Cancer doctor and five-time Ironman champion, and defending Ironman 70.3 Staffordshire champion, Lucy Gossage, is calling for team mates to take on the gruelling Ironamn 70.3 Staffordshire to raise vital funds for Teenage Cancer Trust. The professional triathlete is calling on others to join Team Lucy to take on this challenge with her and raise money for the only UK charity who supports young people with cancer aged 13-24.
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Teenage Cancer Trust has reserved special places for Team Lucy participants in the sold-out Ironman 70.3 Staffordshire. Taking place on 12 June 2016, it’s not for the faint hearted – Team Lucy will be completing a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride across the countryside, finished off with a 13.1-mile run.
Team Lucy participants will have access to an exclusive package worth over £2,000, including a tailored training plan written by Lucy, an exclusive training day including a morning open-water swim course run by Elite swimming academy (eliteswimmingacademy.co.uk), a sports psychology session, sports nutrition session and injury prevention session, one night’s pre event accommodation in a luxurious hotel and an exclusive kit package to support and train athletes as they prepare for the 70.3 mile challenge.
The cancer doctor, who is also an Ambassador for Teenage Cancer Trust, came in the top 10 in the World Championship at Kona last month. Now, Lucy Gossage is stepping up once again to the challenge for a charity close to her heart. Gossage became Ambassador for Teenage Cancer Trust after visiting one of their specialist cancer units for young people and was inspired to raise money for the charity.
Lucy Gossage, said: “I want people to join me and take on one of the toughest Ironman’s in the UK in aid of the charity that does so much to support teenagers with cancer. Ironman Staffordshire will be one to remember and it will be an honour to take it on as a team whilst raising vital funds for Teenage Cancer Trust.”
Joanna Sullivan, Head of Mass Participation at Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “Team Lucy is going for gold this year, with an amazing package that will train and support our athletes to help them conquer Ironman Staffordshire. Every person that signs up will be making a difference to the lives of young people with cancer.”
Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to improving the quality of life and chances of survival for the seven young people aged 13 to 24 diagnosed with cancer every day. The charity funds and builds specialist units in NHS hospitals and provides dedicated staff, bringing young people together so they can be treated by teenage cancer experts in the best place for them.
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To find out more about registering for Ironman 70.3 Staffordshire for Teenage Cancer Trust, please contact [email protected] or see our web page www.teenagecancertrust.org/team-lucy
Germany’s Michael Raelert, former Ironman 70.3 World Championship, made an impressive comeback at Laguna Phuket this weekend when he finished first in the 22nd annual Laguna Phuket Triathlon race.
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Winner of the classic race in 2011, Raelert finished the 1.8km swim, 55km bike and12km run event in 2:30:14, with a swim of 23:55mins, the bike in 1:20hrs and the run in 43:44mins. Following home in second and third places were Switzerland’s Ruedi Wild (2:32:57) and Brit racing stalwart Stuart Hayes (2:36:17).
In the women’s field it was Swiss pro Simone Braendli who took home the win in 2:48:04. Followed Braendli in second was Hayes’ fellow Team Dillon athlete – and recent World Duathlon Champion – Emma Pallant (2:52:43) who then saw Phuket-based Australian pro Dimity-Lee Duke finish in third (2:56:08). Pallant’s fellow Brit Imogen Simmonds took fifth in 3:05:33.
“My practice was to get a bit used to the heat for today was really hot. I am very happy I am concluding my season here this year because I love Thailand and I like Phuket,” said Raelert. “Next weekend I’m hoping that I’m doing fine as well. Right now I hope to get a little bit of rest.”
Braendli also strategically planned her way to tackle the heat. “I arrived last Sunday from Switzerland and had been trying to stay indoors. I did treadmill sessions and swim in Olympic swimming pool, then I checked out the courses, and I tried the bike course three times before the race today.”
A field of over 1,300 individual pro and age group athletes representing 44 nationalities, 66 relay teams and 6K Fun Runners raced in the 22nd edition of the race, which has been won in the past by Mark Allen, Greg Welch, Craig Alexander, Paula Newby-Fraser, Chris McCormack, Michellie Jones and Chrissie Wellington.
The Off-Road Series has always had a reputation for being tough, but the 2015 WildMan was looking to be extra wild when, at around 8am on Saturday, the sleet suddenly transformed into thick snow ahead of the race.
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Over 600 athletes made their way to the army testing ground of Ash Ranges, ready to take on either a 10km or 15km trail run, or the duathlon where the hardy off-roaders would take on first a 10km run, then an 18km bike and a final 5km run tackling hills, mud, sand, bogs and pretty much every surface known to man.
