Emma Pallant joins BMC-Etixx Pro Triathlon Team for 2017 Pallant joins Will Clarke as David McNamee leaves the squad The next step in the development, progress and support of two-time World Duathlon Champion, Emma Pallant, was confirmed today, with the Ironman 70.3 Weymouth champion announced as a member of the BMC-Etixx Pro Triathlon Team powered by Uplace for 2017. The 2017 line up announced shows that Will Clarke continues with the team for a fourth year, but after a year with the team, David McNamee will not be with squad next year. Here is the full announcement, courtesy of General Manager Bob De Wolf. BMC-Etixx Pro Triathlon Team powered by Uplace presents team line up for 2017 2017: a decade of involvement in the sport of triathlon for the international pro triathlon team; BMC-Etixx Pro Triathlon Team powered by Uplace outlines ambitious targets and presents team roster for 2017 9 athletes confirmed, 8 nations represented, four new faces BMC Switzerland commitment continues with extension of partnership Liz Blatchford expects first baby in June It was nearly a decade ago in 2008 that Uplace, as founding partner, made the first steps into the sport of triathlon. Since then, the team has continued to grow and has gone from strength-to-strength to become one of the leading international triathlon projects. Next year will be the 10th season for the Belgian based international triathlon team. General Manager Bob De Wolf reflects: “It is amazing to look back and see where we have come from. It is fantastic to be able to continue building on such a great project and knowing that next year will be the 10th season is just amazing. The engagement for 2016 and 2017 of BMC Switzerland and Etixx as key sponsors has been a crucial step in the development of the team. It enabled us to set new goals and to build on this legacy. It is our ultimate ambition to win the World Championship Ironman in the coming years. I am therefore incredibly proud and grateful to be able to announce the extension of our partnership with BMC Switzerland through to the end of the 2018 season, enabling us to continue building towards these ambitious targets. The continuation of Etixx’ engagement next season combined with the commitment of BMC to extend its partnership in 2018, allows the team to continue to grow and create a real legacy in the triathlon sport.” Three-year plan to medal at the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii David Zurcher, CEO BMC Switzerland, is extremely pleased to continue and extend a very constructive partnership for the next couple of years: “We are very proud to be able to continue to support the BMC-Etixx Pro Triathlon Team through to the end of 2018, not just because they are excellent partners and athletes, but because they share our vision and values too. We believe that top-class results, at any level, don’t happen on their own. It takes immense teamwork and a reliable support structure for athletes to be able to give their absolute best. With this in mind, having BMC-Etixx as a member of our family of professional racing teams, is a mutually beneficial relationship. BMC has been a force to be reckoned with on the road for years thanks to our investments in the development of some of the best road bikes out there, and the success of the BMC Racing Team, but we recognize huge potential in triathlon. We have completely re-designed the Timemachine  01 to meet the needs of triathletes and we expect the BMC-Etixx Team to increase our visibility greatly among this target group. In turn, the team benefits from having the most technologically-advanced aero bikes at their disposal. We are especially looking forward to the new Timemachine being part of the winning formula in major Ironman events over the next couple of years.” Team line-up confirmed Since the launch of the international Team in 2014 the results have been outstanding with the team finishing on the podium in nearly 50% of the races. In the last three seasons the BMC-Etixx athletes won a total of 42 races and finished on the podium in 97 of them. This includes 6 continental championship titles (IM European Championship Frankfurt, IM70.3 European Championship Wiesbaden, IM Asian Pacific Championship Melbourne, 5150 US Pro Championship Hy-vee, IM70.3 Latin American Championship Brazil, IM70.3 Middle East Championship Bahrain), a podium finish at the World Championship Ironman in Hawaii and victories in a number of the most prestigious races on the calendar (including wins in IM Lanzarote, IM Nice, IM Cozumel, IM Cairns and 2 x IM Zurich). Bob De Wolf, General Manager of the BMC-Etixx