Co-founded by two-time Ironman world champion Chris McCormack, the new series sees the traditional swim, bike and run triathlon turned on its head. In total, there will be five unique race formats, each comprising a 300m swim, 6km bike and 2km run (see table below for each format). In each event, athletes will compete for prize money, championship series points and the prestigious ‘series leader’ jersey and the individual ‘swim, bike and run leader’ jerseys.

The five formats

“Our race formats are a game changer and we’re going to find out who is truly the greatest multisport athlete on the planet,” said McCormack. “We’ve seen it so often over the years with the Brownlees and Gomez dominating in short course and in long course we see a relatively similar story unfold race after race. 

“Of course, we’re expecting the blockbuster clashes between the Brownlees, Gomez and Mola, however, it may not always be at the front of the field. Our race formats also play to the strengths of the standout swimmers, bikers and runners who can destroy the traditional race strategy and lead from the front. And, then there’s the young brigade of super talented athletes like Jake Birtwhistle whose blistering run speed is made for Super League Triathlon racing. These next generation athletes have little regard for reputation and Super League Triathlon is the ultimate platform for them to shake up the establishment.”

The series will officially run from October 2017 until March 2018 in the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East regions, with the inaugural Super League Triathlon event taking place seven months earlier on Hamilton Island, on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Open to male athletes only (15 women will be invited to join for the October leg), the three-day event (17-19 March) will showcase the Triple Mix (17th), Equalizer (18th) and Eliminator (19th) formats. The winner will be the triathlete with the fastest overall time.

“Super League Triathlon will be exciting, dynamic racing and great viewing for all sports fans,” said Ali Brownlee. “There’s a bit of chatter from the younger guys about the heat, the shorter distances, and a few of them fancy themselves for the win. While the formats are new and innovative, they’ve still got to swim, bike and run and they have to remember that their weaknesses will still be highlighted. It’ll be a lot of fun.” 

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Super League Hamilton Island will be broadcast live on Fox Sports (Australia), Eurosport (Europe) and across the globe at www.superleaguetriathlon.com. For more on the Series and inaugural race, check out the latest issue of 220, on sale 1 March. 

Congratulations on your win in Dubai. How did you find the return to racing?
Just to be on the start line was something special for me after many months out of racing. I was a bit more nervous than usual the day before the race as I wanted to achieve a good result and build some confidence after 2016, which did not go as I expected. 

When did you start training for 70.3 Dubai, and what did you focus on?
I started training late October, but very easily, once my elbow was recovered. I’ve been increasing progressively, but I didn’t follow any specific training programme for the 70.3 distance. I just did what I do every year, expect maybe a little bit more TT riding than usual, but that’s it!

How’s your arm now following your accident and surgery last summer?
It’s fine, but to be honest it’s not the same as before the surgery. I can do everything and it doesn’t affect my performance, but I still feel some discomfort 

What rehab did you do to recover from your injury? Was it a lot of arm and shoulder work?  
Obviously I had to work on the elbow flexibility, but I also had to focus on arm strength, after my arm was in a cast for nearly six weeks. I lost all muscle lvolume, strength and tension. [The recovery] was harder and longer than I expected. 

How did you deal with the disappointment of not being able to race the Olympics?
It was hard, that’s for sure, but I tried to remain positive. The crash was very simple and stupid, I was riding very slow. But to win five world championships you need to have good luck at some point, this time I had bad luck. That’s just sport. 

Did you watch the men’s Olympic race? If so, how was that for you?  
Yes I did, it was tough because I wanted to be there. The race went as I expected it would, which I think would have suited my type of racing. The Brownlees did a great job and deserved the two medals. I felt sorry for [teammate] Mario [Mola], he did a good swim and he nearly caught the first group. 

What are your plans for 2017? Will you still race ITU?
Yes I will be focussing on ITU races, but I might try to do 70.3 World Champs depending when that the situation is before the Grand Final. 

Is Tokyo 2020 still a possibility? 
This is a decision I will make at the end of 2017, but I still think I can be there racing for the medals.

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IMAGE CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES

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Ali Brownlee to target Ironman 70.3 Worlds

“The next couple of years will see me race over longer distances, though I will still be at Leeds WTS this year,” Brownlee says. “I’m looking to be as competitive as I have been over the Olympic distance, although I have a lot to learn. I’m strong over all three disciplines and I will look to use that to my advantage.

“I’m really pleased to be joining the Bahrain Endurance team; they are the best athletes in the world, men and women.” 