The duathlon at the Off-Road Series is always a highly competitive affair, with many familiar faces returning to battle it out year after year. Tom Elwood came out top with a stunning time of 2:00:21, pulling out a superior bike leg after a run that was neck and neck. Rick Fetherston (Specialized Concept Store) was close behind in 2:01:44 and Ross Smith came in third in 2:03:55.
Jackie Field (Haslemere Borders Athletic Club) took the female win in 2:27:06, with Rachel Clay (Petersfield Triathlon Club) second in 2:29:56 and Ruth Purbrook third in 2:33:10. Ruth’s transition skills deserve a special mention – in and out of T1 in 31secs and T2 in 30secs.
Plaudits must go the hardy marshals and everyone who raced at WildMan to brave the extreme conditions. Look out for a race report in issue 321 of 220.
Human Race’s next off-roader is in two weeks’ time – the IceMan at Frimley, where you can ‘enjoy’ either an 11km or 16km trail run, or the duathlon (10km run, 18km bike, 5km run). To get 15% off your entry, Human Race have offered a discount code of OFFROAD15 when you enter online at www.humanrace.co.uk
Images: Matt Alexander/Human Race
The Off-Road Series has always had a reputation for being tough, but the 2015 WildMan was looking to be extra wild when, at around 8am on Saturday, the sleet suddenly transformed into thick snow ahead of the race.
Refusing to be beaten, the sun fought its way through and sunny conditions prevailed with a bright blue sky and biting November air.
Over 600 athletes made their way to the army testing ground of Ash Ranges, ready to take on either a 10km or 15km trail run, or the duathlon where the hardy off-roaders would take on first a 10km run, then an 18km bike and a final 5km run tackling hills, mud, sand, bogs and pretty much every surface known to man.
The duathlon at the Off-Road Series is always a highly competitive affair, with many familiar faces returning to battle it out year after year. Tom Elwood came out top with a stunning time of 2:00:21, pulling out a superior bike leg after a run that was neck and neck. Rick Fetherston (Specialized Concept Store) was close behind in 2:01:44 and Ross Smith came in third in 2:03:55.
Jackie Field (Haslemere Borders Athletic Club) took the female win in 2:27:06, with Rachel Clay (Petersfield Triathlon Club) second in 2:29:56 and Ruth Purbrook third in 2:33:10. Ruth’s transition skills deserve a special mention – in and out of T1 in 31secs and T2 in 30secs.
Plaudits must go the hardy marshals and everyone who raced at WildMan to brave the extreme conditions. Look out for a race report in issue 321 of 220.
Human Race’s next off-roader is in two weeks’ time – the IceMan at Frimley, where you can ‘enjoy’ either an 11km or 16km trail run, or the duathlon (10km run, 18km bike, 5km run). To get 15% off your entry, Human Race have offered a discount code of OFFROAD15 when you enter online at www.humanrace.co.uk
To combat cold weather in the saddle, Adidas Cycling have launched the men’s Rompighiaccio Jacket as part of their Climaheat range.
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It includes the brand’s own Climaheat technology, which is formed from hollow fibered fabrics that trap warm air without bulk, also allowing sweat to evaporate quickly.
Named after the Italian meaning for icebreaker ship, the Rompighiaccio jacket aims to do just that and is supplemented by an upgraded winter Supernova range of jerseys and bibtights in red and black colourways, all available at www.adidascycling.com.
The material is designed to keep cyclists warm in the winter months whilst staying dry, letting the rider direct full concentration to the road.
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The jacket is retailing at £85.00, whilst there is also a Rompighiaccio Jersey available for £80.00 and some bib tights in the range for £85.
The team behind ÖtillÖ, the Swedish swimrun World Championship, have today announced exclusively to 220 Triathlon that a UK qualifying event will launch in 2016.
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The date for your diary is 18 June 2016 and the location will be the Isles of Scilly, a venue that offers the perfect mix of sea swims and beautiful running terrain that the organisers were looking for. There will be space for 100 teams, with eight qualification spots for ÖtillÖ itself next September up for grabs.
Back in our November issue we reported on the tenth anniversary of ÖtillÖ (meaning ‘island to island’) and on the rise of the swimrun phenomenon, which sees competitors running and swimming across a series of islands while always within 10 metres of a race partner. At the time, adventure racer and organiser Michael Lemmel told 220 they were keen to bring the format to the UK, but that finding the right venue was key.
“The most important three things for us,” Lemmel said, “are to keep our races personal not anonymous, to create awesome races in awesome places and the belief that love makes everyone stronger. Swimrun is natural. We go back to the stone-age mentality of moving through nature as effortlessly as possible and taking care of yourself and your partner.”
The Isles of Scilly are made up of 140 islands (five of which are inhabited), making it the perfect choice for a swimrun race. Don’t think it will be easy though – the race will offer a true test as teams tackle a course close to 45km long, with a minimum of eight swims.