Pro Triathlon Team, indicates: “The results of the last 3 years have been outstanding. I am not going to deny that last year’s results have been less impressive then the years before but in the grand scheme of things the past 3 seasons have been exceptional in terms of results. It was our clear ambition to be a leading team in long distance triathlon and I am incredibly pleased with what our athletes and staff have achieved in those years. We continue to set out very ambitious targets for the years to come and I am therefore very proud and pleased with the team line up we have confirmed for next year. Confirmed athletes are: Bart Aernouts (BEL), Liz Blatchford (AUS), Will Clarke (UK), Maurice Clavel (GER), Romain Guillaume (FRA), Patrik Nilsson (SWE) Emma Pallant (UK), Ronnie Schildknecht (SUI) and Amelia Watkinson (NZL).” Team roster 2017: Bart Aernouts (BEL): European Champion IM70.3 2014, Middle East Champion IM70.3 2015, 12 x IM70.3 winner, winner IM Nice, 3 x top 10 IM WC Hawaii Liz Blatchford (AUS): two time podium WC Ironman Hawaii, 3rd IM WC Hawaii 2015 & 2013, 3 x IM Cairns winner, multiple IM70.3 distance winner Will Clarke (UK): multiple IM 70.3 winner, fastest British athlete at IM distance (7h59 IM Copenhagen), Beijing Olympian 2008, top 10 WC IM70.3 Maurice Clavel (GER): vice European Champion IM70.3 2014, multiple 70.3 distance winner, 8th WC IM70.3 2016 Romain Guillaume (FRA): winner IM Lanzarote, winner IM Mont Tremblant, top 10 IM WC Hawaii Patrik Nilsson (SWE): 4 x IM winner, 2 x sub 8 hours IM in 2016, winner IM Copenhagen 2016, winner IM Barcelona 2016, winner IM70.3 Barcelona 2016 Emma Pallant (UK): 2 x World Champion duathlon, winner IM70.3 Weymouth 2016, 6 x IM70.3 podium 2016, 6 x Olympic distance wins 2016 Ronnie Schildknecht (SUI): 11 x time IM winner, winner IM Switzerland 2016, 4th WC IM Hawaii, 9 x IM Switzerland winner Amelia Watkinson (NZL): 6 x half distance winner 2016 (including 1 x IM70.3 & 3 x half distance Challenge), 2 x 5150 winner Four new faces in the team Emma Pallant, Amelia Watkinson, Maurice Clavel and Patrik Nilsson are the new faces in the team and will join the BMC-Etixx Pro Triathlon Team powered by Uplace from next season onwards. Patrik Nilsson had a phenomenal 2016 season, going sub-8 hours in two Ironman events. Nilsson won Ironman Copenhagen in the 8th fastest time ever recorded in an Ironman event and followed that with another record breaking, sub-8 hour performance, taking the win in Ironman Barcelona only six weeks later. At only 25 years of age, the Swedish athlete is one of the most exciting talents on the long distance triathlon scene. Emma Pallant (27) is a former Team GB athlete, running qualifying times for both the Beijing and London Olympics on the athletics track. The British athlete only recently made the move to triathlon, bursting onto the scene in 2016. Pallant won IM70.3 UK, finished on the podium at 6 x IM70.3 distance events, extended her World Title Duathlon and won another 6 short distance triathlon events to make 2016 a real breakthrough year. Ever since she turned pro in 2015 Amelia Watkinson (25) has been dominating the Asian Pacific Triathlon scene, winning no less than 9 triathlon races on the Asian Pacific calendar this season. That is a dream debut for the New Zealander, including wins at IM70.3 Busa Korea, Challenge Jeju, Challenge Kanchanaburi, ITU LD Weihai, Challenge Iskander Puteri, 5150 Subic Bay, 5150 Bohol and most recently Laguna Phuket Triathlon.  Maurice Clavel (28) started his career at the Olympic distance and made a very successful transition to long distance triathlon, becoming vice European Champion IM70.3 in 2014. Since then Clavel became a consistent podium finisher at some of the most prominent IM70.3 events in the world, including three second places in 2016 alone. Only 3 months ago Clavel finished 8th at the World Championship IM70.3. Bob De Wolf adds: “We are incredibly proud and excited to work with such a line-up of talent next season. We are all really looking forward to the new season. I am very grateful we were able to add such an exciting mix of talent to the squad.  