pull out all of the places where I can pull back the minutes and the seconds, and learn from the experience."
It also provided us with the first glimpse of her future plans: "without a doubt it has confirmed that I will be training and racing as a professional triathlete next year."
Interview - February 2011
I first interviewed Corinne over two years ago at the annual TCR Show at Sandown Park. Having run 1:20:31 that morning at the Wokingham Half Marathon, I spoke to Corinne about her introduction to the sport and plans for the year. With an introduction into cycling via the Race Across America (as you do!), and a background in Judo, it was clear that Corinne didn't come into triathlon with pre-conceived ideas or limitations on what she could achieve, and plans for the rest of 2011 included producing solid performances at Ironman Texas and Ironman Wales. As we were later to find, the best laid plans don't always work out...
Ironman Texas 2011 - DNF. Ironman Wales 2011 - DNF
A fifth place at Ironman 70.3 Antwerp in July couldn't hide the fact that 2011 was disappointing. Ok, it was more than that.
Pos
Men
Women
1st
Bart Aernouts (BEL) 3:45:37
Sofie Goos (BEL) 4:21:24
2nd
Axel Zeebroek (BEL) 3:48:25
Sophie De Groote (BEL) 4:22:40
3rd
Marcus Fachbach (GER) 3:54:31
Natascha Badmann (SUI) 4:26:44
4th
Romain Guillame (FRA) 3:55:12
Michelle Vesterby (DEN) 4:27:38
5th
Sean Donnelly (GER) 3:55:41
Corinne Abraham (GBR) 4:29:23
Her two big goals of the year both ended long before the finish line. A Welsh athlete, Corinne was hoping for a great result and Kona points at Ironman Wales and, like Texas, while she did at least make it on to the run course, it was another injury-impacted DNF early into the marathon. Having gone 'all in' on training full-time for 2011 and making an impact, was living the dream turning into a nightmare? As I was about to find out, Corinne is made of strong - and extremely positive - stuff. She still believed, and intended to prove it in 2012.
Interview - April 2012
Shortly after racing Ironman 70.3 Texas in April 2012 (17th), I interviewed Corinne again about her 2012 season plans and that race in Texas. "could do better!" was her assessment of a solid, but not earth shattering result - but that still wasn't going to shake the self belief of Miss Abraham. Despite all of the setbacks as a professional triathlete - including a prolapsed lumbar disc, she said of her decision to compete as a full-time professional "it is a decision that I'm happy with and I've not struggled with it."
Was the motivation still strong? Absolutely: "I am driven by the chance to make the most of this opportunity. The possibility of being the best that I can be at something? I think that is so exciting and it is rare in life that we can have the chance to concentrate solely on one pursuit and become as excellent or brilliant at that as we possibly can." It wouldn't be long before that potential started to show...
(© www.RobHoldenPhotography.com)
Ironman Texas - 19th May 2012
Returning to the site of a bad race can be a difficult choice, but for 2012 Corinne opted to start her Ironman campaign in Texas once again. A huge PB and fourth place followed, and it is no wonder that I titled our post-race feature and interview with Corinne 'Abraham arrives...' She said "I'm happy with the race as it stands but I'm confident that there is far more to follow."
"I take strength from confidence that others demonstrate in me, such as the willingness of my sponsors to support me and the faith that they must also have in my potential to perform. But more than anything, I take confidence from the training and work that I am doing, the data, the numbers and how my mind and body feels and how they are morphing me into becoming a better athlete!"
Pos
Men
Women
1st
Jordan Rapp (USA) 8:10:44
Mary Beth Ellis (USA) 8:54:58
2nd
Justin Daerr (USA) 8:22:15
Caitlin Snow (USA) 9:01:32
3rd
Matthias Hecht (SUI) 8:22:58
Amy Marsh (USA) 9:04:00
4th
Jozsef Major (HUN) 8:27:19
Corinne Abraham (GBR) 9:18:39
5th
Brandon Marsh (USA) 8:30:18
Charisa Wernick (USA) 9:27:43
Next (Ironman) stop, Frankfurt.
Ironman European Championships - 8th July 2012
Frankfurt would be a step up from Texas; Regional Championship status, 4000 Kona qualifying points and bigger prize money. It was also a step up in position too, taking third place on the podium. Corinne reported on her race for us HERE, saying "It was an incredible day from start to finish. Tough, but that's racing, and it was all the more incredible for it." Another solid marathon (3:08:14) was evidence that Corinne could certainly hold strong in the final discipline of Ironman racing.