The open-water swim sections will total around 10km and the 35km remaining will be made up of picturesque trail-running over and around the major islands of St. Mary’s, Tresco, St. Martin and Bryher.
“Finally we can bring ÖtillÖ to the UK and thanks to the Isles of Scilly and their hospitality, we will put on an awesome show!” said Mats Skott, Race Director for ÖtillÖ.
Registration opens on 26 November 2015 at 3pm (UK time) for this inaugural race. See www.islesofscillyswimrun.com for more info and visit www.otilloswimrun.com to find out more about the series.
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You can read our reports/see images from ÖtillÖ 2015 here and here.
Whilst we may be in the grip of winter, there’s some fantastic deals to be had online to make the 2016 tri season a little easier on the wallet. Here’s our round-up of some of the best offers on the web…
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Evans www.evanscycles.com
Evans have a huge amount of products discounted, with up to 40% off some 2015 season bikes and more than 50% off some clothing, parts and accessories. Our pick of the deals include the Pinnacle Dolomite road bike for just £367, Louis Garneau touch gloves for £3.99 and the Stages 105 Power Meter for £359.40.
Huub huubdesign.com
The Brownlee’s wetsuit brand of choice are running a ‘Black Neoprene Friday’ promotion, promising massive savings over the Black Friday weekend. Sign up to Huub’s mailing list to get first dibs on the savings.
Wiggle www.wiggle.co.uk
The sports retail giants have a plethora of deals available all this week and over the weekend, including the men’s Zone 3 Aeroforce tri suit at better than half price, and a set of Shimano training wheels for less than £60. You can also save £15 when you spend £100 and save £40 when you spend £200 for a limited time.
TRI UK www.triuk.com
TRI UK claim to be the world’s largest triathlon store, and they’re offering some pretty large discounts to match. Priority customers can already claim 40% off Zipp 404 wheels, 50% off a GT GTS Comp road bike and 38% off a Giant Propel aero road bike. To see a full list of deals available on Friday head to TRI UK’s website.
Simon Ward Coaching thetriathloncoach.com
220’s multiple Tri Coach of the Year and regular contributor Simon Ward is offering a truly unique deal this week – a ‘name your own price’ offer on tri training plans! Simon commented: “this is unique to the triathlon world and very rare in retail. In fact apart from the band Radiohead I think I’m one of the only people in the world to offer something like this!” The training plans have a minimum price of £20, but over this price you can choose to pay whatever you think it’s worth. Follow this link to see a full list of what’s on offer.
Starting on Thursday at midnight you’ll be able to claim 20% of an entry to the Liverpool Triathlon, host of the British Triathlon Championships. Just type code BLACKTRIDAY20 at the checkout to claim your discount.
Go to page 2 to discover more of the best tri deals on the web this week!
TFN Tri Shop www.tfnuk.uk.com
One of the first and biggest tri-specific retailers in the UK, TFN Tri Shop have a whole host of Black Friday savings. Starrting from midnight on Thursday and 9.30am Friday in-store, The Huub Aerious and Aura wetsuits will have 50% off the RRP, whilst there will be 25% off selected Castelli bike jackets and £100 off the premium Garmin Edge 1000 Performance Bundle amongst other offers.
Zoggs www.zoggs.com
Swimwear specialists Zoggs have offers on all this week, with 50% off the RRP of selected goggles, swimwear and accessories. Sign up to the Zoggs newsletter or keep visiting the website to keep track of what’s on sale, as the offers are changing frequently.
SIS www.scienceinsport.com
Sports nutrition experts Science in Sport are offering a buy-one-get-one-free offer on all tubs, including whey protein, electrolyte and energy powders. The deal will also be running over Cyber Monday.
Swimsmooth www.swimsmooth.com
Swimsmooth are offering savings on their coaching system and swim technique DVD’s, as well as half price on Huub wetsuits. The deals end at midnight on Friday.
Vulpine www.vulpine.cc
Vulpine, the company behind Chris Hoy’s range of cycle clothing, are bucking the Black Friday trend by instead donating 20% of their profits on Friday 27th November to charity. The chosen charity is Wheels for Wellbeing, an award-winning charity helping people to enjoy the benefits of cycling, regardless of disability, age or health condition.
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Are you a retailer, event organiser or coach with some great Black Friday tri deals? Get in touch with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email [email protected]. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #BlackTriday!
Entries for the second instalment of the highly anticipated closed-road Cardiff Triathlon are now open. The event will be held over two days on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 June 2016 and is expected to attract over 2,000 athletes to the Welsh capital.
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With hundreds of athletes already taking advantage of the 24 hour pre-sale, the competition for places looks set to be as fierce as the triathlon itself. You can sign-up for the 2016 event HERE.