The ambitions for next year are clear. We want to continue winning big races and challenge for a podium spot in Kona. I am very confident that we have the talent and quality in the team to do so.” For Maurice Clavel it is an important next step in his career: “It’s a great honor to be member of this team and for me a next step to a higher level of performance. The BMC-Etixx Pro Triathlon Team is the best organized team in the world of triathlon with a very professional support structure. Athletes and "the team behind" are working very well and close together. My goals for 2017 are a podium finish at the 70.3 World Championships and rocking my fist long distance race!” Amelia Watkinson adds: “I am honored to be a member of the team and to endorse BMC and Etixx as well as our other partners on a global scale. I really value the disposition of a team culture and its dignified credentials. My choice for the BMC-Etixx team aligns really nicely with my passions and goals in the sport for 2017 and long term, creating ambitious aspirations, applying innovation and persistence, a strong support network and learning through the process together, in the pursuit of excellence. 2017 will be my second year of Professional International Racing. Having mastered a consistent season in Asia I will continue to grow my experience while striving to represent BMC-Etixx at the top of the sport. I will be spending some of the year in Europe to coordinate with the BMC-Etixx training camps and team members as well as incorporating the higher profile races into my calendar, such as 70.3 World Champs and the Challenge Championship.” Patrik Nilsson agrees: “To be a part of the BMC-Etixx Pro Triathlon Team gives me a real opportunity in trying to get the best out of me as an athlete. To get the knowledge the team offers in training, testing, equipment and racing provides such a benefit and opportunity to bring the best out of you as an athlete. There are very few teams out there who are able to provide their athletes with such a set up and support. My main goal for 2017 will be the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii. I am 25 years old and it will be my debut in Kona. To qualify, I will start my season with defending my title in 70.3 Barcelona and then compete at the 70.3 European Championships in Elsinore. Emma Pallant is very excited about the up and coming season: “For me to be part of the BMC-Etixx Pro team means a lot and makes me extremely excited for the 2017 up and coming season. I have only been in the sport for four years and this year has been my first year of stepping up to the longer distance and there are so many areas that we haven’t been able to afford looking at so early in my career. I know I have a lot to learn and joining the BMC-Etixx Pro Triathlon Team can make a huge difference to my journey as a professional athlete. The BMC-Etixx Pro Triathlon Team has proven results. Every athlete in the team is evidently enjoying the sport as well as getting the personal progression they are capable of. The team has a great network of sponsors and is headed up by a brilliant management team of passionate, supportive professionals. As I step into 2017, I am now looking to build on my podiums from last year, to be topping them more frequently and to put together the best possible race in the World 70.3 Championships, to leave no stone unturned. I will also be seeking to retain my World Duathlon title and look to compete in my first full Ironman.” Liz Blatchford expects first baby in June BMC-Etixx athlete Liz Blatchford is expecting her first baby in June 2017. The BMC-Etixx Pro Triathlon Team will support Liz in this fantastic journey and be part of her comeback to racing later in the year. General Manager De Wolf adds: “Liz has been a phenomenal athlete for the team, not just in terms of results and performances, but also as a through ambassador for our partners and as a fantastic person to work with. We are delighted for Liz and her husband and very pleased to be able to support Liz in these very exciting times. It is Liz’s personal ambition to aim for a comeback towards the end of 2017 and we are fully committed to support her in this”. “Glen and I are thrilled to announce we are expecting, due in early June”, adds Liz Blatchford. “Having a family is something we both knew we wanted in our futures so we are more than excited about what is to come. Obviously this means some down time from racing for me but my intention is to get back to racing in some form by the end of 2017. I have no doubt I am in for a whole new set of challenges I never knew existed, so it is lucky that I like challenges! I am very grateful of my team, BMC-Etixx Pro Triathlon Team powered by Uplace, who will be supporting me through pregnancy and beyond. The team managers and many of the other athletes have families themselves so when I told them our news, they were nothing but supportive and happy for us. I have no idea what to expect! What I do know is that I can’t think of anything better than sharing this life and lifestyle with a family, exciting times await.”

