<![CDATA[British Triathlon]]> <![CDATA[Panasonic announce BritishTriathlon tie-up ]]> Worldwide Olympic Partner, Panasonic, has today announced a new sponsorship with the British Triathlon Federation to become an Official Supplier to British Triathlon. The sponsorship of British Triathlon – the governing body for triathlon in the UK – will last for an initial one year period and will see Panasonic supply a range of equipment, including plasma screen TVs and camcorders, which can be used for creation of digital content and enhanced athlete profiles giving an insight into training and preparation of British triathletes.
 
The sponsorship will provide Panasonic with a series of exclusive video diaries filmed by British triathletes as they prepare for major championships. The sponsorship will also provide Panasonic with product testimonials from British Triathlon for promotional purposes, exclusive photography as well as branding at the British Triathlon headquarters, National Performance Centre and on the British Triathlon website.    

Zara Hyde Peters, Chief Executive at the British Triathlon Federation, commented:

“We are delighted that Panasonic has decided to become an Official Supplier to British Triathlon. Raising the profile of our sport using the latest communications technology is very important to triathlon right now.  Our communications and performance teams for triathlon rely on high quality display technology for presentation and feedback so it gives us great confidence that through our partnership with Panasonic we will be using the best equipment on the market to support our athletes in competition and on their way to London 2012 and beyond.”

David Bonney, advertising and sponsorship manager at Panasonic UK, said:

“At Panasonic we put the same commitment, focus, desire and meticulous preparation that goes into winning a triathlon into the development of our products so this relationship is a great fit for us. We’re delighted to be working with the British Triathlon and proud to support the entire team on their way to London 2012.”

Panasonic’s announcement follows successful partnerships with British Rowing, British Sailing and a number of Olympic athletes.  
 

]]> <![CDATA[Youth Men win Silver at European Championships]]> Britain’s Youth men’s relay team won silver behind the Italians at the 2010 Vila Nova de Gaia ETU Triathlon U23 and Youth European Championships in Portugal (29 August). The women’s team finished 4th in a highly competitive race won by the Hungarians.

The men’s squad consisted of Simon Cooper, Morgan Davies and Gordon Benson racing in relay format over 300m swim, 8km bike and a 2km run. They recorded an overall time of 1:19.41 and finished just 14seconds behind the winning Italian team. The French team was 11 second behind the British squad.

The women’s team consisted of Sky Draper, Georgie Taylor-Brown and Maddie Winzer - all of whom are young enough to return to this event next year. They finished fourth after a tough start, 29 seconds back from the bronze.

Performance Director, Heather Williams, commented: “I’m pleased with these results.  There were some excellent performances from the athletes. All of the women and two of the three men are eligible for next year, so this was great experience for them.

“It’s encouraging to see our home nation talent programmes working well and developing young triathletes who are capable of winning medals against tough international opposition. The European Youth relays have provided a platform for many of our successful athletes, and I am optimistic that these young athletes can go on to become stars in the future.”

Youth Men’s result:
1. ITA 1:19:27
2. GBR 1:19:41
3. FRA 1:19:52


Youth Women’s result:
1. HUN 1:30:36
2. RUS 1:32:06
3.  ITA 1:32:22
4. GBR 1:32:51

 

]]> <![CDATA[Brownlee beaten into Silver by Silva]]> Jonathan Brownlee was beaten into silver medal position in a sprint finish at the 2010 Vila Nova de Gaia ETU Triathlon U23 and Youth European Championships in Portugal (28 August). The 20 year old from Leeds pushed the pace throughout the run, but was beaten on the line by Portugal’s Joao Silva.

Competing less than a week after winning the World sprint title in Lausanne, Brownlee faced a tough field that included Silva and Russia’s Alexander Brukhankov – both of whom have achieved multiple top ten finishes, racing as seniors in the Dextro Energy Triathlon World Championship Series this season.

Brukhankov led out the swim as expected, with Brownlee third fastest over the 1500m distance. Brownlee rode in the lead pack on the hilly bike course and took to the front on the run as the three favourites broke away from the other runners.  Brownlee led the entire 10km run, breaking away with Silva from Brukhankov to set up an exciting sprint finish.

The crowd was able to celebrate a home victory with the Portuguese athlete claiming gold by just one second over Brownlee.

