Birmingham is one of the leading universities in the country sitting 13th on the Complete University Guide Rankings. We are a campus university with an excellent student experience. We have a Performance Squad who receive additional support and sessions to push them to the best of their ability. An applied performance team provide the expert support and attention you need to achieve your goals.
Facilities and Training Environment
We have a 50m pool which also has a moveable boom allowing us to swim short and long course across the week, while we also have multiple local open water venues that we use in the summer. Campus is located to the south of Birmingham City Centre so we are just 10 minutes from beautiful rides in Worcestershire and the Malverns to the west and the rolling Warwickshire countryside to the east. In terms of riding there are plenty of brilliant routes (a mixture of hilly and flat) and we have access to an outdoor velodrome every other week. The University’s own athletics track is just a 5-minute stroll from first year accommodation and there are plenty of running routes along the canal or the many parks in Birmingham.
Squad Standards and Eligibility
There are trials each year in October for the Performance Squad over a 400m swim and 3km run. The following times serve as a guideline for entry along with race results (where cycling and triathlon racing ability/skills are assessed). Students at University of Birmingham and nearby Universities are eligible for Performance Squad; non-students can also gain access to squad.
Squad Standards
| Swim | Run | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | Male | Female | |
| Performance | 4:00 | 5:00 | 9:15 | 10:15 |
Training at Birmingham
There are 5 coached swims (90mins) along with 1 bike (3hrs) and 3 run sessions (60mins) as well as 2 spin sessions (60m). In addition, there is 1 further group ride (3h) and long run. Coached sessions run during and out of term time. Watch the videos below from squad coaches and athletes to find out more about what it is like train and study here.
Head Coach
Head coach, Lou Baron, tells us more about the programme.
Birmingham Centre Athlete
Birmingham centre athlete, Bethan Hinett, tells us more about the programme.
Birmingham Centre Athlete
Birmingham centre athlete, Jack Shayler, tells us more about the programme.
Athletic Union Club
We have a friendly, welcoming club with around 100 members and strong links to the Athletics Club. The club has 5 coached sessions (3 swims/1run) and 3 group sessions (2 ride/1run). Athletes range from recreational to world age group, BUCS and domestic Super Series level. More information on the club is here.
Scholarships and Support
There is a range of scholarships available – scholarships offer both performance and financial support. In addition the Triathlon Performance Squad are able to access University performance sport services e.g. physio, S+C, etc. Cost and access are dependent on squad level. The University is also a TASS recognised centre. More info on scholarships can be found here.
Finding Out More
The University has open days through the year and on each one there is a member of the triathlon programme available to speak to. More information on the squads and contact details can be found here.