Pos
Men
Women
1st
Marino Vanhoenacker (BEL) 8:03:31
Caroline Steffen (SUI) 8:52:33
2nd
Sebastian Kienle (GER) 8:09:55
Anja Beranek (GER) 9:05:41
3rd
Clemente Alonso-McKernan (ESP) 8:!4:04
Corinne Abraham (GER) 9:21:03
4th
Andreas Raelert (GER) 8:17:36
Susan Dietrich (GER) 9:22:07
5th
Jan Raphael (GER) 8:18:17
Sofie Goos (BEL) 9:28:03
Ironman 70.3 Miami - 28th October 2012
The final push for Corinne's 2012 season would be a U.S. double of 70.3 Miami followed by Ironman Arizona. Fifth place in Miami was a very solid result - but the takeaway was arguably the 1:20:08 closing half marathon, more than four minutes faster than anyone else, including Ironman World Champion Leanda Cave. Was it all starting to come together for Corinne?
Pos
Men
Women
1st
Terenzo Bozzone (NZL) 3:42:17
Leanda Cave (GBR) 4:07:27
2nd
Jan Van Berkel (NED) 3:43:52
Lisa Hütthaler (AUT) 4:08:48
3rd
Horst Reichel (GER) 3:44:14
Margaret Shapiro (USA) 4:09:47
4th
James Cunnama (RSA) 3:45:27
Lisa Mensink (CAN) 4:14:04
5th
Nila Frommhold (GER) 3:46:11
Corinne Abraham (GBR) 4:14:04
Ironman Arizona - 18th November 2012
"A podium finish in this quality of field will be a tough ask - but Corinne is certainly capable of the PB performance it will take to achieve it." was my pre-race prediction ahead of Arizona, and Corinne delivered on that to secure another Ironman podium finish. After a year to forget in 2011, Corinne Abraham was proving to be a rising star in 2012. Could she build on that in 2013?
Pos
Male
Female
1
Nils Frommhold (GER) 8:03:13
Linsey Corbin (USA) 9:01:41
2
Paul Matthews (USA) 8:04:58
Meredith Kessler (USA) 9:06:41
3
T J Tollakson (USA) 8:07:36
Corinne Abraham (GBR) 9:15:10
4
Tyler Butterfield (USA) 8:14:41
Sara Gross (CAN) 9:18:04
5
Jarmo Hast (FIN) 8:16:09
Mirjam Weerd (NED) 9:24:27
Interview - March 2013
Last week I spoke to Corinne in the lead up to Ironman Melbourne, her winter training, 2012 and plans for 2013 HERE.
" 2012 was kind of the year I'd hoped that I'd have in 2011!" she told me, forecasting for Mellbourne "I expect to bike and run strongly - hopefully with the best!"Well, she was the best - in both disciplines... riding her Trek Speed Concept bike (profiled HERE) to a blistering 4:42:09 180km - and then adding a 2:56 marathon on to that for good measure. 16 minutes later, Yvonne Van Vlerken took second.
Ironman Asia Pacific Championships - 24th March 2013
'Awesome Abraham' was the headline - because it was.
Pos
Women
1st
Corinne Abraham (GBR) 8:10:56
2nd
Yvonne Van Vlerken (NED) 8:26:40
3rd
Caroline Steffen (SUI) 8:31:22
4th
Natascha Badmann (SUI) 8:34:37
5th
Gina Crawford (NZL) 8:37:23
So there you go, an overnight success in four years...
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Awesome Abraham crushes Ironman Melbourne
Great Britain - and indeed Wales - has another Ironman Champion, as Corinne Abraham produced a stunning effort in Melbourne today to win, well, actually to totally dominate the Ironman Asia Pacific Championship in Melbourne.
We've been following Corinne's progress closely here of Tri247 for four seasons now, since her first Ironman - a third place overall, as an Age Grouper at Ironman Regensburg 2010 - through to this weeks interview, and profile of her Trek Speed Concept bike. Speed proved to be an appropriate word today!
The day started with a change of plan for everyone, with the usual 3.8km swim replaced with a single lap 1.9km version due to rough seas conditions and safety concerns. The leading men's swim times (19:32), suggest that the course may have been shorter than that too - but, same for everyone; control what you can control.