Britain’s Stirling based David McNamee, 22, was 9th and fellow Scot, Ritchie Nicholls was 16th.

Brownlee commented: “I’m pleased, and gutted at the same time as it was so close. But Silva is an incredible athlete and it was a really hard and hot race.   I’ve moved on from the start of the season when I could only just get round these longer races.  I’m learning all the time and now can’t wait for Budapest.”

Hollie Avil was forced to retire during the second lap of the women’s race as a result of ill health. The 20 year old reigning World Under 23 Champion has had an eye infection requiring antibiotics and will hope to make a full recovery in time for the World Championships in Budapest in two weeks time.

British Triathlon National Performance Director, Heather Williams, commented: “Jonny’s race was a head for head sprint for the line. He got into a group with Silva and Brukhankov on the run and was at the front pushing the pace the whole time.

“Second is a good result against strong, high standard opposition, and it is excellent experience.

“We’re now just two weeks away from the World Championship Grand Final, our most important event of the season, and we have some athletes racing for world titles on home soil at the GE Edinburgh ITU Duathlon World Championships next weekend.”

Women’s Under 23 Result:
1. João Silva (POR) 1:53:20
2. Jonathan Brownlee (GBR) 1:53:21
3. Alexander Brukhankov (RUS) 1:53:33
9. David McNamee (GBR) 1:55:46
16. Ritchie Nicholls (GBR) 1:59:59

Women’s Under 23 Result:
1. Agnieszka Jerzyk (POL) 2:13:53
2. Yuliya Sapunova (UKR) 2:14:30
3. Annamaria Mazzetti (ITA) 2:14:34

]]> <![CDATA[Over 300 GE Great Britain Age Group Duathletes to compete in Edinburgh]]> On Saturday 4 September, at the 2010 GE Edinburgh ITU Duathlon World Championships in Holyrood Park, over 300 leading British amateur duathletes will compete in one of the largest GE Great Britain Age Group Teams to represent Great Britain at an ITU Duathlon World Championships.  211 men and 111 women (246 from England and 76 from Scotland) aged between 18 and 76 will compete in 23 age categories. 

The GE Great Britain Age Group Team will race over a standard international duathlon course - 10km run followed by a 40km cycle and a 5km run, all completed as a continuous activity. 

Edinburgh's course, consisting of multiple laps around Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat (six times in total by foot, and a further five times on the bike), will be one of the most challenging ever used on the international circuit.

Craig Dale, a 4th year medical student at Edinburgh University, will be amongst the favourites to win gold in his category having won the 20-24 Age Group at the ETU Triathlon European Championships in Athlone, Ireland in July.  Dale said: 'For me, multisport events present a challenge that an individual sport just can't match.  I love the variety of training and how easy it is to avoid the monotony of one sport alone.  I am really looking forward to competing in Edinburgh in such a prestigious event - painful on the legs, beautiful on the eyes but a race I'll never forget!'

Twenty-year-old Angus Killean, from Edinburgh, is the youngest member of the British team and local hero Arnott Kidd is the most senior Scottish athlete at 75. Kidd was second in his age group last year at the 2009 Concord ITU Duathlon World Championships, and has won the European title for the last three years in a row.  He has high hopes of winning the World title on home soil.
 
Britain's top paraduathletes will also race in the elite international event on Friday 3 September with the elite, under-23 and juniors all racing on Sunday 5 September.

The 2010 GE Edinburgh ITU Duathlon World Championships is the most prestigious duathlon competition ever to be staged in the UK and offers the perfect opportunity for Edinburgh residents, visitors to the city and running, cycling and multisport enthusiasts to watch the best duathletes in the world for free.

In September the 2010 GE Edinburgh ITU Duathlon World Championships will join two other major international sporting events - the IFSC World Youth Championships for Climbing and the (FITA) Archery World Cup Final - In Edinburgh's Super September of sport - and will welcome thousands of competitors and spectators to the city.

For more information on the 2010 GE Edinburgh ITU Duathlon World Championships and an event schedule for go to - http://www.edinburghduathlon2010.com/
 

]]> <![CDATA[CPD Session with Elite Triathlon Coach Darren Smith]]> triathlonscotland are delighted to announce that elite coach Darren Smith will be delivering a CPD session for triathlon coaches on Friday 3 September.

