As a child Ben Hooper nearly drowned in a swimming pool in Belgium. A traumatic experience like this might cause someone to fear the water, however Ben decided to embrace it instead, using his love of swimming to try and conquer an unimaginable challenge – swimming the Atlantic Ocean.
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The father of one, from London will be setting off from Dakar, Senegal on 1 November 2015 and hopes to reach Natal, Brazil in time for St David’s day on 1 March 2016.
Ben, has always been a fighter, serving as part of the British military and having died in intensive care after a premature birth that left him with collapsed lungs.
He is aiming to complete 15 – 20 miles a day, swimming freestyle for up to 12 hours a day, before sleeping overnight on a boat. He is expected to burn off between 10,000 and 12,000 calories each day.
What lies in store for Ben
The distance between Dakar and Natal is 1,736 miles. The already daunting challenge is made even more intimidating when you realise that Ben will not only be competing with currents that can reach seven knots, but waves that can reach 20 feet high and marine life including sharks and jellyfish.
“I’m taking a shark safety team with me from Key West, Florida, who have worked to protect Diana Nyadd and Chloe McCardel on their swims. This includes shark defence, shark safe chemical repellents and shark shield devices, and a pointy pole from B&Q as back up”
If Ben is successful he will go down in history as the first person to swim across an ocean in “transparently”. This will mean that users online will be able to watch Ben’s progress online. The entire swim will be documented and verified by the Guinness Book of Records and independent organisations.
A research and exercise team will accommodate Ben on his journey. Medics will be doing tests, looking at the effects of the swim on human body endurance, as well as nutrition, hydration impact, and immune system response.
How you can master the open water
For those of you who don’t fancy swimming the Atlantic and would rather concentrate on the swim leg of your event, Ben shares his technique, which could help you to a new PB in the water.
“I’d recommend an extended reach before hand entry, good core work and lower your kick ratio to conserve for bike, increasing speed with longer reach and therefore greater pull. This will mean you’re faster with less energy expenditure.” Ben says from his training camp.
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“Avoid the high elbow, hand entry by your head. Reach and stretch out, hold for one second longer and save energy. This works for me and I hope it works for you”
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Last year Ben swam a total of 2.2 million meters in preparation for this monumental task and will be consuming 7,500 calories.For more information on Ben and the swim check out the website.
An American documentary, The Triumph Project, is aiming to showcase the ups and downs triathletes face when training and competing in the sport.
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Jeff Fairbanks, who’s producing the documentary, hopes that this will inspire people to take up triathlons, trying to reassure newcomers that the sport isn’t as daunting as it can look.
Before trying triathlon he believed that the sport was un-relatable, claiming that it seemed unrealistic for people with a job and family.
“For me I’d love the viewers to relate to the featured athletes. To see an average person complete a triathlon gives access to the thought of achievability. If I can do it, you can do it, and so on.”
What’s in store
The documentary follows Jeff and athletes Rachel McBride, Dave Mirra, and Jack Toland as they each prepare for different triathlon events.
He has taken inspiration from the athletes he is working with and wanted to showcase all the hard work and dedication triathletes go through in order to accomplish their goals.
“You don’t have to come from the same, athletic backgrounds to do this. If you’re pro then great, relate to Rachael because of her absolute dedication in training. But relate to me if you’re a working guy with less time and look at my journey.
“Jack’s a good model for young people wanting to take up endurance sports. Dave went from the top of one sport (BMX) to being a complete newbie and he’s looking at doing the Kona.”
Jeff also wants the documentary to help humanise the triathlon community to newcomers, who might be nervous about fitting in.
“When I first entered I felt like the black sheep and thought I would be an outcast,” Jeff admitted. “Things though were completely different and what made me different (my tattoos and lack of experience) helped people remember me. They would come up to me and congratulate me all the time.”
The first hard steps
Jeff took up triathlon after a friend challenged him to a marathon. The father of two struggled to get to grips with endurance sport and struggled through the marathon, eventually finishing it but feeling defeated deep down. Not wanting this to be his lasting memory of endurance sports Jeff turned his attention to triathlon, but admits the individual disciplines didn’t appeal to him.
“I never really warmed to swimming, cycling or running individually to be honest with you. I actually got quite bored in the marathon. Completing all three disciplines together though leaves me feeling very much accomplished and feel that once you’ve finished one discipline you can take on the other.”
Jeff’s competed in his first triathlon two years ago – a sprint distance in Skagit County, Washington.
