The National Triathlon Centre is a partnership between the University of Stirling, Triathlon Scotland and British Triathlon, which has been set up to deliver a National Triathlon Pathway Centre at the University, which is aligned to the British Triathlon Centre model and creates a pathway that athletes can develop to senior “World Class” level. As such, it is Scotland’s home for elite and performance triathletes.

The University of Stirling is a leading UK teaching and research-intensive university, created by Royal Charter in 1967. Since its foundation, the University has embraced its role as an innovative, intellectual and cultural institution with a pioneering spirit and a passion for excellence in all that it does. As Scotland University for Sporting Excellence and The Times Sports University of the Year 2020, sport is an integral part of the DNA at the University of Stirling.

Facilities and Training Environment

Following the opening of the University’s transformational and newly constructed £21m sports centre in 2020, the excellent facilities include:

• The National Swimming Academy with its 50m pool which splits into two 25m tanks,
• Tartan synthetic athletics track,
• State-of-the-art strength and conditioning suites and cardio gym space.

We also enjoy unrivalled running and biking terrain in the nearby Ochil hills and Trossachs National Park, with a number of open water and closed road cycling options within easy travel.

Squad Standards and Eligibility

Below are the minimum selection standards for the Triathlon Programme. The selection panel must believe the athlete can benefit the programme and is the right fit for Stirling.

Automatic

• A current member of British Triathlon World Class Performance Programme
• A start at World Triathlon World Cup Races
• A start at World Triathlon Para Cup Races
• A top 20 World Triathlon Continental Cup Senior Race
• A member of the Triathlon Scotland Commonwealth Games Squad
• A member of the Triathlon England, Triathlon Scotland or Welsh Triathlon Next Generation Squads

Discretionary

Athletes that trigger consideration will be asked to provide racing and training evidence to show how they will add value and will benefit from being part of the group.

Athletes must trigger one of the following:

• A top 20 at a British Super Series* combined Junior / Senior races overall result, subject to QOF verification
• A top 5 overall in a British Super Series combined Youth A / Youth B event
• A top 3 at a British Paratriathlon Super Series event
• At least one start at World Triathlon Continental Cup Senior Level
• Single sport strength (must be achieved within last 12 months)
  • Male
    • Swim sub 4:20 for 400m
    • Run sub 15:30 for 5km
  • Female
    • Swim sub 4:45 for 400m
    • Run sub 18:00 for 5km
• Long distance athletes racing in elite competitions may also apply.

*or equivalent National Championships for athletes not racing in the UK

**There will be an extra training space and support for a guide for paratriathletes.

Non-Scottish athletes

Stirling is very much open to non-Scots and we always have a number of athletes from England, Wales and further afield based at the centre. For those athletes that wish to study in Stirling there are some key considerations. Degrees in Scotland in the main last for four years and the cost of studying for a degree depends on where you live. For Scottish students, tuition fees are paid for by the Scottish government. English and Welsh students on the other hand will need to pay for their own tuition fees. However, non-Scottish students are able to apply for an Honours Scholarship which covers the full costs of fees for the fourth year of study.

For more on tuition fees look here and you can find out information on scholarships at the University of Stirling for non-Scottish students here. For those looking to study elsewhere in Scotland other Universities offer similar schemes.

Training in Stirling

In Stirling we run 6 coached swims, 2 coached runs, 2 coached bike sessions and 2 strength and conditioning sessions per week. These coached sessions run all through the year. Outside of this, athletes train together regularly and have the potential to receive personal programming for individual sessions.

Stirling Centre Athlete

Performance squad athlete, Sophia Green, tells us more about the programme.

Stirling Centre Athlete

Development squad athlete, Cam Main, tells us more about the programme.

Sports Union Club

For those not of performance standard there is an active triathlon club training at the University. They have coached swim, bike and run sessions through the week and benefit from the fantastic facilities at Stirling. There is always the opportunity for club athletes to move up to performance over the course of their time at Stirling. More information on the club can be found here. 

Scholarships and Support

All athletes that are selected onto the squad who are registered as University of Stirling students join the sports scholarship scheme at the University. This scholarship includes free access to all the facilities at Stirling, free triathlon coaching, S&C coaching and physiotherapy, premium Training Peaks account, membership to the sports union and triathlon club along with academic flexibility to maximise studies and training. Athletes may also be eligible for bursaries of up to £2000 per year through the RUK scholarship. British athletes may also able to apply for Winning Students.. Find out more here.

Finding Out More

We encourage athletes interested in Stirling to come and visit and train for a couple of days in the centre. This can be combined with a University open day or a standalone visit. More information on the triathlon programme can be found on our website. For any further enquiries contact National Triathlon Centre Lead Coach Crawford Whyte.