Darren started his coaching career in Australia where he established the Queensland Academy of Sport triathlon programme.  He moved to Scotland in 2000, initially joining the Scottish Triathlon Association (now triathlonscotland), before moving in to freelance coaching in 2005.

Darren has worked with some of Scotland’s top athletes and has a wealth of experience working as both a federation and a pro coach.  During this time Darren has gained invaluable experiences and skills which he hopes to be able to share with the coaching workforce.


The session will cover the following topics.

1. Coach development – My journey from novice to elite coach and what/who has made significant impacts along the way?
 
2. Levels of triathlon - What is the benchmark these days?  What type of athletes are we after and what are their capabilities.
 
3. Q&A


Where:   The session will take place at the athlete village, Pollock Halls of Residence, which is on the doorstep of the Championship Venue at Holyrood Park.  Further information will be provided upon registration.
 
When:     Friday 3 September

Time:      7 – 9pm

In order to register for this evening you must contact Brown Ferguson at brownferguson@triathlonscotland.org
 

]]> <![CDATA[West Midlands Adult Regional Championship Race 2010]]> The 2010 West Midlands Regional Championship Race was held in conjunction with the Barton Marina Standard Distance Triathlon on the 8th August 2010.

To be eligible, athletes had to be resident in the West Midlands Region or a member of a West Midlands Club and additionally a member of Triathlon England.

The Championships were open to athletes of all adult Age Groups and all levels of experience.

We're very pleased to announce that the 2010 Regional Champions are

:
  • Male Open – Adam Thomson (BCT)
  • Male Vet – Mark Hirsch (BRAT)
  • Male Super Vet – Ron Stephenson (BRAT)    Winner of 50+ and 60+
  • Female Open – Helen Russell (TriUK/Redditch)
  • Female Vet – Ann Knights (Solihull CC)


Any queries, please contact our Regional email address westmidstri@britishtriathlon.org 

]]> <![CDATA[GE Great Britain Team Eyes European Under 23 Titles]]> Jonathan Brownlee is in the hunt for triathlon titles again this weekend when he competes at the 2010 Vila Nova de Gaia ETU Triathlon U23 and Youth European Championships in Portugal. He became World sprint champion last weekend in Lausanne. Hollie Avil will also look to add the European Under 23 title to her World Under 23 won in 2009.

Competing over the standard distance (1500m swim, 40km bike, 10km run), Jonathan will look to continue his impressive step up from the junior level that saw him finish second to Javier Gomez at the Dextro Energy Triathlon World Championship London presented by Tata Steel last month.

Brownlee, 20, was the European junior champion in 2009 and will look to add European and World Under 23 success this season. The world championships take place in just over two weeks time in Budapest.

Hollie Avil is Britain’s sole female representative in the women’s Under 23 event. The 20 year old, from Northampton won the World Under 23 title on the Gold Coast last September.

Also competing in the men’s Under 23 event are Scots, Ritchie Nicholls and David McNamee. Nicholls, 23 from Montrose, achieved fourth place in the Under 23 event at the World Championships in Hamburg in 2007 and will also compete in the GE Edinburgh ITU Duathlon World Championships next month.

Racing in the Youth men’s and women’s relay events the GE Great Britain Triathlon Team will feature our stars of the future racing over the super sprint distance in a relay format – 300m swim, 10km bike and 2.5km run.

Sky Draper, 14, has already been featured on TV and in various newspapers, having beaten Formula One star, Jensen Button, at Dorney Lake earlier this year. She will be joined by Maddie Winzer, Georgie Taylor-Brown and Sophie Coldwell, as the quartet gets a first taste of international action.

In the men’s Youth race Leeds’ up-and-coming star Gordon Benson will be joined by talented Welsh athletes, Morgan Davies and Josh Harris. Simon Cooper rounds out the quartet.

British Triathlon Performance Director, Heather Williams commented: “The ETU Triathlon Under 23 and Youth Championships are an important spring board for our athletes as the Youths gain their first international experiences and the Under 23s make the transition from junior to senior level.

“The Under 23 race will be very competitive as some of the athletes who will race this weekend, will race as seniors at the World Championships in Budapest. The men’s race features the likes of Brukhankov (RUS), Silva (POR) and Mola from Spain and the women’s has Sapunova (UKR) and Mazetti (ITA) – so it’s going to be extremely tough.