His first triathlon saw him overtaken a fair bit but complete his goal and finish the triathlon. Rather than feeling defeated by endurance sports Jeff was now feeling excited about them.
“I finished that’s the main thing! There’s a lot of competition in your head when you get to the start about who you could beat but my goals would have differed massively from someone else, who might have wanted to win it.”
A trailer for The Triumph Project will be released in three weeks time and then Jeff embarks on the final cut. The documentary’s release date is expected to be December 31 2015.
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For more information about The Triumph Project check out the Facebook, Twitter and Instagram page.
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An American documentary, The Triumph Project, is aiming to showcase the ups and downs triathletes face when training and competing in the sport.
Advertisement
Jeff Fairbanks, who’s producing the documentary, hopes that this will inspire people to take up triathlons, trying to reassure newcomers that the sport isn’t as daunting as it can look.
Before trying triathlon he believed that the sport was un-relatable, claiming that it seemed unrealistic for people with a job and family.
“For me I’d love the viewers to relate to the featured athletes. To see an average person complete a triathlon gives access to the thought of achievability. If I can do it, you can do it, and so on.”
What’s in store
The documentary follows Jeff and athletes Rachel McBride, Dave Mirra, and Jack Toland as they each prepare for different triathlon events.
He has taken inspiration from the athletes he is working with and wanted to showcase all the hard work and dedication triathletes go through in order to accomplish their goals.
“You don’t have to come from the same, athletic backgrounds to do this. If you’re pro then great, relate to Rachael because of her absolute dedication in training. But relate to me if you’re a working guy with less time and look at my journey.
“Jack’s a good model for young people wanting to take up endurance sports. Dave went from the top of one sport (BMX) to being a complete newbie and he’s looking at doing the Kona.”
Jeff also wants the documentary to help humanise the triathlon community to newcomers, who might be nervous about fitting in.
“When I first entered I felt like the black sheep and thought I would be an outcast,” Jeff admitted. “Things though were completely different and what made me different (my tattoos and lack of experience) helped people remember me. They would come up to me and congratulate me all the time.”
The first hard steps
Jeff took up triathlon after a friend challenged him to a marathon. The father of two struggled to get to grips with endurance sport and struggled through the marathon, eventually finishing it but feeling defeated deep down. Not wanting this to be his lasting memory of endurance sports Jeff turned his attention to triathlon, but admits the individual disciplines didn’t appeal to him.
“I never really warmed to swimming, cycling or running individually to be honest with you. I actually got quite bored in the marathon. Completing all three disciplines together though leaves me feeling very much accomplished and feel that once you’ve finished one discipline you can take on the other.”
Jeff’s competed in his first triathlon two years ago – a sprint distance in Skagit County, Washington.
His first triathlon saw him overtaken a fair bit but complete his goal and finish the triathlon. Rather than feeling defeated by endurance sports Jeff was now feeling excited about them.
“I finished that’s the main thing! There’s a lot of competition in your head when you get to the start about who you could beat but my goals would have differed massively from someone else, who might have wanted to win it.”
A trailer for The Triumph Project will be released in three weeks time and then Jeff embarks on the final cut. The documentary’s release date is expected to be December 31 2015.
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For more information about The Triumph Project check out the Facebook, Twitter and Instagram page.
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This weekend (25-26 July) saw another fantastic venue open its gates to the sport of tri, as 2,200 competitors took part in the annual 2015 Castle Howard Triathlon.
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The Castle Series pride themselves on being newbie friendly and all levels competed from starter sprint level (200m swim, 13k bike, 2.5k run) upwards, with 500 children also taking on the challenge. Stealing the show though was 8-year-old Bailey Matthews, competing in his first-ever triathlon.
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Star finisher
Bailey, from Doncaster, has cerebral palsy and was cheered over the line by hundreds of spectators after completing a 100m lake swim, 4,000m bike and 1,300m run. The emotional crowd shouted its encouragement when Bailey stepped away from his walking support to finish the last 20 metres of the race unaided – and into the proud arms of his parents Jonathan and Julie Matthews.
Going long
Longer-distance athletes had the Gauntlet to contend with. Reigning Scottish Middle and Olympic Distance Champion, Nikki Bartlett was pipped to the post by New Zealand champion and Commonwealth medalist, Sam Warriner following a gruelling 4hr 48min challenge.
Warriner led from the swim, through the bike and into the run, with Bartlett slowly closing the gap and giving away just three minutes after T2 and into the run. Bartlett chased down the leader but an extra kick from Warriner bought her in just three seconds ahead. Laura Sarkis following behind the front two to take the last place at the podium with a time of 5h25m.