Little in triathlon life is as predictable as Amanda Stevens (USA) leading out the swim, as she has in Kona for the last two seasons, though she had recent Ironman New Zealand winner Meredith Kessler on her shoulder (21.53). Almost everyone's pre-race favourite Caroline Steffen was three minutes back at this point, with Natascha Badmann (26.50) and Yvonne Van Vlerken (27:09) a further two and half minutes in arrears, but still well in contention. In her weakest discipline, Corinne recorded 28.23, and once on dry land it was game on. As she told me earlier in the week, "I expect to bike and run strongly - hopefully with the best!" Little did we know just how true that would prove.
We all expected Steffen to be a little way down on the swim, and equally assumed she would then ride up to and through everyone in front of her to lead into T2. While Steffen was solid, and did indeed move towards the head of the race, it was the sight of another Swiss legend, six-time Ironman World Champion Natascha Badmann riding her iconic Cheetah bike - approaching 47 years old - moving to the front of the women's field which caused the biggest smiles. None bigger than Natascha's!
Badmann, Steffen and Kessler were in close order through the first three quarters of the bike leg, but a quick look through the split times from the course were telling me that Abraham was on a charge, and having the day an athlete dreams of. Finally, the rest of the triathlon Twitter-sphere started to notice too - even if "who is no. 60" was the first recognition! Around the 125k mark, Abraham had bridged up to the leading ladies on the bike but had ambitions of doing more than just that. Pedal to the floor, she just rode past and away from them all. Her final 45km split - aided by a tail wind - was 1:03:22. On that split alone, she gained four minutes on Steffen. To give more perspective, USA's Jordan Rapp, one of the finest cyclists in the sport was barely one minute faster over that final 45km than Corinne. That's why Abraham arrived at T2 with a four minute buffer over Badmann and closer to eight on Steffen.
"Can she run?" was then the question. Indeed, the rest of the watching triathlon audience would soon find out that running is Abraham's best discipline. Having just set the fastest bike split though, any chance of fading? None, absolutely none. After a 4:42:09 bike split Corinne took off on the run looking in fine shape, and just 2:56:50 later - the only sub-three ladies marathon of the day - and almost 16 minutes in front of Yvonne Van Vlerken, Abraham had raised her already excellent 2012 season to another level beginning 2013. Corinne who? That won't be being asked any more...
Not feeling well all day, Caroline Steffen held strong for third to at least tick off her 'Kona validation', and with 4000 points on the board (and $25,000 in the bank), Corinne Abraham's Kona start is now guaranteed. No points chasing required, no 'need' to do any races for qualifying purposes.
With no race plan for the season beyond today, Abraham now has free reign to go wherever she wants - and, one would hope, have caught the eyes of several race directors around the world who would like to see her racing at their event... with some financial incentive to do so, fully deserving of the efforts she has put in over the last three years to get to this point.
Challenge Roth this summer already has Leanda Cave, Caroline Steffen, Rachel Joyce, Yvonne Van Vlerken and Sonja Tajsich confirmed. Having been denied what would surely have been a true 'Sub-9' had the swim been the full length, what chance a Bavarian showdown on the fastest course in the world with perhaps the best start list of the year on 14th July this year? Calling Felix Walschöfer... it's over to you.
Sunday 24th March 2013
Ironman Asia Pacific Championship, Melbourne
1.9k** / 180k / 42.2k
(** swim shortened due to rough sea conditions).
Pos
Women
1st
Corinne Abraham (GBR) 8:10:56
2nd
Yvonne Van Vlerken (NED) 8:26:40
3rd
Caroline Steffen (SUI) 8:31:22
4th
Natascha Badmann (SUI) 8:34:37
5th
Gina Crawford (NZL) 8:37:23
6th
Amanda Stevens (USA) 8:39:39
7th
Anna Cleaver (AUS) 8:40:45
8th
Carrie Lester (AUS) 8:41:22
9th
Sarah Piampiano (USA) 8:44:52
10th
Britta Martin (GER) 8:45:50
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Newby Hall Sprint Duathlon - 21 April 2013
If you have missed out on racing this weekend due to the extreme weather conditions there are still plenty of places available at the Newby Hall Sprint Duathlon (5km / 20km 5km) which will take place on the 21 April 2013 in the stunning grounds of Newby Hall, N Yorkshire.
This is an ideal race for those who need to see what shape they are in and an ideal race to fine tune your racing/transitions skills prior to any qualifying event. Newby Hall offers free camping and free access for all the family at no extra cost.