“The course features a tough bike section, so we’ll be looking for our athletes to swim well to put themselves into a strong position on the bike.”

Women’s start: 14:00 (local time)
Men’s start: 17:00 (local time)
Youth women’s relay start: 14:30
Youth men’s relay start: 16:00

]]> <![CDATA[Volunteers needed for the GE Parc Bryn Bach Triathlon]]> The 2010 GE Parc Bryn Bach Triathlon on the 19th September 2010 plays host to a truly spectacular finale to the triathlon season in the UK, with not only the Inter Regional Championships taking place, but also the British Elite Triathlon Championships featuring former world champion Helen Jenkins and newly crowned Sprint Triathlon World Champion Jonathan Brownlee.

You can be a part of this exciting event as a volunteer, giving you the best view possible of Great Britians finest Triathletes.

Volunteers are required to fill roles such as course marshals, transition marshal, aid station teams and more.

If you are interested in volunteering and being a part of this fantastic event please download the attached information and application form.


]]> <![CDATA[Nottingham and Loughborough clubs claim British Triathlon Relay Titles]]> Local teams from both Nottingham and Loughborough proved victorious at the British Club Relay Championships at Nottingham’s National Water Sports Centre on Saturday 21 August.

The event, now in its 19th year, was a spectacular weekend of sport for triathlon clubs who travelled from around the country to take part. This year over 1,900 people competed in the relay sprint distance triathlon with each of the four members of the teams completing a frenetic 400m swim in the lake, a 15km bike around the park, and 5km run. 

Ceepo TFN, with their quartet of James Ratcliffe, Alistair Johnson, Andy Tarry and Lawrence Fanous, put on stunning performance to win the men’s relay title for the fifth year in a row.  Loughborough Triathlon Race Team took up an early lead after the swims, but Ceepo TFN worked hard on the bike section to pull themselves into the lead.

The team managed to maintain their lead during the run and claimed victory ahead of Loughborough and Manchester, who finished third.

Nottingham’s TFN Tri Club stormed to an impressive victory in the women’s event, setting a new course record of 3:24.20. The team of Louise Collins, Amy Parkinson, Verity Butler and Lucy Gossage finished almost six minutes ahead of second placed BRAT.

Loughborough Triathlon Racing Team claimed the win in the mixed event. Their original team entry included elite triathlete Vanessa Raw alongside Luke Watson, Bradley Hales and Jenny Manners, but Raw didn’t start on the day. Loughborough won from Leeds and Bradford Triathlon by 31 seconds, with the Army just under three minutes back in third.

Results:

Relay Woman:
1. TFN Tri Club 3:24:20
2. BRAT 3:31:16
3. Greenwich Tritons 3:35:31

Relay Men:
1. Ceepo TFN RT 2:51:09
2. Loughborough Triathlon 2:53:05
3. Manchester TRI 2:54:07

Relay Mixed:
1. Loughborough Triathlon RC 3:10:11
2. Leeds Bradford TRI 3:10:42
3. Army Tri 3:14:32

Full results can be downloaded here
 

]]> <![CDATA[Paratriathlon performs in build up to Rio 2016]]> The sport of paratriathlon continued to shine at the 2010 Corus British Paratriathlon Championships last Sunday (22 August), in the build up to the International Paralympic Committee’s decision on the sport’s bid for programme status in Rio 2016.

An increased number of competitors from last year’s event took to the regatta lake in idyllic conditions, with European champion, Iain Dawson crossing the line first in a time of 01:03.14, winning the TRI 6 category.

Fellow European gold medallist Faye McClelland was the fastest female winning the TRI 4 category in 01:14.30. Faye was two minutes and 38 seconds ahead of current world champion Clare Cunningham who finished in a time of 01:17.08

Steven Judge from Sheffield won the TRI 3 category and was delighted to race in Nottingham commenting: “The event went really well, and winning my category certainly proved to me that I had a good race. There was a lot of positivity from my fellow paratriathletes about the event, and the grandstand full of supporters really cheered us on.

“You cannot underestimate the value of such support, especially in the promotion of paratriathlon. Providing the opportunity for spectators to watch the medal presentations, gives them an image to take home and hopefully will encourage more people to take part in the sport.