In the men’s Gauntlet race, the win went to Brennan Townsend (4hr 21min) taking the lead 3k into the run and finishing ahead of Colin Hill in second place. Hill finished with a respectable time of 4h33m ahead of Matt Dewis (4.34m) in third.
Olympic games
In the Olympic distance Catherine Jameson (Team Jackpot) kept up her winning run with a comfortable win (2h25m), whilst Ian Robertson (2h16m) from Anglia-Tri took first place in the men’s race. Robertson’s partner Becky Schofield (2h40m), also from Anglia-Tri, took second place in the women’s race ahead of Lynsey Carveth (2h54m), from Royal Air Force Tri, while Robertson beat off competition from Max Hazell, also from Team Jackpot (2h17m) and James Phillips (2h20m) for the male trophy.
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Fancy Castle Howard Triathlon 2016? Sign up now here to receive a 25% discount.
This weekend (25-26 July) saw another fantastic venue open its gates to the sport of tri, as 2,200 competitors took part in the annual 2015 Castle Howard Triathlon.
Advertisement
The Castle Series pride themselves on being newbie friendly and all levels competed from starter sprint level (200m swim, 13k bike, 2.5k run) upwards, with 500 children also taking on the challenge. Stealing the show though was 8-year-old Bailey Matthews, competing in his first-ever triathlon.
Star finisher
Bailey, from Doncaster, has cerebral palsy and was cheered over the line by hundreds of spectators after completing a 100m lake swim, 4,000m bike and 1,300m run. The emotional crowd shouted its encouragement when Bailey stepped away from his walking support to finish the last 20 metres of the race unaided – and into the proud arms of his parents Jonathan and Julie Matthews.
Going long
Longer-distance athletes had the Gauntlet to contend with. Reigning Scottish Middle and Olympic Distance Champion, Nikki Bartlett was pipped to the post by New Zealand champion and Commonwealth medalist, Sam Warriner following a gruelling 4hr 48min challenge.
Warriner led from the swim, through the bike and into the run, with Bartlett slowly closing the gap and giving away just three minutes after T2 and into the run. Bartlett chased down the leader but an extra kick from Warriner bought her in just three seconds ahead. Laura Sarkis following behind the front two to take the last place at the podium with a time of 5h25m.
In the men’s Gauntlet race, the win went to Brennan Townsend (4hr 21min) taking the lead 3k into the run and finishing ahead of Colin Hill in second place. Hill finished with a respectable time of 4h33m ahead of Matt Dewis (4.34m) in third.
Olympic games
In the Olympic distance Catherine Jameson (Team Jackpot) kept up her winning run with a comfortable win (2h25m), whilst Ian Robertson (2h16m) from Anglia-Tri took first place in the men’s race. Robertson’s partner Becky Schofield (2h40m), also from Anglia-Tri, took second place in the women’s race ahead of Lynsey Carveth (2h54m), from Royal Air Force Tri, while Robertson beat off competition from Max Hazell, also from Team Jackpot (2h17m) and James Phillips (2h20m) for the male trophy.
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Fancy Castle Howard Triathlon 2016? Sign up now here to receive a 25% discount.
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The Professional Triathlon Union was launched today, a not-for-profit global body formed entirely by pro and ex-pro triathletes in an effort to grow professional non-drafting triathlon.
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Initially formed in 2014, the Board of Directors is made up of 15 current pro triathletes and one salaried executive director, former pro Rich Allen. He is advised by numerous voluntary business analysts, legal and financial advisors and other former pros, whom the PTU say “have helped Rich build the PTU into an efficient Union model.” The Union is open to potential board members from other professional backgrounds, and will next vote on its members in 2016. You can visit the PTU’s website here.
Allen said: “I am delighted to be involved in this exciting endeavor, which is perhaps one of the greatest developments to ever take place in our sport.
The PTU will work to represent all members who compete in professional non-drafting triathlon worldwide, and will work alongside other global triathlon bodies to increase its support network.
Challenge Family (organisers of Challenge Roth and Challenge Barcelona) have been particularly positive about the formation, stating they will announce their recognition of the PTU in an official capacity ‘very shortly’. The ITU have also been ‘receptive’, whereas the WTC (owners of the Ironman brand) stated “they are not ready to add any additional commitment and procedure to their professional athlete infrastructure” at this moment but have given their initial support.
