NTPCW is a partnership between Welsh Triathlon, Cardiff Metropolitan University and Cardiff University. The aim of the Performance Centre is to provide the coaching, support and environment to develop athletes to deliver international success and maximise their potential.
Facilities and Training Environment
We swim in both a 25m pool (on Cardiff Met Cyncoed campus) and a 50m pool (Cardiff Bay), as well as open water during the summer in Cardiff Bay or using the beach at Barry. We have amazing running in the local areas, thanks to an abundance of parks and lakes, as well as making use of indoor and outdoor track facilities at Cardiff Met. On the bike, we make use of the outdoor velodrome at Maindy for our bike sessions, while the South Wales area has some absolutely stunning riding in the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains.
Squad Standards and Eligibility
We currently run a three Tier squad system based on performance levels, although in practice all three Tiers do almost all their training together.
- Tier 1 – International Performance is for athletes who have demonstrated international/ Championship ability, and is accessible for any athlete (student, international or otherwise)
- Tier 2 – National Performance is for athletes who are currently competitive at a national level and have the potential to develop to Tier 1. This Tier is available to Cardiff Met students. Due to the funding structure of the Centre, Cardiff University and non-students are also able to access this Tier where they can demonstrate significant value to the training environment.
- Tier 3 – Cardiff Met Development is for athletes who do not currently meet the standards for Tier 2 but have demonstrated the potential to develop to this level and/or to contribute to BUCS teams. This level is available to Cardiff Met students only.
There are no selection trials, applicants are selected based on their triathlon race results, swim and run profiles and performance behaviours that indicate the potential to develop to a high-level.
You can find full details of our selection process and squad standards below.
Squad Standards
| Swim | Run | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | Male | Female | |
| Performance | 4:40 | 5:00 | 9:15 | 10:15 |
| Development | 5:00 | 5:30 | 9:50 | 10:50 |
Training at Cardiff
The squad programme runs all year round (both in and out of term time). We have 6 coached swims per week for Tier 1 & 2 athletes, with Tier 3 athletes also able to access two of these. Swims range from 3.5-6km (60-90min). There are two coached run sessions, one on the track, and one that varies in location around Cardiff depending on the type of session. We have one coached bike session per week, plus two group rides. Athletes also arrange their own additional bike and run sessions through the week. All bike and run sessions are open to all athletes. There are up to three S&C sessions per week dependent on Tier.
Watch the videos below from squad coaches and athletes to find out more about what it is like train and study here.
Performance Coach
Performance squad coach, Luke Watson, tells us more about the programme.
Development Coach
Development squad coach, Vicky Johnston, tells us more about the programme.
Cardiff Centre Athlete
Performance Centre athlete, Ellie White, tells us more about the programme.
Cardiff Centre Athlete
Development squad athlete, Oli Turner, tells us more about the programme.
Triathlon Club
Cardiff University has a thriving AU triathlon club, winning Club of the Year at the University in 2019, run by the members in conjunction with the Students Union. They have strong links with the respective single discipline clubs, with athletes up to GB Age Group level. The club runs a programme of two swims, two runs and three bike sessions per week, with a number of additional social group sessions. The AU club at Cardiff Met is less well established, but there are very good swimming, cycling and running AU clubs which offer a great social environment and a number of athletes who compete in triathlon.
More information on the respective clubs are here:
Scholarships and Support
Our Tier 1 athletes can access sports science support via our Welsh Triathlon lead practitioners, with Tier 2 athletes supported by our team of University Interns. Cardiff Met also offer a Sports Scholarship Programme, while Cardiff University have the High Performance Programme (HPP), both schemes offering a full-range of sports science support as well as financial assistance dependent on performance level.
Finding Out More
You can find out more about NTPCW here. If you are interested in joining the squad or arranging a visit, please contact: mailto:ntpcw@welshtriathlon.org.
Details of open days for both Universities can be found on the following links:
