With five months to go until Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds prepares to take over the city on 10-11 June, elite triathlete Jessica Learmonth was on hand to help beginners take their first step in the sport.
Triathlon novices turned up to Bramley Baths in Leeds today (Wednesday 11 January) for a unique chance to learn from one of the best swimmers in the sport. The session marked the launch of the 2017 Tri Something New series, designed to offer complete beginners a helping hand as they start the journey to completing a triathlon.
Sessions are taking place across Leeds, and include beginner swimming, social bike rides and jogging groups, with the aim of inspiring Leeds locals to take on the beginner GO TRI event in June.
Owen Scurrah-Smyth, Tri Something New session participant said: “The Tri Something New sessions have been really good so far. This is my second week and it’s been great to learn the basics and start to improve my technique. There’s no pressure to have any prior experience – the sessions really are for everyone.
“I’m looking to take part in my first triathlon this summer and this will help prepare me. Plus, it’s great to be able to fit in training in my lunch hour!”
Above: Jess shares her top swimming tips with triathlon beginners
Jessica Learmonth said: “Taking on a triathlon can appear daunting at first, but GO TRI sessions like these really help to put people’s minds at ease and offer a great chance to meet others in the same boat.
“Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds was a definite highlight of 2016 for me and with races for all abilities to take part in, there really is something for anyone who wants to get involved this year.”
The British talent finished tenth in the 2016 event, leading the way with teammate Lucy Hall for over two-thirds of the elite women’s race, which eventually saw Olympic Champion Gwen Jorgenson take the title.
In 2017, the event is preparing to host 5,000 triathletes across the two days of triathlon action, witnessing everyone from nervous first-timers to the triathlon stars of Rio 2016 take on the challenge in the heart of the city.
The GO TRI event takes place on Saturday 10 June, in and around the picturesque grounds of Roundhay Park, allowing an opportunity for newcomers to get a taste of the excitement.
Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds was a definite highlight of 2016 for me and with races for all abilities to take part in, there really is something for anyone who wants to get involved this year
Rupert Pybus, Global Head of Brand and Marketing at Columbia Threadneedle, said: “Having supported the ITU World Triathlon Series since 2013, we are proud to be showing our support again to an event that caters for all participants, regardless of their ability or triathlon experience.
“With just five months to go, we can begin to really look forward to seeing triathlon take over the city of Leeds for another show-stopping weekend.”
Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor Judith Blake, said: “We are proud to be offering a chance for beginners to get involved with triathlon across Leeds, in preparation for Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds this June.
“The GO TRI event witnessed many individuals conquer their own personal triathlon goals in 2016, and more people across the city being active and getting involved in the sport. With the Tri Something New sessions taking place over the coming months, we hope many more will be inspired to have a go themselves this summer.”
The 2017 Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds will be organised exclusively by British Triathlon, in partnership with Leeds City Council, UK Sport and the ITU.