Danish Pro and Board member Helle Frederiksen commented: “It is an honor to be a part of such a landmark initiative. I feel as a collective group, professional triathletes can aid the global development of the sport. We will be a powerful voice and a great asset to race organisations and the sport on a whole. We must strive to be recognised in all aspects of the sport and successfully achieving this will take time, but I’m confident that long term, membership numbers, recognition, productivity and value of the Professional Triathlon Union will be high.”
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What do you think about the formation of the Professional Triathlon Union, is this a positive step for the sport? Let us know in the comments!
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The Professional Triathlon Union was launched today, a not-for-profit global body formed entirely by pro and ex-pro triathletes in an effort to grow professional non-drafting triathlon.
Advertisement
Initially formed in 2014, the Board of Directors is made up of 15 current pro triathletes and one salaried executive director, former pro Rich Allen. He is advised by numerous voluntary business analysts, legal and financial advisors and other former pros, whom the PTU say “have helped Rich build the PTU into an efficient Union model.” The Union is open to potential board members from other professional backgrounds, and will next vote on its members in 2016. You can visit the PTU’s website here.
Allen said: “I am delighted to be involved in this exciting endeavor, which is perhaps one of the greatest developments to ever take place in our sport.
The PTU will work to represent all members who compete in professional non-drafting triathlon worldwide, and will work alongside other global triathlon bodies to increase its support network.
Challenge Family (organisers of Challenge Roth and Challenge Barcelona) have been particularly positive about the formation, stating they will announce their recognition of the PTU in an official capacity ‘very shortly’. The ITU have also been ‘receptive’, whereas the WTC (owners of the Ironman brand) stated “they are not ready to add any additional commitment and procedure to their professional athlete infrastructure” at this moment but have given their initial support.
Danish Pro and Board member Helle Frederiksen commented: “It is an honor to be a part of such a landmark initiative. I feel as a collective group, professional triathletes can aid the global development of the sport. We will be a powerful voice and a great asset to race organisations and the sport on a whole. We must strive to be recognised in all aspects of the sport and successfully achieving this will take time, but I’m confident that long term, membership numbers, recognition, productivity and value of the Professional Triathlon Union will be high.”
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What do you think about the formation of the Professional Triathlon Union, is this a positive step for the sport? Let us know in the comments!
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The Brutal Extreme Triathlon is a super-tough event that takes in Wales’ highest mountain, Snowdon. It’s renowned for it’s low-key and friendly vibe and every athlete – whether it’s their first triathlon or 21st – will feel the massive support from both the event crew and other competitors too.
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The challenging terrain and breathtaking scenery creates an awesome experience that will stay with you long after the aches and blisters have gone!
New for 2015! You no longer need mountain crew for the full iron-distance event (just the Double and Triple) Brutal Events to open the event up to those who struggle to find a support person. You can, however, take someone if you prefer the company!
The distances available are:
The Brutal Half: 1.2 mile swim/57.98 mile bike/14.7 mile run
The Brutal Full: 2.4 mile swim/115.96 mile bike/25.1 mile run
The Brutal Double: 4.8 mile swim/231.92 mile bike/51.1 mile run
The Brutal Triple (for 2015 only): 7.2 mile swim/347.88 mile bike/75.3 mile run
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You can enter all of these events as a solo or in a team (2 – 4 members).
So why not end your season by doing something a little different this year and take on The Brutal Extreme Triathlon?!
Event Name: The Brutal Extreme Triathlons
Event Date: Saturday 19 September 2015
Event Location: Llanberis, North Wales
Distances: Half, Full, Double and Triple
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Website: www.brutalevents.co.uk
The Brutal Extreme Triathlon is a super-tough event that takes in Wales’ highest mountain, Snowdon. It’s renowned for it’s low-key and friendly vibe and every athlete – whether it’s their first triathlon or 21st – will feel the massive support from both the event crew and other competitors too.
Advertisement
The challenging terrain and breathtaking scenery creates an awesome experience that will stay with you long after the aches and blisters have gone!
New for 2015! You no longer need mountain crew for the full iron-distance event (just the Double and Triple) Brutal Events to open the event up to those who struggle to find a support person. You can, however, take someone if you prefer the company!
The distances available are:
The Brutal Half: 1.2 mile swim/57.98 mile bike/14.7 mile run
The Brutal Full: 2.4 mile swim/115.96 mile bike/25.1 mile run
The Brutal Double: 4.8 mile swim/231.92 mile bike/51.1 mile run
The Brutal Triple (for 2015 only): 7.2 mile swim/347.88 mile bike/75.3 mile run
You can enter all of these events as a solo or in a team (2 – 4 members).