Do you live in or around Lincolnshire? Are you an ambitious triathlete seeking additional support to take you sporting goals to new levels? If so, the Britcon Triathlon Race Team are recruiting and they want to hear from you.  Could you be the person they are looking for? There could even be two places on offer if the standard of applications is strong. Offering financial support towards race expenses alongside fully branded racing and training kit, read on to find our more. A top age group Triathlon race team, sponsored by local company Britcon, has announced that it is looking for a new triathlete to join the team. The Britcon Triathlon Race Team, that is powered by Off That Couch Fitness, is advertising for a new member to compete around the world in 2017.   The successful applicant would join Steve Grocock who has just raced the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii, Jordan Skelly a 3-time British age group medallist including a Gold medal at the European Duathlon Championships in 2016, and Steve Clark who is a sub 9-hour ironman and the fastest British athlete at this year’s Norseman Xtreme triathlon in Norway. Related Article: Steve Clark - Racing for a black t-shirt Steve Clark, said, “This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who is passionate about competing in Triathlons and is ready to take it to the next level. The tremendous support that we received from Britcon offers financial support in race expenses as well as a fully branded Britcon training and race kit.   “Our team has amassed a number of top accolades in a very short time and we support each other unconditionally to achieve, and in some cases surpass, our own physical goals. Given that we are an all-male team currently it would be great to see applications from female athletes able to inspire others. We may even consider two athletes if applications are strong.” The Britcon Triathlon Race Team is inviting applicants, who must local to Lincolnshire, to respond by 31st December 2017 to steve@offthatcouchfitness.co.uk giving details of: Your race plans for 2017 Why you should be on the team Why you would be a good ambassador for Britcon.  There is no age limit although applications should be over the age of 17.  Shaun Hunt, Chief Executive at Britcon said, “We are delighted continue our support to these high achieving athletes into 2017 and are excited to welcome a new member.  With many of the races being televised it is always great for the people of Lincolnshire to watch our local amateur sports heroes compete in some of the most gruelling and prestigious events across the world.” The sponsorship also allows employees at Britcon to benefit from one-to-one sessions with the athletes for training, fitness classes, nutrition seminars and general health and well-being advice.

Bill Black featured on Legends of Triathlon podcast If you have been around the triathlon world for as long as we have here at Tri247, you'll likely be familiar with the name Bill Black. Even if you are relatively new to the sport, if you've ever raced at the Blenheim Triathlon or London Triathlon, you'll almost certainly have heard Bill, who has been one of the commentary team at those races for many years now. Bill was one of the first 'high profile' triathlon coaches in the UK, thanks to his incredibly successful relationship with the legendary Spencer Smith. World Junior Champion in 1992, and then senior ITU World Champion in both 1993 (Manchester) and 1994 (Auckland), Spencer and Bill - along with Spencer's late father (also called Bill) and mother - formed one an incredible team which made Spencer arguably the highest profile triathlete in the world at the time. Spencer's rivalry with Simon Lessing was triathlon's version of the Coe and Ovett battles of the 1980's. This month Bill Black features on the Legends of Triathlon podcast, brought to you by John Newsome and Beven James Eyles, who  also produce the popular weekly show, IMTalk (www.imtalk.me). Their chat with Bill Black is another great listen. The 'Legends' show allows them to go into more depth with many of the athletes, coaches, administrators, organisers and more, who have really formed part of the history of the sport. We highly recommend visiting their archives as there are some great interviews to revisit. By chance, the very first interview they did was with Spencer Smith in November 2011. Listen now to episode #51 on this link:  www.legendsoftriathlon.com

