Eastbourne is a long standing and somewhat unique Centre that caters for athletes across the age range. While it has close links with the University of Brighton it also provides excellent opportunities for those athletes who are not in University education to support themselves while pursuing their triathlon and life goals.
Facilities and Training Environment
We nestle on the very edge of South Downs National Park next to the iconic beauty spot of Beachy Head and the sunshine resort of Eastbourne. This stunning environment athletes running and forest trails, a variety of terrain for road, cross and MTB cycling as well as access to a vibrant open water sea swimming community. Pool swimming is organised across two 25m pools sited 800m apart and we also use a track and bike skills area at Eastbourne Sports Park which is a short distance across town.
Squad Standards and Eligibility
There are no formal entry standards but we are very clear on the type of athletes we are looking for. All our athletes are coached and mentored to be the best they can be in sport, education and life. Those who fully engage and commit to that ambition receive a tailored programme of training within our overall squad environment, whether they are young beginners or Olympians.
Training at Eastbourne
Across our integrated programme we coach over 30 hours of sessions per week throughout the year, with pathway athletes typically accessing 8hrs swimming, 2 key run sessions (speed / threshold) and 2 bike sessions (turbo / skills). These are supplemented with a variety of bespoke, self-managed sessions undertaken individually or in appropriate groups. In addition to these, we periodically facilitate and observe race specific bike / run sessions on the road and swim / turbo sessions on the seafront.
Director of Coaching
Director of Coaching, Glenn Cook, tells us more about the programme.
Performance Mentor
Performance Mentor, Stu Wilkinson, tells us more about the programme.
Eastbourne Centre Athlete
Eastbourne Centre athlete, Chloe Cook, tells us more about the programme.
Eastbourne Centre Athlete
Eastbourne Centre athlete, Noah Canby, tells us more about the programme.
Athletic Union Club
Embedded in our pathway is an active family club atmosphere that provides a supportive community and real life balance to performance.
Scholarships and Support
As an unfunded pathway, we have worked hard over the past 20 years to find creative ways of supporting our athletes. Critical to us is athlete fit; anyone who is genuinely invested in becoming the best they can be will be guaranteed a reciprocal level of challenge, support and investment to ensure that happens.
Finding Out More
Aspiring athletes and parents are welcome to visit us at any time. Indeed, we see this early independent contact as a vital part of our trust building process and usually try to coordinate some trial sessions around a relaxed meeting over coffee. The free ranging discussion is aimed at helping athletes to understand our culture, and for us to assess their suitability for our programme. The discussion typically lasts for 1-2 hours and is hosted by our Performance Mentor, Stuart Wilkinson, supported, as necessary, by our Director of Coaching, Glenn Cook. For further information or to arrange a visit, please contact Stuart Wilkinson on 07590 851259 or email stuxtc@live.co.uk.
