All things equal come Friday morning and Jodie Swallow will once again be the hunted – emerging first woman from the water as a pack of the world’s best triathletes try to bike and run her down.

It’s been that way for years. Swallow’s swimming prowess is virtue of the hard graft of an early morning pool routine back home in Brentwood, Essex that eventually led to a career in multisport and a place on Great Britain’s 2004 Olympic team.

But now at 33, it’s not just the impressive swim splits, bettering so many of the professional men, that stand out, it’s her insatiable drive and motivation to still excel at a sport she has spent 20 years mastering.

Swallow arrives at Challenge Dubai from a fifth success at South Africa 70.3, which followed arguably her most successful year in triathlon: Third at the big money Hy-Vee 5150 race in Iowa, second at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships, fourth at the Ironman World Championships, and another third in Challenge Bahrain. 

“It’s a lot easier to do what I’m doing now than what I used to do,” she says. “I didn’t used to eat properly and was in a bad relationship. This is what I love doing, so I can go and do it day-in, day-out, whether racing or training and go full out.”

Swallow is now happily settled in South Africa with partner and fellow professional triathlete James Cunnama, who is also racing in Dubai. “In comparison to what I’ve been through, I’ve a great life and I’m always grateful. But I’ve still got to prove to myself and others and I’ll keep pressing until I’ve fulfilled that.”

Swallow rarely picks an easy challenge and the pro women’s field in Dubai numbers 24, high by middle and long distance standards. Chief amongst it is Challenge Bahrain champion Helle Frederiksen, who showed when winning in December that if she’s in contention coming on to the run she’ll be extremely hard to beat.

Frederiksen arrived looking relaxed and ready from a long stint in Lanzarote, and in conditions not unlike Bahrain, the flat, fast course mean she’s again a favourite.  The Dane beat Swallow in both Hy-Vee and Bahrain last year and as part of the successful Uplace-BMC team does not lack confidence.

Where Swallow may get some assistance though is in the arrival of Daniela Ryf. The Swiss triathlete, runner-up in Kona on her debut in October, has the swimming and biking ability to forge from the front with Swallow. With a 20-metre draft rule in operation, they may force a break that sticks, allowing enough of a time buffer coming into T2. 

From a British perspective, other notable contenders include Leanda Cave, Susie Cheetham and Alice Hector, but Swallow remains the standout – and she’s hungry for success.

“Kona is always my big one,” she admits, “I’d like to nail that one. And then the Triple Crown and Ironman 70.3 world title. And I could keep adding to that list…” 

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Challenge Dubai is the first of three middle distance races in the Middle East hosted by the Challenge Family. There is $1,000,000 on offer for any triathlete who wins all three.

For our preview of the men’s race, head here. Challenge Dubai gets underway at 6.45am local time (2.45am UK time) on Friday 27 February. We’ll be covering all the action live on our Twitter feed, and will have race reports online shortly afterwards.

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Who do you think will win Challenge Dubai? Let us know in the comments!

But an additional appeal has been the altering of a technical ruling that is the ongoing cause off much angst to many professional and amateur racers – one that concerns the contentious issue of drafting.

In extending the distance where professional triathletes can legally follow one another on the bike from 12 to 20 metres but giving them 35 seconds to pass, organisers of the Triple Crown series have found much favour with the strong swim-bikers who believe it delivers a fairer race.

“That’s something I’m very fond of,” says Andy Potts, the six-time winner of the renowned Escape to Alcatraz triathlon and consistently first from the water at the Ironman World Championships in Kona. “My physiology excels when I raise my heart-rate to eight to 12 beats below max and then just hold without having to surge. I’ve done enough races where it‘s me out front on the bike on my own and I don’t run that much slower [compared to being overtaken and forced to cycle in a pace-line of triathletes].

“I can tell when the ride is easy because I’ll get off and rip a 1hr 10min [half-marathon] and that’s because we held each other’s hands on the bike. My one concern here is judging the effort correctly, but what gives me confidence is knowing that if people ride past they will have done the work themselves, as opposed to just tactically sitting in until they can surge at an easier time. A longer draft zone will slowly feather people apart. Then it’s painfully obvious who can ride their bike.”