More details can be found at www.functionalfitnessevents.co.uk.
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Human Race unveil St Lucia event
Yes Human Race are going to the Caribbean to stage a Triathlon...
Join us for an end the season luxury treat and race a triathlon on the beautiful, laid back island of St. Lucia. The confirmed date is Saturday the 23rd November.
We are expecting over 500 competitors to come from all over the world for this inaugural event.
The plan is to have a number of event parties together with activities in the week leading up to the main event – the triathlon on the Saturday, so make a holiday out of it and bring your partner / family or come on your own. Single people are especially welcome and there will be numerous social activities planned.
Within the package you will have entry into the triathlon and a number of other events; a Beach 2k Swim, Beach 5k Run and an Aquathlon (Swim/Run). Also included in the package price are a number of island receptions including a Pre-Race Reception Party, Ocean Boat trip, Post Event BBQ and a spectacular Prize Giving on the beach for all competitors. The package price also includes an airport transfer and free bike carriage on the plane.
The event will be staged by Human Race and one of its stated aims is to support and grow triathlon in the Caribbean especially in St Lucia.
The swim will be in the beautiful clear waters of Pigeon Island Bay, the sea temperature is expected to be around 27°C so don't bring your wetsuit (only bring your suntan lotion). Conditions will be very hot and humid.
St Lucia is a hilly volcanic island and we've designed a course which has some tough climbs on a multi lap course. Expect a challenging, hot bike ride, hence the shorter than normal distance rides. The run course is a flat out and back loop to the old Fort on Pigeon island.
Furthermore a number of celebrities will be joining us in St Lucia together with British Olympic legend Daley Thompson (2 Olympic Gold medals in Decathlon) who is a Human Race ambassador for the event. He says, "this has all the elements of being an unbelievable event week. I'll be out there with some of my friends and we intend to have a great time"
John Lunt, from Human Race and who is the Race Director of the event says: "I've been to the island and its perfect for an unforgettable triathlon. Beautiful warm seas, a tough bike and a hot run, what more could you want!" Lunt said.
There are a limited number of media and elite places available. If you're interested please contact John@humanrace.co.uk.
To find out more about the event and other Human Race events go to: www.humanrace.co.uk/stlucia
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The Baton will be taking part in Challenge-X
The Baton will be taking part in Challenge-X
Mark White, former Royal Marine who served for 22 years, will be proudly carrying the Baton (www.thebaton.co.uk) when he takes on Challenge-X this August. The Baton, founded by Alan Rowe MBE, has been travelling the globe since 2009 and is intended to raise awareness of the brave men and women of our Armed Forces.
Challenge-X is raising money to help injured Royal Marines and as such it seems fitting that Mark will be carrying with him the Baton, which was crafted from the handle of a stretcher used in Afghanistan to carry the wounded.
Since returning from Helmand Province it has been on an amazing journey having been strapped to the mast of a boat for the 800 mile journey across the Southern Ocean on one of the greatest survival events in history, the Shackleton Epic and carried into the Royal Albert Hall with the Book of Remembrance at the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance.
While carrying the Baton during Challenge-X Mark will be faced with a tough 50km course, designed by former Royal Marine and record-breaking Ironman Chris Ray. On day one he will tackle a 10km trail run and 25km mountain bike course over the rugged trails of Dartmoor, then on day two he will be faced with 15km over the Royal Marines Endurance Course which he is no stranger to from his Commando training.
Mark regularly takes part in endurance events while raising money for Armed Forces charities; in 2013 alone he will be completing The Forces March and doing 5 marathons in 5 days before taking on Challenge-X.
Challenge-X entries are open now at www.challenge-x.org.
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Entries open for British Triathlon Championships Liverpool
Entries into the British Triathlon Championships Liverpool are now open to everyone from football fans to triathletes, runners to cyclists and gym goers to people looking for their next challenge.
One of the most exciting aspects of the event is a new triathlon team relay race on Sunday 14 July. All four team members will need to complete a 350m swim, 5km bike and 1.25km run – this really is achievable for people who have never even thought about doing a triathlon before.
Entry is now open – go to www.britishtriathlon.org/liverpool
Over the two day festival of triathlon, the event hosts the pinnacle of triathlon competition in Great Britain. It will incorporate British Championships for age-group athletes, senior elite, youth elite, junior elite and paratriathlon.