All change for David McNamee in 2017 New bikes, new kit, new races... One of the interesting pieces of news from yesterday's announcement of the 2017 BMC-Etixx Pro Triathlon Team line-up (which included the addition of Great Britain's Emma Pallant), was the absence of David McNamee from the squad after just one year. Related Article: David McNamee - fastest Brit in Kona  The fastest British athlete in Kona for the second consecutive year and still only 28 years old, that then left open the question of what his plans and support/sponsorship were for the upcoming season. We didn't have to wait long for answer. 2017- The year of @cervelo @HUUBDesign @SKXPerformance @EKOIcycling aiming to break some more finishing tapes #2017 📸HuwFairclough pic.twitter.com/NAlQyQLdkZ — David McNamee (@DavidMcNameetri) December 21, 2016 For 2017 David will be making the switch from the new BMC Timemachine 01 to another 'new' bike - the Cervélo P5X. He will continue to be wearing Skechers Performance footwear and is also joing by HUUB wetsuits and Ekoi cycling products. Related Article: Cervélo P5X : Everything you need to know We got in touch with David this morning to find out a little bit more about his 2017 plans. "Training has being going well especially for this time of year. Yep, for sure I will be on the P5X. I rode with Freddy Van Lierde last month so I got to properly see the bike then; it's really nice and as I spent the entire ride just trying not to get dropped, I'm going to say it's fast! "For next year the first aim is going to be Ironman South Africa, then maybe a half ironman somewhere before I do the Challenge World Champs in Samorin [Ed. 'The Championship']. "Then it's Edinburgh 70.3 and possibly IMUK but unsure, I will see how I am feeling post SA to see if another Ironman in July is possible for me. "Then it's Kona time. Maybe a half again on the lead up to Hawaii but I shall see."

Cannes International Triathlon returns for fourth edition The Polar Cannes International Triathlon will return to the South of France on April 16th for its fourth edition. Offering the unusual combination of distances: 2000 metres of swimming in the Mediterranean, a new 100 kilometre cycle course that includes 1250m of climbing in the Esterel mountains and a 16 kilometre run, it is looking to extend the event's appeal and increase the 2,000 field that attended in 2016. Triathletes from some 36 countries raced in the 2016 edition - among them a decent pro field including Andreas Raelert, Daniel Fontana, Bart Aernouts, Leanda Cave and Michelle Vesterby - and with an entry fee of only €150 until December 31st plus all the fun of a three-day festival of triathlon it's hard to resist joining them. Check out all the race information and register for 2017 at www.cannes-international-triathlon.com

Jonathan Brownlee wins a fifth Chevin Chase Too much Christmas turkey and all of the trimmings, followed by a Boxing Day run to try and get rid of some of those excess calories. He may be the Olympic Silver medallist, but in that sense at least, life is exactly the same for Jonathan Brownlee as for the rest of us! Well known as a man who is comfortable with routine, organisation, order and discipline, for Jonny his very regular Boxing Day tradition is a 7-mile off-road race - The Chevin Chase - a local event run over over Otley Chevin in Guisely, West Yorkshire. It may be a bit of fun - but it's still a race... and Jonathan once again took the win, his fifth, after missing the race 12 months ago. At some point, you might expect that trophy to be renamed after the local brothers, who between tham have now won this event TEN times (five each), since 2005. The only years one of then didn't win were 2006 and 2015... and neither started then. Always fun to run off the Turkey at the Chevin