“Winning the Corus British Paratriathlon Championships was fantastic. This race was the final goal of my season, having won silver in the European championships, gold in Hyde Park and now the national title.

“I won’t be racing in the world championships in Budapest, but many of the paratriathletes who competed in Nottingham will be part of the GE Great Britain Paratriathlon Team, and I wish them all the best of luck.”

Jonathon Riall, National Paratriathlon Programme Manager, commented: “With an increase in competitors from 2009, this event has once again highlighted the rapid growth of this modern and dynamic sport. The Corus British Paratriathlon Championships was an important race in 2010, as we build up to the International Paralympic Committee’s decision on the sport’s bid for programme status in Rio 2016.”

Matthew Lyons, Head of Internal Communications & Brand Management Group Communications added: “Corus is delighted to have once again supported the Corus British Paratriathlon Championships, as this is an area of the sport that we have always taken a great interest in helping to grow. We would like to congratulate all those that took part, and hope that their achievements will inspire Paratriathletes of the future.”

For full results please click here
 

]]> <![CDATA[British Triathlon Board Vacancy - Director with Portfolio Age Group Teams]]> Applications invited for the British Triathlon Board


Applications are invited to fill a vacancy, which has arisen on the Board of the British Triathlon Federation.  This successful governing body – winner of the 2010 Sports Governing Body of the Year at the SIA awards –engages in progressive governance and has high sporting aspirations.  In line with the Memorandum and Articles of Association, British Triathlon is now seeking to appoint a Director with Age Group Teams portfolio to serve on the Board.


The British Triathlon Federation, a company limited by guarantee, acts as the governing body for the sport and recreation of Triathlon and her associated disciplines in Great Britain, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. The Board consists of the President, Chief Executive Officer, six Portfolio Directors and three representatives from the National Associations. 


Applications are invited for the following position:
•    Director – Age Group Teams Portfolio


The successful candidate will be appointed for a period of two years, and will be subject to all the commensurate fiduciary responsibilities and duties.


Applications detailing your qualifications, experience and interest in the role, should be sent to sueroberts@britishtriathlon.org or in writing, marked Private and Confidential, to Sue Roberts, Human Resources Manager, British Triathlon Federation, PO Box 25, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3WX.


The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 1st September 2010. Interviews of shortlisted candidates are currently anticipated to take place on either Friday 17th or Saturday, 18th September 2010.


British Triathlon is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to ensuring that no job applicant, employee, volunteer or member receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, gender, disability, race, ethnic origin, nationality, colour, parental or marital status, pregnancy, religious belief, class or social background, sexual preference or political belief.

Related Documents
•    Job Description and Person Specification download  download


]]> <![CDATA[Applications invited for the role of Chair of the British Triathlon Technical Committee]]> Applications invited for the role of Chair of the British Triathlon Technical Committee
Applications are invited for the role of Chairperson of the Technical Committee of the British Triathlon Federation.  This successful governing body – winner of the 2010 Sports Governing Body of the Year at the SIA awards – is proud of its progressive governance and high sporting aspirations.  The successful applicant will take up the post in September 2010 for a two year term concluding in September 2012 and will report directly to the Director for Major Events and National Competitions on the British Triathlon Federation Board.
 
The Technical Committee has a key role to play in ensuring that the sport has developed and implemented a pathway for the recruitment and retention of officials at all levels of the sport from grass roots to international level. Having this infrastructure in place is fundamental to the successful delivery of British Triathlon Federation's strategic plan to attract more people into the sport of triathlon as athletes, volunteers or officials.
 
The Chair will ensure that British Triathlon as the National Governing Body and the three member Home Nations in Scotland, England and Wales work together in a co-ordinated manner to achieve success throughout the event infrastructure of the sport. The terms of reference for the Technical Committee are attached. Key attributes and experience for the role are as follows:
 
•    A good knowledge of how the sport of triathlon (and its related sports) are delivered in Great Britain
•    A good knowledge of the rules of triathlon (and its related sports)
•    An ability to work with and through others to meet deadlines
•    Good communication and presentation skills
•    Experience in chairing or leading a volunteer group
 
The role of Chairperson is a voluntary position but where relevant, reasonable agreed travel and subsistence expenses will be paid in line with the British Triathlon Federation expenses policy.
 