Such is the appeal to the 38-year-old 2004 Olympian that it has even persuaded him to race outside North America for the first time in years. “I treat my profession as a business,” he says. “I could be giving up as much as 10 days coming here but when I race in North America I’m away for a maximum of two nights and then I’m a normal dad to my two kids when I come home.”

Potts has run a 67-minute half-marathon off the bike  and with a swimming background that peaked with fourth place in the 1996 US Olympic trials and the  waters off Jumeirah Beach in the Emirates state looking warm enough to make it  a non-wetsuit swim, he considers himself a contender for the podium.

“There are no gifts, no presents,” Potts adds. “I’ll fight but if Javier [Gomez] is better than me, then he’s better than me.”

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The 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21.1km run starts at 6:45am local time (2:45 GMT). To follow the race live visit challengedubai.com and check out our Twitter feed.

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The Leicestershire triathlete joins a host of the world’s best non-drafting racers as well as a strong British contingent of Fraser Cartmell, Daniel Halksworth, David McNamee, Ritchie Nicholls and Joe Skipper on the start-line for the middle distance Challenge Dubai.

“I was trying to bully Mark into giving me more work last week, but he looked up my training stress scores on his phone and convinced me I was tired,” says Clarke after completing today’s final swim practice at Jumierah Beach. “He’s from a sports science background so has an answer for everything, can back up decisions with data and leaves no stone unturned. It’s a confidence-booster.

“Normally I’d be in South Africa or Australia at this time of year, but I chose to stay in England and take mini training camps away and I’m feeling good.”

Fifteen-month old son, Freddy, might have had an unwitting hand in the decision to stay in the UK this winter, but he’s been left behind with the grandparents for this one, as Clarke, supported by wife and designated Dubai driver, Clare, focuses on returning with a share of the $300,000 prize pot.

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Facing standout favourite and four-time ITU world champion Javier Gomez, last year’s Ironman UK 70.3 winner at Wimbleball will need to be in peak form and admits there might be some rust to shake off having not competed since Lanzarote in September, a 70.3 he won in familiar surroundings with a 1hr 14min 50sec run split.

That victory, along with finishing 10th at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships, gives him a healthy buffer of qualifying points for the Ironman World Championships in October and it’s a debut spot Clarke will look to cement with a top five at the African Championship race in South Africa next month or, if he “cocks it up,” another trip to Lanzarote in May.

Hawaii withstanding, he believes the promised $1,000,000 for any triathlete who can scoop all three Challenge Triple Crown events (Dubai, Oman and Bahrain) might be a little out of reach.

“It’s a bit too high in the sky,” he says. “I think you’re looking at someone who is world champion level to win it and I think Javier is the only one who can be consistent enough. The other longshot was Jan Frodeno, but he’s pulled out. It’s a massive ask to win all three, but then $1,000,000 is a massive prize.

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UPATE: A favourite for the women’s race, Holland’s Yvonne van Vlerken has withdrawn after slipping on stone steps and bruising her lower back and shoulder blade.

The event runs from Friday 27 February to Sunday 1 March at Sandown Park in Surrey – make sure you don’t miss anything with our essential guide to the event’s highlights…

Zoggs Swim Zone

Struggling with your swim, or need to buy new gear? Then the Zoggs Swim Zone will have everything you need in one place, with brands including Zoggs, 2XU, Orca, Blueseventy, Huub, Zone3, Snugg, Dryrobe, Swimovate and Aropec already confirmed to attend. The focal point of the swim zone area will be the Zoggs dual endless pool. Zoggs will be hosting daily sessions with top swim coaches including Paul Newsome and Terry Laughlin. 

You will also get the chance to meet up some of the world’s top swimmers including Adam Walker, the first Briton and one of only five swimmers to complete the gruelling Oceans7, culminating in swimming the North Channel. Adam will also be sharing his stories in the 220 Theatre. Book a swim session and they’ll use video analysis and underwater feedback to help you improve your stroke.

