Winter miles, summer smiles

The North East Development Squad is made up of the best triathletes in the region in the Tristar 2 and Tristar 3 categories.

Ian Simon, the Development Squad Head coach has provided us with an insight in to the hard work the youngsters have been up to this winter. 

"After a busy Christmas period sorting out applications to the squad, we kicked off Development Squad activities in January.  We have had three monthly sessions so far in 2017 where the young athletes have been based in Smart Fitness in Gosforth.  They have been learning some of the basics of athleticism, improving their balance, mobility and co-ordination; all key foundations for their time in triathlon.  In addition, some of the more experienced athletes moved on to power development with explosive strength work like box jumps.

"We also included sessions on bike handling skills, introducing the athletes to the tight turns and constant acceleration and deceleration associated with the tight circuit racing they're hoping to experience at the 2017 Inter-Regional Championships at Mallory Park.  

"We finished each session with an hour in the pool, working specifically on open water swim skills with fun sessions getting them used to clashing arms, learning to draft & sight effectively and prepare them for the maelstrom of open water races.

"We have now finished this preparatory stage of the season and will focus the next couple of sessions on more race skills, specifically on the bike and run.  There will be plenty of chain gang and race-pace efforts and transition skills to come."

We look forward to supporting the squad over the summer race season.

Head coach of the squad is Ian Simon.  If anyone wants to find out more, contact Ian via email on ian.simon@mail.com