The race starts with a swim in Cardiff Bay, followed by a closed-road cycle on the flat, scenic roads around Cardiff and finishes with a run out to the Cardiff Bay Barrage. The Event Village and transition zone will be held on Roald Dahl Plass in front of the Wales Millennium Centre.
The Cardiff Triathlon weekend will feature a Sprint race (750m swim/20km bike/5km run) on Saturday 25 June and an Olympic-distance event (1500m/40km/10km) on Sunday 26 June 2016. Brand new for 2016, the event organisers have introduced a Super-Sprint distance (400m/10km/2.5km) to entice competitors of all abilities.
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To register for the Cardiff Triathlon CLICK HERE or visit http://cardiff-tri.com/
The acclaimed Brit apparel brand Ashmei are looking to recruit new ambassadors for 2016. Endurance sports athletes within triathlon, running and cycling are invited to apply to become part of the Ashmei ambassador team.
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The selected athletes will receive a wardrobe of Ashmei apparel and assist in the development of their kit by gear testing new lines, take part in exclusive events and photo shoots, and represent the brand within their sport.
They’ll also have access to the Ashmei journals page to share their journey as an athlete, to write about training, fears, ambitions, race results, nutrition and anything they’d like to share about their endurance passion.
Athletes interested in the campaign should apply by completing the form here
The application closes on 12 February 2016. Those shortlisted will then be invited to visit Ashmei HQ on Saturday 5 March where they’ll meet the Ashmei team, current ambassadors and the other shortlisted athletes to understand what Ashmei is about followed by a little run or ride around the surrounding countryside in the beautiful Chilterns.
Ashmei will select the new ambassadors who will join the team in 2016 by the end of March.
If the sideways rain, gales and getting dark by 4pm isn’t doing it for you, Swim For Tri coach Dan Bullock is offering a sunnier alternative to the freezing weather in the new year.
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Tri Dynamic’s Tenerife Swim Faster Camp will take place from February 20-27th 2016 at the Tenerife Top Training facility. Over the last ten years Dan Bullock has helped thousands of triathletes improve their swimming from beginners to multiple Kona qualifiers, and there is only a few places left from a total of 12 available for the February training camp. The coaching includes extensive video analysis from Dan, a British Masters Open Water age-group champion. Sessions take place across 50m and 25m pools, and in the warm open water swimming venues around the resort.
Commenting on the Tenerife Swim Faster Camp, Dan Bullock said: “Spending a week concentrating on your swim technique in a high attention environment is a great way to make big gains in a short time frame. Every year this camp generates fantastic improvements and results across the board. We are really looking forward to heading back to Tenerife in 2016”.
Team Erdinger sponsored athlete Boo Alder recently reviewed the camp after making big swim improvements in 2015. You can also watch this video of Dan Bullock swimming in the most advanced swim flume in the world in Tenerife, which Ian Thorpe, WR holders Britta Steffen, Paul Biedermann and GB’s Alistair Brownlee have used to improve their technique. Athletes on the Tenerife Swim Faster Camp also get to try out this flume to help them improve.
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You can keep an eye on Tri Dynamic’s website for more upcoming camps, articles, videos and training resources over the forthcoming months.
Daniela Ryf has capped off a remarkable season by claiming the richest prize in triathlon, a cool million dollars for winning every race in the Nasser Bin Hamad al Khalifa Triple Crown.
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On Saturday afternoon, the Swiss Ironman world champ put in a dominant performance to guarantee the huge prize purse was hers. With the swim cancelled due to high winds, the race included a short run before the 56 mile bike leg instead, and Ryf put in a blistering 2:07:28 for the combined short run and bike. She then finished with a 1:18:48 half-marathon to finish in 3:28:20, almost 10mins faster than runner-up (and fellow Swiss) Caroline Steffen. Asa Lundstrom of Sweden was third in 3:39:35.
Ryf began her assault to win the prize back in February, when she won Challenge Dubai. This was followed by victory at the 70.3 World Championships in Austria and finally her victory at the 70.3 Middle East Championships at the weekend.
Ryf said after the race: “This is an amazing moment in my career and I hope for triathlon,I am very grateful that HH Prince Nasser has helped raise the profile of the sport. It has been an amazing year for me. To be honest I have no clue what I will do with all the money. I really need to let this settle a bit!”
Daniela Ryf, who has won almost everything going on the long-distance circuit this year, attempting to let her victory (and new millionaire status) sink in.
In the men’s race, Belgian Bart Aernouts was victorious after taking the lead halfway through the bike leg. Aernouts’ run split of 1:14:00 was just enough to hold off Ruedi Wild, who put in the fastest half marathon of the day (1:12:01) to finish just over a minute behind Aernouts. In third place was third place was South African James Cunnama, who crossed the line another minute behind Wild in 3:13:54.
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Is Daniela Ryf becoming unbeatable in long distance triathlon? Let us know in the comments!