The 10K Run

There are plenty of ways to squeeze in some activity at the 220 Triathlon Show, so if you fancy a run then don’t miss our annual 10K! Held on the Sunday morning, the undulating course takes in two laps of the grounds around Sandown Racecourse.

The event will be organised by our partners VOTWO Events and supported by our 10K hydration partner H2OPro. You’ll receive a medal and timing chip, the chance to win one of several race prizes and use of the recovery area, where massage will be also available. Combined entry to the show, including a 10K race place, costs just £16. Book now at www.220triathlonshow.co.uk. 

220 Theatre

One of the most popular parts of the show every year is the 220 Theatre, where experts from within the pages of 220 will be holding seminars, covering everything from swim technique to nutrition. Already confirmed this year are Joe Beer, Kate Percy and Paul Newsome, with many more to come – plus the 220 editorial team will be on hand to answer your questions.

Seats will be free on the day, subject to capacity, but to make sure you don’t miss out, you can book your seminar places at www.220triathlonshow.co.uk for just £2 in advance. We’ll also be running a second set of free drop-in seminars at the 220 Hub, which is a smaller, more intimate setting and perfect for asking questions – again, keep an eye on the website for further details as the show draws closer. 

Run Zone

Whatever you need, all your run requirements will be met by our run retail partner Alton Sports, who will be selling everything from shoes to apparel, sunglasses to nutrition. Brands including Mizuno, Asics, On Running, Adidas, Ultra, Newton, Fusion, Kusaga Athletic, Yurbuds, Tribe Sports and Tribe Junior, who sell kids apparel for aspiring junior triathletes, have already confirmed – with more to follow. In the Run Zone we will also discover the Mizuno Gomez Test Track, where you will be able to try out run shoes on the indoor track before you buy.

Plus, if you decide to buy any of the 2015 Mizuno range your show entry fee will be taken off the price. Sub 4 will also be doing free biomechanical assessments and Chi Running will be hosting the Running School – book sessions for both throughout the weekend at www.220triathlonshow.com. Finally, juniors can enter the Tribe Junior Turbo Challenge and win prizes throughout the weekend. 

The 220 Evans Sportives

As well as the set-up and gear advice available in the bike zone, you’ll also be able to take part in one of our sportives running throughout the weekend. Catering for all levels of ability, distances range from 48km to 112km and the routes take in the beautiful Surrey countryside.

Prices start from only £18 including your show entry fee – just choose the sportive that best suits your ability. Go to www.220triathlonshow.co.uk to book your slot now, as spaces are filling fast!

We continue our preview of this year’s 220 Triathlon Show…

Triathlon Guard Bike Zone

As well as the chance to feast your eyes upon some of the best road and tri bikes for every budget – including the latest from Boardman, Dimond and kids’ brand Frog Bike – there will be plenty of practical help available in this year’s bike zone. Why not pre-register to receive a discounted full bike fit? Or visit one of our mechanics who will be on hand to help you make any repairs or adjustments to your bike race-fit.

Need to upgrade your bike? Then head to the show and discover all you need, including brand new kit from ISM, Reynolds, Progress Wheels, Lezyne and XLab.

The 220 Hub

You’ll find the 220 Hub in the Esher Hall on the lower ground floor. Sessions are held at no extra charge on a drop-in basis throughout the weekend, with no tickets required, first come, first served (find a full timetable online at www.220triathlonshow.co.uk).

Coaches and experts already confirmed include: Bike Science’s Andy Sexton, 220 coaches Andy Bullock and Joe Beer, cycling coach Andy Kirkland and swim and triathlon coach John Wood.

Product testing and sampling

We bring you all the latest gear in every issue of 220 – now see it for yourself at the 220 Triathlon Show. You’ll be able to run in Javier Gomez’s footsteps in the Mizuno Gomez Run Test track, where you’ll have the chance to try the latest run shoes and apparel.