Applications detailing your qualifications, experience and interest in the role, should be sent to sueroberts@britishtriathlon.org or in writing, marked Private and Confidential, to Sue Roberts, Human Resources Manager, British Triathlon Federation, PO Box 25, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3WX.
The closing date for applications is Tuesday, 31st August 2010.  Interviews of shortlisted candidates are currently anticipated to take place in the week commencing 13th September 2010.
British Triathlon is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to ensuring that no job applicant, employee, volunteer or member receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, gender, disability, race, ethnic origin, nationality, colour, parental or marital status, pregnancy, religious belief, class or social background, sexual preference or political belief.

Click Below to download role specifications

Chair of the British Triathlon Technical Committee

Tech Comm Terms of Ref 2010

]]> <![CDATA[Jonathan Brownlee wins World Sprint title in Lausanne]]> Jonathan Brownlee has been crowned World Champion at the 2010 Lausanne ITU Elite Sprint Triathlon World Championships this morning. Team mate Tim Don was second as the GE Great Britain team sparkled at the first ever World Sprint Championships.

Brownlee swam well in a huge group of 71 men and then rode at the front of the hilly, four-lap, technical 20km bike course with British team mate, Harry Wiltshire. Tim Don powered up from the third to the second bike pack to position himself in contention for the 5km run.

Brownlee demonstrated his class on the first lap of the run and looked in control with Tim Don running with him. He made a break with 2.5km to go ran out to a twelve second victory over Don at the finish. Frenchman David Hauss was third.

He said: “I guess I'm lucky because I raced as a Junior last year, and Juniors race the sprint distance. I think I have a bit more experience at this kind of race than a lot of these guys and that helped today."

Both Jonathan (20) and brother, Alistair (22), are now current world champions. Alistair Brownlee was not racing today, but is the reigning ITU World Champion and has previously won the world and Under 23 world titles as well.

Don, who has previously won world championships in Lausanne in the Junior (1998) and Elite (2006) categories, completed the one-two for Britain, finishing five seconds ahead of Frenchman David Hauss.


"There's something about Lausanne that makes it a special place for me," Don said. When I won the Junior world title here, it really set up my career and made me believe in myself. This is one of my favourite places to race."

Britain’s Jodie Stimpson was eighth in the women’s race after racing in typically attacking style. The event was won by Sweden’s Lisa Norden in 58.02, fourteen seconds ahead of World Champion Emma Moffatt and Switzerland’s Daniela Ryf in third.

ELITE MEN:
1. Jonathan Brownlee (GBR) 52.58
2. Tim Don (GBR) 53.11
3. David Hauss (FRA) 53.16
15. Sharp Matthew (GBR) 54.01
33. Wiltshire Harry (GBR) 55.04
49. Wolfe Phil (GBR) 57.08
51. Jenkins Marc (GBR) 57.25
52. Bowden Adam (GBR) 57.32

ELITE WOMEN:
1. Norden Lisa (SWE) 58.02
2. Moffatt Emma (AUS)   58.17
3. Ryf Daniela (SUI) 58.51 
8. Jodie Stimpson (GBR) 59.35
17. Jacqueline Slack (GBR) 1:00.40
38. Kirsty Mcwilliam (GBR) 1:04.16
45. Lucy Smith (GBR) 1:06.37
46. Lucy Chittenden (GBR) 1:08.15

]]> <![CDATA[British Club Relay Championships Beckon]]> This weekend Nottingham’s National Water Sports Centre will host the annual British Club Relay Championships, which will see over 1,900 people competing in a sprint distance triathlon in teams of four.

Each participant will complete a frenetic  400m swim in the lake, a 15km bike around the park, followed by a 5km run.  However, this event – now in its 19th year – has built its reputation on more than sport – it has become a weekend of festival style fun for clubs from around the country.

The event never fails to sell out and is incredibly popular with spectators too as all the action is enclosed within the complex so you get to see the entire event unfold without having to move.

Originally started by One Step Beyond in 1991 with just 120 competitors, this event has grown to accomodate 480 teams this weekend.

Last year the men’s relay was won by the local Ceepo TFN Race Team, and their quartet of Andy Tarry, Lawrence Fanous, James Ratcliffe and Alistair Johnson is under pressure to repeat that victory again this year.

Saturday will see the women’s and mixed teams compete in the morning and the men’s teams in the afternoon.

