Competing on home turf Kiwi pro Dougal Allan won Challenge Wanaka at the weekend in a new course record of 8:26:38, beating Richard Ussher’s 2010 time by nearly nine minutes.
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Competing on home turf Kiwi pro Dougal Allan won Challenge Wanaka at the weekend in a new course record of 8:26:38, beating Richard Ussher’s 2010 time by nearly nine minutes.
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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.
“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
Click Here: liverpool mens jersey
Competing on home turf Kiwi pro Dougal Allan won Challenge Wanaka at the weekend in a new course record of 8:26:38, beating Richard Ussher’s 2010 time by nearly nine minutes.
Advertisement
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.
Click Here: liverpool mens jersey
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.
“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.
Advertisement
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
A volcanic crater swim? Check. A race far from the triathlon trail? Check. The East African sun? Oh yes. The Kyaninga Triathlon in Uganda returns in April 2017 for another rare showcase of East African triathlon.
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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.
“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
Click Here: liverpool mens jersey
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).
A volcanic crater swim? Check. A race far from the triathlon trail? Check. The East African sun? Oh yes. The Kyaninga Triathlon in Uganda returns in April 2017 for another rare showcase of East African triathlon.
Advertisement
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.
“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.”
Click Here: liverpool mens jersey
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.
Advertisement
Meanwhile, the Running the Rift marathon from the same race organisers will take place on the 11 November 2017 (www.runningtheriftmarathon.com).
A new triathlon relay event was announced by British Triathlon at Nottingham Castle yesterday evening, with both Brownlee brothers, Jodie Stimpson and Sophie Coldwell attending the launch.
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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!”
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.”
Click Here: liverpool mens jersey
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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.
A new triathlon relay event was announced by British Triathlon at Nottingham Castle yesterday evening, with both Brownlee brothers, Jodie Stimpson and Sophie Coldwell attending the launch.
Advertisement
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!”
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.”
Advertisement
Home Nation members can apply for priority grandstand tickets for the event before the tickets go on general sale on 27th February at 9am.
Click Here: liverpool mens jersey
Do you want to be a Sundried ambassador? Getting support, promotion and kit from the ethical activewear brand Sundried, who also support leading triathlete Alice Hector? Then read on as we have teamed up with them to find their next two ambassadors.
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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.
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
Click Here: liverpool mens jersey
Advertisement
How to become a professional triathlete
Do you want to be a Sundried ambassador? Getting support, promotion and kit from the ethical activewear brand Sundried, who also support leading triathlete Alice Hector? Then read on as we have teamed up with them to find their next two ambassadors.
Click Here: liverpool mens jersey
Advertisement
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.
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
Advertisement
How to become a professional triathlete
1. BETA-ALANINE SUPPLEMENTS BENEFIT ANALYSED
A recent meta-analysis by Brazilian and English universities found significant evidence of an ergogenic effect from taking beta-alanine supplements. Beta-alanine increases muscle carnosine content, which improves the body’s ability to buffer hydrogen ions produced during high-intensity exercise. This can potentially delay fatigue and reduce perceptions of fatigue by delaying a rise in acid levels. A dose of 3-6g per day is recommended, though the research showed a greater effect when ingested with sodium bicarbonate. But beware: this combo can cause sickness!
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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.
Click Here: liverpool mens jersey
1. BETA-ALANINE SUPPLEMENTS BENEFIT ANALYSED
A recent meta-analysis by Brazilian and English universities found significant evidence of an ergogenic effect from taking beta-alanine supplements. Beta-alanine increases muscle carnosine content, which improves the body’s ability to buffer hydrogen ions produced during high-intensity exercise. This can potentially delay fatigue and reduce perceptions of fatigue by delaying a rise in acid levels. A dose of 3-6g per day is recommended, though the research showed a greater effect when ingested with sodium bicarbonate. But beware: this combo can cause sickness!
Advertisement
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.
Click Here: liverpool mens jersey
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.)
Advertisement
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.