And with a multitude of nutrition brands on hand, including Powerbar, High5, Clif Bar, Torq, Cherry Active, CurraNZ and Science Fitness, you can guarantee you’ll be suitably fuelled for the season ahead. In each of our zones you’ll find all the biggest triathlon brands and retailers, with experts on hand to help. 

Event Zone

If you still have some spots free in your 2015 race calendar, then head to the events zone where you’ll be able to sign up for the latest races throughout the UK, Europe and worldwide.

You’ll also find training camps on offer; whether it be basking in the warmth of the Mediterranean air, swimming in the Balearics or cycling on some of the best roads across Europe, speak to the experts and discover the many performance benefits of training abroad. Don’t forget to check www.220triathlonshow.co.uk for information on the latest exhibitors. 

Performance Zone

The Performance Zone will have everything you need to get you into peak physical condition for the season ahead. This is your chance to interact with and receive advice from some of the world’s leading coaches and medical experts. Don’t miss out! 

InDurance Performance Athlete Theatre 

Hosting leading medical experts, pro triathlon coaches, pro triathletes, cyclists and runners – Joe Beer, Vicky Gill and Blake Pond are already confirmed, with more big names to follow. The theatre will be hosted by 

Annie Emerson (triathlon commentator and former international multisport athlete). For a full seminar timetable head to www.220triathlonshow.co.uk.

Surrey Human Performance Hub

Take advantage of the opportunity to receive a full fitness assessment for only £130 (usual cost £280) – just go to www.220triathlonshow.com to book your session, as availability is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Led by a world class team from Surrey Human Performance Institute, tests will include: body composition, cycling lactate, strength and conditioning consultation, nutrition consultation and sweat test.

PLUS… 

Attend one of the many seminars in the 220 Hub to receive the very latest advice, including sport psychology and how to achieve the perfect bike fit. Plus, need training advice and plans for 2015? Then book in for a FREE consultation with our coaching partner, Tri Training Harder who will be running one-to-one sessions throughout the three days. 

Go to www.220triathlonshow.com and book your slot now, as these sessions go very quickly. If you’ve had an injury (or just want to avoid one), then the Performance Zone will be hosting a multitude of exhibitors, who will be able to advise you on orthotics, injury prevention and recovery products. Nutrition exhibitors will include new launches from Science Fitness and CurraNZ, who will both be on hand to advise you on your nutrition needs.

Opening times

Friday 27 February 12:30pm to 7pm
Saturday 28 February 9:30am to 5:30pm
Sunday 1 March 9:30am to 4:30pm 

On the door prices

One-day entry ticket £12.00
Two-day entry ticket £16.00
10k run race entry £16.00 (includes show entry)

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For more info head to www.220triathlonshow.com, see you at the show!

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The Swiss triathlete must have performed a jig of delight when she woke to fiercely windy conditions in the Emirates’ state tailor-made for the all-round strength she’s honed under Australian coach Brett Sutton.

And she took full advantage by powering through to the fastest bike split (2:18) and run (1:17) to win by over four minutes in 4:05:01 from Canadian Heather Wurtele and Denmark’s Challenge Bahrain champion Helle Frederiksen.

Ryf, 27, the reigning Ironman 70.3 champion will now prioritise Challenge Oman in the summer and if successful Bahrain in December as she chases the biggest prize purse ever staked in the sport.

“I’ll discuss it with my coach, he’s kind of the boss,” she said. “The priority is Kona but the Triple Crown is a great opportunity and I’ve put down a great platform. I hope to go to Oman and step up another level.”

“It was really hard and choppy, but I had a fantastic swim, and then on the bike I was really struggling at the start,” she continued. “I couldn’t keep pace and had to drop, but after about 40km I started to feel better. In the run, I knew if I could keep the speed I’d be ok.”

Jodie Swallow was the highest-placed British woman in fourth after emerging second from the water 78secs behind the express-paced US star Lauren Brandon. After a strong bike leg in 2:22 Swallow just couldn’t hold off the charging Wurtele or Frederiksen on the beach-side run.

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“I’m not really happy, I wanted a podium, but you can only do your best,” she said. “There was a bit of drafting going on but the right girl won. I didn’t know there was anyone in front coming out of the swim. It was tough and I couldn’t see anything because of the waves. I just felt flat on the run. What do I put that down to? It’s February.”