On Sunday Holme Pierrpont will host the Corus British Paratriathlon Championships with eighteen athletes from across the country taking part.

 

]]> <![CDATA[Don eyes third World title in lucky Lausanne]]> Tim Don has an opportunity to win his third career world title in Lausanne on Saturday when he competes in the 2010 Lausanne ITU Elite Sprint Triathlon World Championships. His previous two world titles were also won in Lausanne in 1998 (junior) and 2006 (senior). However, he will have to overcome heavy legs and a fierce international line up to reach the finish line first.

Britain will field a squad of six men and six women in Lausanne as athletes near the season finale, the 2010 Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU Triathlon World Championship Grand Final Budapest on 12-13 September. For Don and the rest of the GE Great Britain team, this season has been geared towards performances at the Series Grand Final, and the Sprint Championships will be contested during their final block of hard training.

Jonathan Brownlee will be amongst those fancied for success in the first ever ITU Sprint Triathlon World Championships having won races in the highly competitive French Grand Prix circuit this year over the same sprint distance (750m swim, 20km cycle, 5km run). Adam Bowden could also use his run speed to good effect, particularly coming off the back of a second place performance at the Geneva ITU Triathlon European Cup last weekend.

Marc Jenkins, Harry Wiltshire, Phil Wolfe and Matthew Sharpe will also race in a men’s line up that includes Australia’s Brad Kahlefeldt, Jarrod Shoemaker from the USA, Sven Riederer from Switzerland, France’s David Hauss and Gregg Bennett.

Like Brownlee, Jodie Stimpson has also won in the French Grand Prix this year. She faces World Champion Emma Moffatt of Australia and in-form triathletes, Lisa Norden (SWE) and Nicola Spirig (SUI) in a highly competitive women’s field which also includes Daniela Ryf (SUI), Kate Roberts (RSA), Jessica Harrison (FRA) and Laura Bennett of the USA.

Jacqueline Slack, Non Stanford and Kirsty McWilliam will race alongside talented British juniors Lucy Smith and Lucy Chittenden.

The men’s race starts at 9.30am local time in Lausanne, with the women’s race two hours later. Live text and timing will be available from both the Sprint and Relay races at www.triathlon.org/tv. 

On Sunday a British relay team of Harry Wiltshire, Phil Wolfe, Jacqui Slack and Lucy Chittenden will compete in the Team Triathlon World Championship (2pm local time).

]]> <![CDATA[West Midlands IRC Team 2010]]> Triathlon England West Midlands Regional Committee is pleased to announce the IRC team who have qualified to represent the West Midlands at the IRCs on September 19th at Parc Bryn Bach, Wales. The athletes qualified via The West Midlands Region Open Water Aquathlon and Barton Marina Open Water Sprint Triathlon.

The Youth age group have automatically qualified for entry to the National Youth Triathlon Championships being held as part of the youth wave at the IRCs.

The West Midlands Region would like to thank Runaround Sports at Top Barn, Holt, Worcester for their sponsorship of the IRC team trisuits.

The 2010 West Midlands IRC team was announced as follows.

 Tri Star 2  
 Bethan Hinett
 Helen Jubb
  Stratford Sharks
 Joe Deakin  Oldbury Swimming & Triathlon Club
 Arthur Davies  Halesowen Swimming Club
 Tri Star 3  
 Lauren Pestana
  Black Country Triathletes
 Sian Rainsley
  Stratford Sharks
 Toby Robinson
  Black Country Triathletes
 Jimmy Kershaw
  Oswestry Olympians
 Youth  
 Chloe Barton  Absolute Triathlon Club
 Lauren Evans
  Black Country Triathletes
 Bethany Smith
  Stratford Triathlon Club
 Alexander Teagle
  Birmingham Running Athletics & Triathlon Club
 David Jubb
  Worcester Triathlon Club
 Christopher Brookes
  Black Country Triathletes

]]> <![CDATA[Thorogood and Hood Success in Singapore]]> British athletes Elinor Thorogood and Andrew Hood both produced top-15 finishes for Team GB at the inaugural Youth Olympic Games, in Singapore on 15 and 16 August.

On 15 August, Welsh athlete Elinor Thorogood became Britain’s first competitor to set foot on the field of play at the Youth Olympic Games, running down the beach at East Coast Park into the water.  Thorogood achieved her ambition of a top-15 finish, crossing the line in 13th position after a particularly strong performance in the swimming and cycling legs of the race.