So why not end your season by doing something a little different this year and take on The Brutal Extreme Triathlon?!
Event Name: The Brutal Extreme Triathlons
Event Date: Saturday 19 September 2015
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Event Location: Llanberis, North Wales
Distances: Half, Full, Double and Triple
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Website: www.brutalevents.co.uk
The hotly-anticipated Rio 2016 triathlon test event saw Brits Non Stanford and Vicky Holland secure two automatic spots for GB after taking silver and third respectively, while Alistair Brownlee finished tenth after struggling with an ankle injury.
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As many expected, it was current WTS title holders Javier Gomez and Gwen Jorgensen who reigned supreme on Copacabana Beach yesterday (Sunday 2 August), with Gomez booking his place at a third Olympics, while Jorgensen will be racing her second.
Vincent Luis (FRA) and Richard Murray (RSA) both fulfilled their country’s requirements to line up again in Rio next year as they rounded out the men’s podium.
Women’s race
Following the 1500m sea swim, Jodie Stimpson was the leading British athlete with Stanford and Holland close behind. Helen Jenkins unfortunately was kicked several times during the swim, forcing her to withdraw.
The hilly multi-lap bike course saw a group including Stimpson, Stanford, Holland, Jorgensen and Sarah True (USA) break away and stay away. After the first few kilometres of the run, Holland, Stanford, True and Jorgensen managed to forge ahead, before disaster struck for Holland when she tripped over a barrier on the third lap and fell heavily.
Holland recovered but Jorgensen and Stanford had gone and she was left to fight True for bronze, which she achieved brilliantly. Stanford and Holland now need another podium finish at the Grand Final in Chicago next month to secure pre selection. Jodie Stimpson finished tenth, a solid result after injury.
“It was paramount I did well today for selection really and it’s boosted my confidence after a tough couple of years,” said Stanford. “The hill was pretty tough, there’s no two ways about it. We have smaller gearing on our bikes to help us get up. Great fast technical descent, I really enjoyed it. I think that tested a few people. All in all, it was a fantastic day and now I need to keep my head down and work towards Chicago.”
Men’s race
The men’s race got underway shortly afterwards, with two groups forming on the one-lap ocean swim at Copacabana Beach. Among the lead group were Richard Varga (SVK), Henri Schoeman (RSA) and a string of French men including Luis, Dorian Coninx (FRA) and Pierre Le Corre (FRA) exiting the water first, along with Gomez and Luis.
Alistair Brownlee swam and biked superbly, sticking with the lead group in both legs and putting himself in a very strong position for a medal as he left T2. However, he struggled with an ankle injury on the run and had to ease off on the last lap.
Gomez and Luis forged ahead to close in on gold and silver, while Murray worked hard to claw back lost time and take bronze. Brownlee finished tenth, and GB’s Adam Bowden managed to finish 12th after putting in a strong run.
Men’s podium, left to right: Vincent Luis, Javier Gomez, Richard Murray
Brendan Purcell, performance director at British Triathlon, said: “Alistair wanted to hang on to third place but his injury let him down today. His swim and bike showed again that can get into a winning position and he almost held on, so although it wasn’t the result he wanted, there were a lot of positives.
“It’s been a good event overall, but obviously disappointing for some. Everyone has taken full advantage of the opportunity to experience what next year might be like.”
Women’s top ten
1. Gwen Jorgensen (USA) 01:58:46
2. Non Stanford (GBR) 01:59:05
3. Vicky Holland (GBR) 01:59:27
4. Sarah True (USA) 01:59:46
5. Barbara Riveros (CHI) 02:00:08
6. Katie Zaferes (USA) 02:00:26
7. Anne Haug (GER) 02:00:57
8. Annamaria Mazzetti (ITA) 02:01:00
9. Rachel Klamer (NED) 02:01:01
10. Jodie Stimpson (GBR) 02:01:04
Men’s top ten
1. Javier Gomez Noya (ESP) 01:48:26
2. Vincent Luis (FRA) 01:48:40
3. Richard Murray (RSA) 01:49:01
4. David Hauss (FRA) 01:49:32
5. Dmitry Polyanskiy (RUS) 01:49:32
6. Aaron Royle (AUS) 01:49:34
7. Mario Mola (ESP) 01:49:37
8. Igor Polyanskiy (RUS) 01:49:41
9. Joao Silva (POR) 01:49:46
10. Alistair Brownlee (GBR) 01:49:54
(Images: Delly Carr / Werner Araujo)
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What did you think of the races? Let us know in the comments below!
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