The British Triathlon Championships Liverpool will be held right in the heart of the city and take in some of Liverpool's most iconic sights including the Albert Dock, Echo Arena and the Liver Building. The event will be held on 13/14 July 2013 and will see 1000s of triathletes travel from around the UK to enjoy Liverpool for the weekend. The event is being organised by Upsolut Sports UK and British Triathlon.
Robert Puestow, Managing Director, Upsolut Sports UK said: “The British Triathlon Championships is triathlon for everyone. While Britain's best triathletes come to Liverpool to compete for national titles, everyone is invited to take part in the separate Open Age Group Race. We are especially excited about the new relay format. It provides a fantastic opportunity for novices to do their first ever triathlon together in a team. And for the more experience triathletes it is an opportunity to team up with their club mates for a fun weekend in Liverpool.”
Ian Braid, British Triathlon Director for Major and National Events said: “The British Triathlon Championships Liverpool are set to deliver world-class racing in the heart of Liverpool City Centre, an iconic location for our sport. This event has something for everyone, whether you are an aspirant member of the Great Britain Age-Group Team or a fan of the sport who wants to watch some of Britain's finest elite athletes in action. The triathlon team relay also presents a fun opportunity for newcomers to take part in the event take up their triathlon challenge.”
Liverpool City Council's cabinet member for culture and tourism, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “It is a real coup for the city to be hosting the British Triathlon Championships.
“Liverpool has a strong track record in staging major national and international events, and I'm sure this event will attract a huge number of competitors who will enjoy pushing themselves to the limit in the iconic surroundings of Liverpool's waterfront.”
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James Lock - Zone3 wetsuits
Continuing our series of interviews and features from the recent Triathlon Show at Sandown Park, here we speak to James Lock, the founder of British triathlon brand Zone3 (www.racezone3.com).
James talks about the history of the brand, why it started, where the name came from and plans for the future. You can take a closer look at the 2013 range of Zone3 wetsuits in our separate piece HERE.
James Lock - The History of the Zone3 brand
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2013 Zone3 wetuits range
At the recent Triathlon Show at Sandown Park we took a look at the 2013 wetsuit range from Zone3 (www.racezone3.com) with founder and designer James Lock.
(You can view our separate interview with James regarding the history and founding of the Zone3 brand HERE)
The 2013 Zone3 Wetsuits Range
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Tri Training Harder introduces Portguese school children to triathlon
Rosanna Hutton reports from Portugal, where UK-based company Tri Training Harder (www.tritrainingharder.com) recently introduced 60 Portuguese school children to the sport.
On the 15th of March, Tri Training Harder introduced triathlon to a whole new audience. Around 60 pupils from Quarteira, in the municipality of Loule in the Portuguese Algarve, swam, cycled and ran their way onto the podium in a specially organised triathlon.
Tri Training Harder is a UK based company that runs Triathlon training holidays in the Algarve, and its coaches and athletes sing the praises of the local area. They enjoy beautiful beaches, a pristine 50m pool, state of the art running track and a world standard cross country course, not to mention the miles of open, well maintained roads which are all ideal for training. Tri Training Harder wanted to introduce local children to a new sport and enable them to make the most out of these great facilities.
"Other than football and the occasional after school skateboarding session most of the children we worked with did little, if any, sport", Fiona Hunter Johnston, Head of Tri Training Harder's events team, explained. "We are so passionate about sport and think it's really important for children to be active. A major reason for triathlons growing popularity is its inclusivity and accessibility for people of all ages and abilities. We wanted to introduce young people in Quarteira to triathlon and were thrilled at how popular the event proved. We want this to be an opportunity to give something back to the local community and are giving all donations collected at the race to a local charity."
Tri Training Harder worked with the municipality of Loule, the staff at Quarteira Municipal Pool and running track and the enthusiastic teachers from the local school. Despite a general strike taking place, the life guards of the pool heroically turned up to support the children and enable the event to take place. The whole day felt like a real team effort.
For me, as an onlooker, a few scenes remain prominent in my memory, perhaps one of my favourite moments was watching an assortment of bikes, all colours and sizes, Barbie bikes, mountain bikes, granddads old bike, being racked ready for the race. One cheeky faced little boy gestured excitedly at me, ‘my bicycle' he shouted with pride as he pointed to a clapped out old thing glinting on the rack. I gave him the thumbs up and he knowingly fastened his helmet, ready for action.