Chase. Had to work hard for the win! pic.twitter.com/eA1vhMEK3l — Jonathan Brownlee (@jonny_brownlee) December 26, 2016 Chevin Chase - Boxing Day, 7-mile off-road Pos Men Women 1st Jonathan Brownlee (Bingley Harriers & AC) 38:27 Pauline Munro 48:33 2nd Thomas Adama (Ilkley Harriers & AC) 38:34 Ruth Moran (Horsforth Harriers) 49:29 3rd Chris Smithard 40:11 Nik Tarrega (York Knaversmire Harriers) 50:41 FULL RESULTS The Brownlee brothers at the Chevin Chase history: 2016 - Jonny 1st2015 - Neither Alistair or Jonny raced 2014 - Alistair 1st, Jonny 2nd 2013 - Jonny 1st 2012 - Jonny 1st 2011 - Jonny 1st 2010 - Jonny 1st 2009 - Alistair 1st, Jonny 2nd 2008 - Alistair 1st, Jonny 2nd 2007 - Alistair 1st, Jonny 2nd 2006 - Neither Alistair or Jonny raced 2005 - Alistair 1st

British Triathlon Paratriathlon success in 2016 The end of one year is always a great chance to look back and reflect, as well as plan ahead to the future. For the sport of Paratriathlon, 2016 has been a truly histroic year, appearing for the first time on the programme of the Paralympic Games in Rio this summer. While that was the standout event of the year, British Paratriathletes have continued to perform and succeed at the highest levels in major international competition all through 2016. Let's take a look back at who collected the medals over the past 12 months. What follows here, is the 2016 Roll of Honour for the Great Britain Elite Paratriathlon Team. Once again, it's an extensive list covering Triathlon, Duathlon and Aquathlon, at World and European level. (See previous years: 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015) I believe this listing is complete, but, if you think any are missing, drop me a line via editor@tri247.com and it will be updated appropriately. (Details and explanations of the Paratriathlon classifications can be found HERE). PARALYMPIC GAMES - RIO 2016 Results: 1 Gold, 2 Silver, 1 Bronze Gold (1) Andy Lewis, M-PT2 (Report) Silver (2) Lauren Steadman, F-PT4 (Report) Alison Patrick (guided by Hazel Smith), F-PT5 (Report) Bronze (1) Melissa Reid (guided by Nicole Walters), F-PT5 (Report) WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS ITU Paratriathlon World Championships - Rotterdam Results: 2 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze Gold (2) Andy Lewis, M-PT2 Alison Patrick (guided by Hazel Smith), F-PT5 Silver (1) Lizzy Tench, F-PT1 Bronze (1) Melissa Reid (guided by Nicole Walters), F-PT5 ITU Paratriathlon World Series Events Buffalo City - 20th March 2016 Gold (3) Lauren Steadman, F-PT4 Alison Patrick (guided by Nicole Walters), F-PT5 Ryan Taylor, M-PT2 Silver (2) Phil Hogg, M-PT1 David Hill, M-PT4 Bronze (1) Melissa Reid (guided by Hazel Smith), F-PT5 Penrith - 24th April 2016 Gold (2) Andy Lewis, M-PT2 George Peasgood, M-PT4 Silver (2) Clare Cunningham, F-PT4 Joseph Townsend, M-PT1 Yokohama - 14th May 2016 Bronze (1) Mark Conway, M-PT1 Aguilas - 15th May 2016 Gold (1) Melissa Reid (guided by Hazel Smith), F-PT5 Silver (2) Kerry Large, F-PT4 Ryan Taylor, M-PT2 Bronze (1) Ruth Wilson, F-PT4 Strathcylde - 5th June 2016 Gold (2) Lizzie Tench, F-PT1 Lauren Steadman, F-PT4 Silver (2) Kerry Large, F-PT4 Iain Dawson (guided by Nick Beer), M-PT5 Bronze (3) Ruth Wilson, F-PT4 Phil Hogg, M-PT1 David Hill, M-PT4 Besancon - 19th June 2016 Gold (1) Faye McClelland, F-PT4 Bronze (3) Kerry Large, F-PT4 Joseph Townsend, M-PT1 David Hill, M-PT4 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS ETU Paratriathlon European Championships - Lisbon Results: 4 Gold, 2 Silver, 1 Bronze Gold (4) Lizzie Tench, F-PT1 Lauren Steadman, F-PT4 Alison Patrick (guided by Hazel Smith), F-PT5 Andy Lewis, M-PT2 Silver (2) Faye McCleeland, F-PT4 Melissa Reid (guided by Nicole Walters), F-PT5 Bronze (1) Joseph Townsend, M-PT1 ETU Challenge Middle Distance Triathlon European Championships - Walchsee Gold (1) Iain Dawson (guided by Matt Ellis), M-PT5 ETU Paraduathlon European Championships - Kalkar Results: 3 Silver  Silver (3) Mark Conway, M-PT1 Richard McLeod, M-PT3 Steven Crowley, M-PT4 CLICK HERE FOR THE 2015 PARATRIATHLON LISTING CLICK HERE FOR THE 2014 PARATRIATHLON LISTING CLICK HERE FOR THE 2013 PARATRIATHLON LISTING CLICK HERE FOR THE 2012 PARATRIATHLON LISTING