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Fellow British triathlete and current Ironman 70.3 World Champion Holly Lawrence is also looking forward to wearing the racing red alongside her new teammates. Lawrence left ITU racing in favour of middle distance two years ago, and won the 2016 Ironman 70.3 world title in Mooloolaba, Australia.

Lawrence says: “I’m excited to be part of the team, to join legends like Jan Frodeno, Javier Gomez and Daniela Ryf who I’ve always looked up to.”

The Bahrain Endurance 13 tri team, under the leadership of His Highness Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, race middle-distance and full-distance triathlons in the team’s iconic red colours. 

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The Bahrain Endurance 13 Team:

Javier Gomez Noya (ESP)    

Jan Frodeno (GER) 

Daniela Ryf (SUI)

Alistair Brownlee (GBR)

Jodie Cunnama (GBR)

Terenzo Bozzone (NZL)

Caroline Steffen (SUI)

David Plese (SLO)

Holly Lawrence (GBR)

Fredrik Croneborg (SWE)

Brent McMahon (CAN)

Mikel Calahorra (ESP)

Ben Hoffman (USA)

Up-and-coming New Zealander, Mike Phillips led out of the water in 50:21, neck and neck with veteran Kiwi, Bryan Rhodes. Simon Cochrane (NZL), Luke Bell (AUS) and Per Bittner (GER) were all within 10 seconds, while Allan posted a 54.32 in eighth.  

Rhodes, Phillips and Bell dominated the first 30km of the bike, but behind them McKenzie and Allan were showing their form as two of the sport’s strongest bikers. By 70km, McKenzie had taken the lead, setting the pace with Bell and Phillips after Rhodes had a mechanical at the Red Bridge.

And that’s the way it stayed until Allan made his move on the bike’s second lap at the 135km mark. From there Allan continued to increase his lead with the only real challenge coming from Phillips. He also smashed his own bike course record in 4:27:37. Phillips finished in second in 8:32:00, while Luke Bell came in third.

“I knew I was going to suffer and suffer I did!” said Allan. “I was really pleased with my swim and it gave me a bit of leeway on the bike, which was good as I didn’t want to go too hard on the first lap. I knew the course record would go today, and that’s not me being arrogant but the calibre of athletes was just exceptional and the conditions were perfect and I was just lucky it was me.

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“I knew Mike was going to be hard to beat. The gap between us was not comfortable on the first lap of the run and I just had to trust my experience. He was the underdog and no-one was talking about him before the race except me. He’s going to be a lot more dangerous next year!”

Like last year the battle for the women’s race was between Dutchwoman Yvonne van Vlerken, and Brit Laura Siddall, but in the end it would prove van Vlerken’s day, winning in a new course record of 9:15:44. Siddall was chasing her all the way and finished just 27 seconds behind. 

Emma Bilham (SUI) led out of the swim in 54:32, 3:37 ahead of Siddall in second, but it wasn’t long before the two strongest bike riders in the race, Siddall and van Vlerken, were pushing the pace and taking the lead at the 55km mark.

The two continually fought each other for the lead while increasing the gap to Bilham in third to over 16 minutes by T2.  Siddall posted a new bike course record of 4:58:58 in the process.

Siddall was the first one to set the pace on the run and created a gap between the two that lasted for the first 15km. Van Vlerken then overtook her but didn’t get more than a 1:40 lead. Siddall whittled her down in the second half the run to just seconds at the finish line. Both athletes broke the previous course record with van Vlerken setting a new benchmark in 9:16:11. Emma Bilham rounded out the podium 14:55 behind in 9:30:39.

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220 rated Challenge Wanaka as the 7th best triathlon in the world, the 11th toughest Iron-distance triathlon in the world  and its bike leg one of the world’s most scenic 

As the memorable images above from the December 2016 show, the race is located at the base of the Ruwenzori Mountains and situated on a volcanic crater lake that’s 224m deep.

The 2017 race, which includes sprint, standard and relay options, will again be hosted at the Kyaninga Lodge in western Uganda, with the date set as 1st April.

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“Of the international events that I’ve participated in, this has been one of the truly memorable triathlons that I’ve taken part in,” says Adam Cameron, who finished third in December. “This is ultimately down to the warmth and friendliness of the local Ugandans, who gave us so much extra energy. And if you’re ever in this part of the world? This really offers a unique way to see the country and its people.”

THE COURSES

Medium Course: 750m swim/16.5km mountain bike/4km run

Long Course: 1.5km swim/33km mountain bike/8km run

All proceeds from the event go towards ‘Kyaninga Child Development Centre’, which is an organization focusing on the rehabilitation and integration of children living with disabilities. Head to here to enter.

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Meanwhile, the Running the Rift marathon from the same race organisers will take place on the 11 November 2017 (www.runningtheriftmarathon.com).