Afterwards Thorogood said: “I was really pleased with that. The atmosphere was really special with it being the first ever Youth Olympic Games event. The course was amazing with everyone in the crowd shouting your name and it was just a great experience. I’ll learn a lot from this.”

On 16 August, Scottish triathlete Andrew Hood produced an heroic effort to achieve his target of a top-15 finish.

After recovering from his exploits, Hood said: “Before the race I set myself the target of a top-15 finish. In the last 2km I had to dig really deep to maintain my top-15 position as I knew there were guys right behind me and I wanted to fulfil my aim. I gave it absolutely everything I had to cross the line in the top 15, and in doing so, I pushed myself right to the limit. But if I had not given everything and ended up in 16th I would have hated myself, so the pain at the end was totally worth it.”

Simon Mills, Triathlon Team Manager for Team GB commented: “Both Elinor and Andrew performed exceptionally well in the Youth Olympic Games, in what has been the highest profile race either athlete has competed. Andrew was heroic in his efforts to maintain his target of a top 15 finish, and the effort required to perform at such a level was clear. Singapore has been a great experience for both athletes, and I am sure it will motivate them to continue to build and develop as young athletes.”

Both athletes have also been selected to ‘Team Europe 4’ for the relay competition, which takes place on Thursday. Their team includes Elinor and Andrew alongside Annie Thoren (SWE) and Thomas Jurgens (GER).
 

]]> <![CDATA[Ratcliffe and Pickthall win British Triathlon Championships]]> On the 15 August over 700 age group triathletes took to the Great Ouse, in an attempt to claim the coveted national British Triathlon Championship title at the Autoglass Bedford Classic Triathlon.

James Ratcliffe won the men’s race, finishing in a time of 1:56.16 to hold off Tom Sturdy (1:56.47) and Ben Howard (1:56.53).

Post race, James commented on how the support helped him. James said: The run was three laps, and was excellent. The course was spectator friendly, so plenty of spectators to cheer you on, which helped motivate me. I also though the race was well organised and I will come back again.”

Listen to James’ post race interview

In the women’s race, Catherine Pickthall, never looked back after a fantastic swim. She cruised home in 2:13:30 despite losing four minutes to local favourite Eimear Mullan 2:15.04 on the run. Karen Axelsdottir was third woman with a time of 2:15.35.

Catherine commented post race: “I have only been racing since Christmas doing triathlon, so this is all new to me. I have got Budapest the World Championships on 12 September, so this has been a really good experience for me to give me a good boost and show that the running is improving.”

Listen to Catherine’s post race interview

Full results can be found on http://www.galeforce-events.com/event4.htm

]]> <![CDATA[Brighton Triathlon on 26th September to go ahead]]> The Brighton Triathlon that takes place at Brighton Marina is going ahead on Sunday 26th September 2010. 

Any confusion around this may have been the result of the notices publicising the cancellation of the Urban Race Brighton Triathlon - a separate and differently organised event.
Information on how to take part can be found at http://www.brightonmarinatriathlon.co.uk/
 

]]> <![CDATA[Level 2 Race Officials Course - 11 September]]>  A Level 2 Race Officials Course has been organised to take place at Copthorne Hotel, Reading on 11 September 2010 starting at 9.00 am. Cost £30.00.

Completing this course followed by two shadows at relevant events will enable officials to work on domestic open water and children's events, providing a good grounding for progress into future ITU qualifications.

Prerequisite 1: Attendees must hold BTF Level 1 Race Official or BTF Level 1 Referee qualification.

Prerequisite 2: Course must be booked and paid for by 4 September 2010.

Delegates will have opportunity to shadow on Reading Triathlon Event at Kirton's Farm the following day.


For more information, please contact Stefan Pearce on 07841 500 514 or email stefanpearce@britishtriathlon.org

The Copthorne Hotel is offering special room rates to triathletes for the weekend - contact the hotel direct and quote "triathlon", telephone 0118 950 0885

Getting There - Via A33 heading south through the road-works from M4 Junction 11, turn right at first opportunity (traffic lights) and follow brown signs to Copthorne Hotel.  It's about 3 miles of winding country lanes including a very narrow section controlled by traffic lights.

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