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Leanda Cave (4:25) was also in the prize money in eighth, with Alice Hector (4:34) rounding out the British contingent in 13th.

The New Zealander was 2008 World Ironman 70.3 champion and has shown he can compete with the world’s best on many occasions, but given the level of talent in such a packed field in the Middle East, few touted his potential for victory here.

Instead, all eyes were on Spain’s four-time ITU world champion Javier Gomez, butas he wilted on the bike and dropped out on the run, it was Bozzone that stayed strong to win in a dominating 3hrs 41mins 45secs, just over a minute from Germany’s Michael Raelert.

There was shock in third place too, with Switzerland’s Manuel Kung rounding out the podium 2mins 50s behind Raelert.

The windy early morning conditions meant the race start was delayed for five minutes and the swim course revised due to strong currents. When they did get going it was American Andy Potts and 2012 Ironman champion Pete Jacobs who led a front pack from the swim that included Gomez and Britain’s Dan Halksworth and David McNamee.

Denmark’s Martin Jensen was soon to the fore on the bike, the 2013 Ironman Japan champion looking to put 18 months of injury behind him as he posted a 2:02 split. But that was matched by Kiwi Bozzone, who knew the most likely danger was Challenge Bahrain champion Raelert, alighting in T2 1min 49sec back, with the rest of the field splintered to pieces.

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Although Raelert clawed 45secs back over the half-marathon, it was never enough to threaten Bozzone, who was disbelieving in crossing the line for the first victory in what he hopes to be a $1,000,000 Triple Crown win. With Challenge Oman and Bahrain to follow, watch this space to see how it develops.

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With the backdrop of the 830m Burj Khalifa, it was the women who fared best with the highest placing – a commendable fourth – returned by Jodie Swallow.

But that was still one spot shy of the podium she achieved three months ago in the sister-race in Bahrain and failed to meet her own high expectations after finishing the bike leg with only Daniela Ryf in front.

Leanda Cave put in a solid show on ‘home soil’ racing for the new Arab-backed Alameda o.n. Triathlon Team team and Alice Hector, at the start of just her second season back in triathlon, will have taken many lessons from finishing 13th in the half iron-distance contest she described as the ”biggest race of her life.”

It was on the men’s side where the real disappointment came.  Joe Skipper was best-placed in 19th after picking up from a 26:07 swim to force his way through the field with a 2:07 bike split and 1:15 run, but was far from content with finishing almost 12mins behind race-winner Terenzo Bozzzone’s 3:41:45.

“I was 20 watts down on the bike and felt s*** the whole way,” he says. “On the run I didn’t even feel that good. Five minutes back was quite a lot out of the swim too, it’d normally be about 2 ½ minutes.

“I felt really unfit swim-wise and that took a lot out of me and I couldn’t hit my power numbers. In an Ironman I’m not swimming at the same intensity so I can bike more to my potential. Racing a half, I’m not fit enough in the water and it impacts the rest of the race.

“It’s just a shame to go home £500 down. You want to race the best people in the world, so do these races but even if I got 10th place I’d have only made £100.”

Skipper was followed in by David McNamee in 21st. The Scot couldn’t have picked a much tougher non-drafting debut after stepping out of the British Olympic programme at Christmas.

He shouldn’t see it as a disaster but after emerging from the water on the back of the front pack, he biked 2:15 on a borrowed time-trial bike against a race-best 2:02 before running through the field with a sharp 1:13 split to finish in 3:55:05, 1min 45 behind Skipper. He heads for the regional championship Ironman South Africa next as the baptism of fire away from lottery funding continues.

Probably winning a hard-fought contest for the most dejected though, was Will Clarke. “It was a really crap race, probably my worst ever,” admitted the 2008 Olympian with a frank assessment. “I can’t really complain about the swim, I found it hard but it was ok [Clarke led the second pack from the water, 56secs down on the leaders].