The British Triathlon Mixed Relay Cup takes place on Saturday 2nd September 2017, and will see each athlete completing a fast and furious 300m swim, 7.5km bike and 1.5km run before tagging their teammate – there are four athletes to a team, two men and two women, with British elite, junior and U23 squads competing and a “possibility” of some international teams. The format was a popular inclusion at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where the British team of Jonny Brownlee, Alistair Brownlee, Jodie Stimpson and Vicky Holland won gold.  

The race is being organised by One Step Beyond Events and will take place in the heart of Nottingham, with a swim in the River Trent and bike and run courses along Victoria Embankment. It will also be televised live on BBC, with British Triathlon CEO Jack Buckner commenting that it was “fantastic for the BBC to be giving triathlon a prime TV slot”.   

The Brownlee brothers were in attendance at the launch event alongside Sophie Coldwell and Jodie Stimpson; and although little has stopped them in their triathlon dominance, Storm Doris managed to delay their arrival by 30mins. Jonny said: “It’s usually Alistair who’s late, but today we both are. I hate Doris now!” 

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All athletes were hugely positive about the relay format and the new event in Nottingham. Stimpson commented: “Glasgow was amazing, and the relay format is exciting and fun for us and for the spectators. Every little thing matters in these shorter races, so it’s a really true test for the athletes. I’m really excited for this new event in Nottingham.”  

Alistair Brownlee said: “Wherever the relay format has gone to it’s been really popular, and it’s definitely an exciting format for spectators. Hopefully lots of people will show up and have a great day out.”

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Home Nation members can apply for priority grandstand tickets for the event before the tickets go on general sale on 27th February at 9am.

The chosen two will win:

Ambassador status with Sundried for 1 year
VIP entry to Southend Triathlon and overnight stay*
The new Sundried tri-suit ( landing in May)
Press, promotion and support from Sundried

Entries will open 1 March 2017 and to be considered all you need to do is tweet us @220Triathlon telling us why you should be chosen, with the hashtag #220Sundried – you can also attach photos, video to help get your message across and catch the judge’s eye…

Entrants need to be 18 years old and over, and be UK residents – England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Entries close at midnight on 14th March, from which date entries will be shortlisted, and two winners chosen. These will be  announced a week later, on 21st March.

*T&C’s apply – Travel expenses not included

Sundried provide premium activewear, trialled and tested by leading triathletes to bring you the best performance wear. Responsibly produced with a low carbon footprint, the brand focuses on creating a brand which provides transparent production, supporting their workers throughout the supply chain to bring activewear to you ethically.

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Sundried ambassadors receive a year’s membership, which includes ambassador status, promotion throughout Sundried’s social media and press opportunities, as well as a new Sundried Tri Suit – landing in May!

The winner of this exclusive competition will also gain free entry to Sundried’s triathlon, bringing the sport back to Southend in Essex. The event is a sprint triathlon taking place on 28th May, with overnight stay including breakfast on 27th May. Competition winners will be sent full details.

Sports sponsorship: how a triathlete can find a sponsor

How to use social media to get, and stay, sponsored

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How to become a professional triathlete

2. THOROUGH WARM-UP

Next time you’re competing in a triathlon, you might be wise to slip into a Dryrobe after your swim warm-up. A team from Canberra University investigated the effects of completing additional warm-up strategies in the transition phase between the pool warm-up and the start of the race. These included dry-land exercises and passive warming via a heated jacket. The researchers showed that swim performance improved by 0.8% with the more strategic warming protocols, thanks to a lower reduction in core temperature

3. PROTEIN OVERLOAD

It’s generally accepted that a 20g hit of post-exercise protein results in optimal muscle repair, but a study from Stirling University suggests that 40g could be better. The study showed that with 40g, muscle protein synthesis increased after whole-body exercises that utilise large-muscle groups (the 20g figure came from smaller-muscle studies). Exercise physiologist Asker Jeukendrup concludes, though, that the current guidelines are a great starting point: 20-25g of protein containing 8-10g of essential amino acids and 3g of leucine at regular (3-4hr) intervals.

Protein: how much do you need when training and racing?
4. GIVE YOURSELF WINGS 

To give your session a boost, try a shot of Red Bull. A study by Diego Souza of Londrina State University, Brazil, analysed 34 papers looking at the acute effects of caffeine-containing energy drinks on physical performance. Though caffeine produced a nominal improvement in strength and endurance, taurine realised an even greater boost in performance. Taurine is a free-form amino acid first discovered in the bile of bulls (hence the Red Bull name), and is utilised by the body during exercise and times of stress. Be warned: too much Red Bull can increase anxiety.