German legends to go head-to-head in France  The Cannes International Triathlon (www.cannes-international-triathlon.com), on Sunday 16th April 2017, is one of the first major 'middle' distance events of the European season. This year comprising a course of 2km swimming, 100km cycling and 16km running, it is an event that I can highly recommend, having visited and taken part in the 2015 edition myself. If you want to combine the beauty of the Côte d'Azur with a run course that passes the exclusive boutiques of practically every major fashion brand in the world, this is the race for you. On a purely practical note, easy access via Nice airport and a central Cannes location make this a very realistic option for a 'long weekend' early season race. Genuinely, highly recommended. Always attracting top quality athletes in the Pro division, confirmed already for 2017 are the 2014 IRONMAN World Champion, Sebastian Kienle, plus multiple IRONMAN World Championship podium finisher, Andreas Raelert. Kienle finished third two years ago, with Raelert taking the same spot 12 months later.

South West based race organiser announces closure Due to "costs and an ever increasing competitive market place", Freak Events (www.freakevents.co.uk) ends events organising business One of the disappointing to hear pieces of news we heard over the Christmas and New Year period was the announcement from Freak Events that they were ending their events business with immediate effect. Based in the South West, Freak Events produced a range of multisport and running events, many of which had a innovative / different to the 'norm' aspect to them. These included the Peaky Freaky Duathlon and in 2016, the Equalizer Middle Distance Triathlon. That event offered a £5,000 prize purse in a Battle of the Sexes format. Related Article: Doug Hall goes Peaky Freaky! This is, we believe, perhaps a sign of things to come. While the last Triathlon Industry Association survey indicated a record total of 'race starts' in 2015, our own (non-scientific...) feedback from a mumber of race organisers who we speak too, independently, has suggested that filling races / maintaining numbers has become a challenge in recent years. Will that be reflected in the next survey results? Announcement from Freak Events (Facebook link) "Due to increased costs and the competitive market place, Freak Events has taken the decision to no longer continue with the business. It is with deep regret that Freak Events is no longer able to provide you with the opportunities to pursue your athletic challenges. This is effective from today with all events in 2017 and ongoing cancelled. Any monies paid for entries will be refunded and outstanding invoices will be met in due course. Jarad and the team have made this decision with a heavy heart and thank all the volunteers and competitors for so many wonderful memories - they will be cherished for years to come. We wish you all a great year for 2017"

In August 2016, British apparel brand Bonk announced they were to close at the end of the year. However, following the announcement, the company received huge levels of support from its loyal customers, its followers and the wider swim, bike, run community, sparking a significant turnaround in fortunes for the company. Bonk has since signed several apparel partnerships with leading endurance events in the UK, more details are expected soon along with the exciting news of new product launches planned for later this year. Charlie Evans, Founder and Managing Director of Bonk had this to say: “It’s been a whirlwind few months, an incredible revival. Since making the announcement to close at the end of last summer the entire situation has been flipped on its head. The support we’ve received has been amazing and I am delighted to confirm that a new chapter in the life of this brand has begun, one that is hugely exciting.” Known for their triathlon inspired leisurewear and collections of performance gear featuring their ‘Live to train’ mantra, Bonk are certainly ones to watch in 2017.