“I just had no power on the bike, I don’t think I passed anyone all day. I had 275 watts average, I can normally push 325, and on the run I just got round and took the workout. 

“I think I came here too late and also it was the first race of the year.  It’s different to do a hard swim and then ride 2 ½ hours hard and sometimes I think it takes a race to get your legs back. But, yes, I’m pretty disappointed, it’s horrendous. “

Ritchie Nicholls and Fraser Cartmell also struggled on the desert roads, but Nicholls should take some solace from an impressive 1:11 run split – the fastest of the day, and remarkable considering it still only placed him 34th. Cartmell, sporting a black eye, was 42nd and Jersey’s Dan Halksworth pulled the plug after feeling totally drained.

“I aimed for 340watts hit 260 and my heart-rate was at 180 with a max of 186, I just couldn’t get it down,” he said. “I just suffered the whole race on the bike and on the run had absolutely nothing left.

“I was burning too many matches. For my heart rate to get to 180 on the bike! I don’t hit that when I’m doing five-minute efforts. There’s something wrong. The doctor said there is a virus going round Dubai at the moment and he thinks I probably have something.

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“I wasn’t particularly well yesterday, but thought that was just nerves. I need to just get over it and do well in the next race.”

A four-minute penalty was handed down to the offenders with the upshot a reshuffled podium, but Terenzo Bozzone was still awarded the title and $65,000 first prize. Tim Reed moved from fourth to second and Michael Raelert slipped from the runner-up position to third.

Switzerland’s Manuel Kung dropped six places to ninth, with fifth-placed finisher Andy Potts and fellow US triathlete Ben Collins out of the prize money altogether in 12th and 15th.

It appeared something was amiss during the bike leg of the race when the ‘leader’ Denmark’s Martin Jensen (now officially awarded fifth) showed annoyance to a bike marshal after spotting triathletes placed ahead who hadn’t passed him on the road.

It became more apparent at the finish line with many of the professionals convinced the route hadn’t been adhered to, but the original podium of Bozzone, Raelert and Kung stood for the presentation ceremony before being altered for the official awards in the evening.

There is no suggestion any of the five triathletes tried to gain an advantage by deliberating cutting the course, with unconfirmed reports that they turned at an incorrect roundabout when following a motorbike outrider.

But under International Triathlon Union rules, which govern the Challenge races, an advantage gained by taking the wrong route should mean a disqualification.

Revised top five men’s results:

1.      Terenzo Bozzone (NZL)*     3:45:45 

2.      Tim Reed (AUS)                   3:46:35

3.      Michael Raelert (DUE)*        3:46:49

4.      Bart Aernouts (BEL)           3:47:13

5.      Martin Jensen (DEN)           3:47:19

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*Received a four-minute penalty for cutting the course

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Sponsored by sports nutrition brand Elivar, there were twenty categories in all, covering triathlon’s brightest athletes, brands and races from the past year. Our winners were voted for directly by you, our readers, right here on the 220 Triathlon website:

Race of the year (under 500 entries) – The Ilkley Triathlon
Run shoe brand of the year – Asics
Duathlete of the year – Emma Pooley
Women’s age-grouper of the year – Kayleigh Adams (pictured above)
Triathlon retailer of the year – TFN
Men’s age-group triathlete of the year – Neil Eddy
Innovative product of the year – Garmin 920XT 
Men’s paratriathlete of the year – Phil Hogg
Youth triathlete of the year – Ben Dijkstra
Online retailer of the year – Wiggle
International triathlete of the year – Javier Gomez
Women’s paratriathlete of the year – Lauren Steadman
Triathlon wetsuit brand of the year – Huub
Coach of the year – Simon Ward
Bike brand of the year – Boardman Bikes
Women’s elite triathlete of the year – Jodie Stimpson
Race of the year (over 500 entries) – The Long Course Weekend
Men’s elite triathlete of the year – Alistair Brownlee
Club of the year – Leeds and Bradford Tri Club
The Jane Tomlinson Award for outstanding contribution to triathlon – Iain Hamilton 

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What do you think of this year’s winners? Let us know in the comments below!

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