This round faced smiler who later introduced himself to me as Luis turned out to be one of the children who had signed up to do a full triathlon. "I wanted to do it all" he grinned as he was awarded his medal on the winner's podium by the town's Mayor. For others the idea of doing three new sports was daunting but Tri Training Harder had prepared well for this and arranged the event as a relay enabling more children to get involved even if they did not feel competent in all three disciplines. Each age group had its own wave, and each wave was separated into boys and girls. Representatives of each class raced to pass on the plastic band to their class mate doing the next discipline, with one child swimming, the next cycling and the final child bringing the race home on the running track.
As the crowd of students, parents and members of the local triathlon club cheered on the competitors, cameras flashed and the local Mayer watched with interest. The Algarve is a triathlete's paradise, and it was great to see local children being given the chance to participate in the sport we all love.
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2013 Cycletta series announced
Cycletta Aims to Help Get One Million Ladies on their Bikes by 2020
Victoria Pendleton CBE hoping to see lots more ladies taking up cycling as a way of staying fit and having fun.
56% of all Cycletta participants were taking part in a cycling event for the first time
96% of participants, who weren't already regular cyclists, said that they had been inspired to cycle more regularly in the future.
Cycletta, the UK's leading series of women only bike rides, is showing its support to British Cycling's plans to get one million women cycling by 2020.
Victoria Pendleton CBE launched the 2013 Cycletta series last week. Following the success of last year's events which saw thousands of women across the UK take to their bikes, Cycletta 2013 is coming to even more stunning locations, including visits to Scotland and Wales for the first time, as well as a new Surrey location.
During the 2012 series, 56% of all Cycletta participants were taking part in a cycling event for the first time and an impressive 96% of participants, who weren't already regular cyclists, said that they had been inspired to cycle more regularly in the future. It is results such as these that show how Cycletta has been effective in partnering British Cycling and the Breeze Network in their initiative to increase participation of female cyclists.
Cycletta 2013 is open to women of all ages and abilities, where distances include the Classic route (40 km) and Challenge (52-82km). With the Olympics inspiring a wave of new cyclists series organisers, Human Race, have added a shorter 20km distance at all venues, continuing to develop the core motivation behind Cycletta and make cycling participation accessible for as many women as possible.
Cycletta ambassador, Victoria Pendleton will be aiming to take part in as many of the events as she can, and encourages women everywhere to give the events a go. She said: "Cycletta has been encouraging women to get on their bikes since 2011. The fact that the series has grown from two events to seven over the last few years proves that more and more ladies are taking up cycling."
She continued: "Last year just over half of all Cycletta participants were taking part in a cycling event for the first time and with the addition of the new shorter 20km routes this year, we are hoping to see lots more ladies taking up cycling as a way of staying fit and having fun."
This year, girls aged between 12 and 16 years can also take part when accompanied by an adult, with the organisers hoping Cycletta will inspire the next generation of Victoria Pendletons and offer the opportunity for mums and daughters to take part in events together.
For the younger children, all events (with the exception of Brighton and Cycletta at Wiggle Dragon Ride) will host a Scootathlon taking place on the same day. The Scootathlon is a fun mini triathlon for children between the ages of 4 and 8 where they scoot, bike and run. Girls and boys will race together in various age categories for the title of Scootathlon champion.
Each Cycletta will take place in stunning surroundings, on safe well-managed roads and with loads of fun for all the family. Each event will feature all the unique touches that made the 2012 events so popular. A pop up spa by Unlisted, London's leading authority in beauty, fitness and wellbeing, will be offering all Cycletta participants post-ride spa treatments to ensure that riders relax, rejuvenate and revive within the Unlisted oasis.
Ian Lulham, Cycling Events Programme Manager for Cycletta's Official Charity Partner Macmillan Cancer Support, said: "We want as many ladies as possible to take to two wheels, get outdoors in the great British countryside and take part in Cycletta for Macmillan in 2013. Not only will you have a great day out, but you'll be helping us on our way to raising much needed funds to help support people affected by cancer, every step of the way."