5. PERFORMANCE GAINS FROM TECHNICAL FABRICS

Pondering whether to buy that merino base layer and Lycra run tights or ‘be hard’ and slip into vest and shorts? Recent research suggests that the former combo is well worth the outlay. A Scandinavian team examined the effects of skin and core tissue cooling on oxygenation of the vastus lateralis, one of the four muscles that makes up the quadriceps, during walking and running. (Measuring the amount of oxygen swimming around in your bloodstream is a good indicator of how hard you can exercise.)

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The team showed that skin cooling had no impact on oxygenation levels, but that core tissue cooling led to greater deoxygenation of the thigh muscle before the session had even begun, because the subjects’ metabolism sucked up larger quantities of oxygen simply to keep warm. This has performance repercussions: reduced oxygen levels resulted in early cessation of a bike or run effort and greater discomfort. Of course, mechanisms such as shivering mitigate reductions in core temperature, but don’t take the risk – insulate with breathable fabrics and you’ll not only extract more from a session, you’ll also reduce the chances of a muscle strain.

Holly Balogh, 46, a Kona qualifier and Ironman All World Athlete champion in 2014 and 2015, tested positive for exogenous testosterone after winning her age-group at Ironman Texas last summer.

The mum-of-two from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, trained under the highly reputable PurplePatch Coaching group, headed up by British coach Matt Dixon. It is believed a whistleblower in the group alerted the drug enforcement agency USADA.

However, despite the ban, Balogh is now entered under her maiden name Hancock for the Old Pueblo ultra, a 50-mile race taking place this weekend in Sonoita, Arizona. The race is not thought to be governed by World Anti-Doping Association rules, and the organiser has not yet replied to requests for comment.

The use of any exogenous anabolic androgenic steroid is prohibited under the World Anti-Doping Code and Balogh did not apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE).

“It is unfortunate that Ms. Balogh chose to disregard the education, advice and knowledge she had regarding anti-doping and instead competed in violation of the Ironman Anti-Doping Rules,” said Kate Mittelstadt, Director of the Ironman Anti-Doping Program in 2016. “We applaud the decisions of the athlete support personnel to step forward, first to report Ms. Balogh’s use with disregard to their advice, and also for the conviction to include anti-doping awareness in their coaching. They each recognised the importance of honouring their obligations under the anti-doping rules and cooperated with Ironman’s investigation.”

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Balogh initially challenged the verdict, before later dropping her case. A source who did not want to be named said: “To cut a long story short, she’s a type-A person who became more obsessive through triathlon.

“She was a mid-level triathlete with a dream to go to Kona and a strong work ethic, but something changed around 2013. She injured herself through overtraining, but raced too soon and re-fractured her leg. She thinks there’s a pharmaceutical cure to her problem, when the problem is a mental one: she just can’t rest.

“It sounds like this new coaching group either saw something in her performance or she told them what she was doing. I suspect the latter because she was not terribly shy about this claiming it was for ‘medical reasons’.”

Balogh, a real estate manager who trained up to 25 hours a week, said finishing the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii in 2014 was “the coolest experience of my life. That gets me a little emotional when I think about.”

Her failed samples from Texas comprised her only drug test of 2016. For comparison, Tim O’Donnell, a professional Ironman, was the most tested triathlete by USADA (15 times), with professionals responsible for the lionshare of tests.

“I’m afraid I’m not able to discuss any particular athlete or situation,” said her coach Dixon when we approached him for comment. “With this said, I will tell you that PurplePatch has a very clear policy on any use of PED, as well as what we would see as potential ‘abuse’ of TUE with the aim of gaining a performance advantage. We make it clear to each athlete, beginning with a set of commitments with our professional team, as well as information and education to all the amateurs who utilise our coaching services. We include ongoing education, including a specifically crafted packet to guide athletes with education of PED abuse, our expectations, as well as resources to help them navigate and enjoy the sport with good faith and ethics.

“In any situation in which we suspected an athlete of crossing the line, or receive insight that they have, we have shown that we will fully assist and cooperate with IRONMAN, WADA and USADA. This global PurplePatch policy applies to every athlete we help, and we find that establishing this policy ahead of time, and revisiting periodically, allows our primary focus to be channeled to our passion, namely, to help athletes improve and flourish.”

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I asked Balogh via her new Twitter account whether she thought it was morally right to race in an ultra event while serving a doping suspension. I cited her tweet: ‘Interesting times right now, I will begin anew now, today, despite the insanity around me.’ Her response was to block me from following her or viewing her tweets.