The Cycletta website offers a host of information on training, on-the-day advice and bike maintenance. Also keep an eye on the Cycletta blog, Twitter (@cycletta) and www.facebook.com/cycletta to stay up-to-date with the latest news and developments. Cycletta is part of the Human Race Women Only series which includes triathlon, swimming, running and cycling events. To find out more go to: www.humanrace.co.uk
See below for all Cycletta events and secure your place at: www.cycletta.co.uk
Cycletta Cheshire: 12th May, Tatton Park
Cycletta at the Wiggle Dragon Ride: 9th June, Margam Park, South Wales
Cycletta Bedfordshire: 30th June, Woburn Abbey
Cycletta Surrey: 7th July, Loseley Park
Cycletta Scotland: 15th September, Scone Palace, Perth
Cycletta Brighton: 29th September, Plumpton Racecourse
Cycletta New Forest: 13th October, Beaulieu
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Ashbourne Duathlon - 20th April
Entries are still open for the forthcoming Ashbourne Duathlon on Saturday 20th April 2013 at Carsington Water, Derbyshire. Last year's TE National Duathlon Championships and the last host of Powerman UK some 10 years and voted second place in the recent 220 Awards event of the year (less than 500 competitors), provides a very good test on a challenging course.
Both runs are off road and on track with Run run one being a 12K undulating run around the perimeter of the reservoir followed by undulating/hilly 40K cycle culminating in the infamous 'Middleton Top' climb and then finishing off with a flat out and back 4K run along the dam wall.
ENTER HERE
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Tri Dynamic Mallorca Spring Tri Camp
Tri Dynamic have just returned from sunny Mallorca and their most recent tri camp with coaching legend Joe Friel which took place at the world class BEST Centre training facility. In addition to spending a week learning from Joe Friel, the lucky camp participants also got to watch some world class triathletes training and share training space each day with the German national tri team including Olympians Steffen Justus and Maik Petzold. Athletes travelled from as far away as Canada, the US, Switzerland, Poland, France, Spain and all over the UK and Ireland to attend this high attention tri camp and to spend a unique week learning from Joe Friel and TrainingBible Coaching UK Head Coach Rob Griffiths. Check out photos from the camp on the Tri Dynamic Facebook page.
Commenting on the camp Joe Friel said; "what a great bunch of motivated athletes we had on this camp. It was impressive to see so many big improvements in such a short space of time and we had a lot of fun!"
As usual on a Tri Dynamic camp there was a great mix of ages and abilities ranging from new athletes to the sport right up to Kona qualifiers and multiple Ironman finishers with everyone learning valuable new skills in all three sports and in transition. With different ability groups everyone got to ride at their own pace with the support of expert local guides who knew all the best roads on the island. Joe Friel & Rob Griffiths led every session and were available for question and answer sessions each day for athletes to pick their brains and learn more on training with power, nutrition, racing and other topics. PowerBar provided the athletes with much appreciated nutrition products to sustain them through a big week with some riders putting in over 600k on the bike alone! Each athlete also received a Tri Dynamic Skinfit t-shirt and the athletes had the opportunity to take advantage of exclusive incentives from PowerTap.
Each day started with an early swim in the fantastic 50m pool at the BEST Centre where Joe Friel and Rob Griffiths coached each session including underwater video footage which was reviewed back in the evening classroom sessions. Bike rides most days ranged from 80-150km depending on ability groups and by the end of the week everyone was riding much stronger and had benefitted from the bike handling workshop with Joe Friel and a transition clinic with Rob Griffiths to help them in preparation for the upcoming race season.
Next up for Tri Dynamic is their fantastic Italian Tri Camp in Riccione with Joe Friel and Will Newbery plus special guest Gordo Byrn. The week long camp runs from May 11th-18th 2013 and will be topped off with the opportunity to ride the world famous Nove Colli over the 9 mountains where Marco Pantani used to live and train. There is still time to book your place in the sun and get in some great training. For an idea of what to expect check out the Joe Friel Italian Tri Camp photos from last year. For more info visit www.tridynamic.co.uk
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British Triathlon 2013 Paratriathlon Squads Confirmed
British Triathlon has confirmed its 2013 UK Sport Lottery Funded World-Class Paratriathlon Squad. As the sport looks forward to its Paralympic debut in Rio 2016, four current ITU Paratriathlon World Champions feature in the squad.
Faye McClelland, Iain Dawson, Steven Judge and Matthew Emmerson were all crowned world champions in their various paratriathlon categories in Auckland in October. They form part of the new squad, which is focussed on achieving success at the PruHealth World Triathlon Grand Final London in September this year and Rio 2016 in the longer term.
Former world champion, Jane Egan is also part of the squad and Royal Marine Commando, Joe Townsend will aim to continue his excellent progress in the sport. Townsend dramatically featured in the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games when he carried the Paralympic Flame into the London 2012 stadium via suspended overhead wires.
Lauren Steadman has been selected to the paratriathlon squad having competed at the London 2012 Paralympic Games as part of the Team GB swimming team.
British Triathlon’s Paratriathlon Performance Manager, Jonathon Riall, commented: “The UK Sport Lottery funded World-Class Programme features athletes who have proved themselves in a performance environment.
“They have already demonstrated their ability to perform at the highest level, and have unwavering commitment to achieve their aspirations in the sport. Having four current world champions demonstrates the strength that this squad has, and the results from some of our up and coming athletes demonstrates that they have the potential to be world and Paralympic champions in the future.
“It’s a really exciting time for our paratriathletes with the opportunity to race in a home world championships later this year, and to be part of the overall success of the Paralympics GB team in Rio.”
In addition to the UK Sport funded squad, the Triathlon England Paratriathlon Talent Squad has also been confirmed. This squad benefits from Sport England funding and these talented athletes will have the opportunity to train with able bodied triathletes as well as access specific paratriathlon resources.
UK Sport Lottery Funded Paratriathlon Squad
For a description of the Paratriathlon categories see http://www.triathlon.org/paratriathlon/categories
Tri1
Jane Egan, 42, Glasgow
Jimmy Goddard, 35, Bracknell
Joe Townsend, 24, Eastbourne
Tri3
Steven Judge, 39, Eckington, Sheffield
Tri4
Joe Allen, 25, Dorset
Faye McClelland, 33, Eastbourne
Clare Cunningham, 35, Cambridge
Lauren Steadman, 20, Peterborough
Tri5
Matthew Emmerson, 26, Sandwich, Kent
George Peasgood, 17, Cambridge
Tri6
Ian Dawson, 36, Norwich
Charlotte Ellis, 28, Redcar, Yorkshire
Melissa Reid, 22, Plymouth
Triathlon England Paratriathlon Talent Squad (funded by Sport England)
Tri1
Phil Hogg, 43, Derby
Tri4
David Hill, 23, Somerset
Tri6
David Ellis, 26, Derby
David Knott, 15, Southampton
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Duston Triathlon entries closed
The first race in the new 4:20:5 series, the Duston Triathlon, has exceeded all expectations and entries have now closed with an unprecedented 700 applications.
After receiving over 100 entries in the last 24 hours, Race Director Alan Rose commented that “the Duston Triathlon has always been popular. It’s a great testament to the Just Racing events team who always deliver a fantastic event with the athlete experience as the main focus. The new 4:20:5 series really seems to have captured the imagination of the athletes and it looks like the pool based triathlons are all going to be a sell out in 2013.”
Duston is only one of five pool based triathlons that Just Racing UK host each year. The full list is Corby on 23rd June, Thame 14th July, Kimbolton 21st July and Roade Triathlon 29th September.
Four out of five of these events will count towards the series and prizes will be awarded for each age group ensuring that success will be rewarded for the under 20’s all the way up to the 80+ age groups.
Full details of all Just Racing events can be found on www.justracinguk.com
To ensure you are on the start line at any of our events in 2013 we recommend you enter early.
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Henley Half Marathon Trail Run
F3 Events are delighted to announce the first ever Henley Half Marathon Trail Run on Sunday 29th September. The event has been a year in the planning, and promises to be a highly rewarding day out for all.
Starting and finishing by the Temple Island Meadows, home of the Henley Regatta, you'll run through scenic trails and historic sites, taking in Henley before running all the way to Hurley, where you’ll turn around and head back to Temple Island Meadows.
With a relaxed atmosphere and the facilities ensure a full day out for the family, there will be plenty to keep spectators and little ones entertained while you run.
The official cut off time is 3 hours 30 minutes, which means you’ll need to complete the course in that time. This is achievable even if you decide to walk most of the course. This event is not scheduled to be a cross-country mud-fest through bogs and puddles, but a fun, friendly run in the great British outdoors. For the competitive athletes amongst you, it has the makings of a fast course.
The Events Village will have ample toilets, sports massage both pre and post your event, and hot food and drinks. A secure baggage storage area is available if you come alone. There will be music and 'dancing', and watch out for the man with the microphone: he may want to interview you!
Bespoke Medals to ALL finishers.
Find out more and read about the route online CLICK HERE
ENTRIES ARE NOW OPEN!
To secure your Early Bird spot and save 10% use discount code: EARLYBIRD10
Early Bird discount code valid until April 7th. ENTER HERE.
www.f3events.co.uk
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