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The race will be held at the Vachery Estate in Surrey on 29-30 August, and will offer a $25k prize purse for the elites. For the age-groupers, it will be their last chance in Europe to secure one of the 50 remaining qualifying spots for the 20th edition of the Xterra World Championship in Hawaii. 

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“We’re thrilled to be able to host a race of this magnitude on the storied grounds of Vachery Estate,” said organiser Dave Nicholas. “Our experience last year was superb, from the course itself to the spectating. We felt like we established something special and are excited to share that with the worldwide endurance sports community.”

The championship distance will combine a 1.5km swim, 30km bike and 11km trail run. There is also a half-distance sprint race option and athletes can join together to tackle either triathlon as part of a relay team. New for 2015, Xterra will also host 5km and 15km trail runs on Saturday 29th, and rumours abound about a bonfire and movie night.

Conrad Stoltz (RSA) and Emma Garrard (USA) won this year’s Xterra England in perfect conditions, with Stoltz claiming his fiftieth Xterra title and Garrard her first. 

Registration is open now with early bird and loyalty discounts in effect until the end of this year. Learn more at www.xterraengland.com.

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The event will feature races for elite youths, juniors, seniors and an open paraduathlon, with many athletes expected to test their winter training in this traditional season opener.

The seniors and juniors will compete over sprint distance duathlon (5km run, 20km bike, 2.5km run), battling it out for a share of a £5,000 prize fund as well the first British Elite Championship honours of the season.

The junior race also kick-starts the British Triathlon Junior Super Series. Paraduathletes will compete over the same distance, with all classifications catered for.

Youth duathletes will compete over half the distance of the seniors (2.5km run, 10km bike, 1.25km run), with the race also acting as the season opener of the British Triathlon Youth Super Series. All races will be held over a multi-lap format, making it a great event for spectators.

This year’s women’s race was won by Emma Pallant (main picture above), who was unfortunately ineligible for British honours as she was racing in ITU colours, so it was Katie Hewison who took prime spot on the women’s podium. The men’s race was won by Phil Wylie in 53:49mins.

Entries are now open on www.britishtriathlon.org.

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In mid-December the first BSXinsight wearable lactate threshold monitors will begin shipping.

Announced back in March via a Kickstarter campaign, the US$369 devices slip inside a calf compression sleeve, where data is recorded for post-workout upload via a smartphone app.

The end result, the company claims, is lactate threshold data that can inform training, previously only available to athletes via pin-prick blood tests done in medical centres and high-end training facilities.

Instead of the lab-standard model of measuring lactic acid in the blood every few minutes, the BSXinsight monitors muscle oxygenation via a light array shined into the calf. BSXinsight then runs an algorithm to give users lactate threshold (LT) power and heart rate numbers, plus training zones based on percentages of those figures. 

“Lactate threshold is the gold standard of performance testing, and the blood-testing method has been around for 50 years,” said Dustin Freckleton, president and co-founder of BSXinsight.

“Researchers discovered that by doing these incremental testings [as power and/or pace ramps up], taking blood samples along the way, and plotting results of lactate concentrations, you see this thick hockey stick curve towards the end. What that spike represents is the point at which the athlete moves from a predominantly aerobic state to an anaerobic state.” 

The original idea for BSXinsight was to beam real-time data to Garmin or other cycling computers via an ANT+ signal, and that may still come in version 2.0. The current unit, however, will be started and stopped by a smartphone app, and information will be transmitted to BSXinsight.com for analysis. The app walks riders through a progressive LT test, as well, to be done on a trainer with a power meter.

The BSXinsight measurement is done with standard LED bulbs.

“Each type of light interacts differently with different type of tissues,” Freckleton said. “Some reflect light, some are absorbed. Based on those interactions of distortion and absorption, we are able to determine what is going on inside the muscle.”

While the company recommends using the unit for lactate threshold tests every few weeks, BSXinsight can also give daily feedback on muscle oxygenation levels. And, very much unlike lab LT test equipment, the unit is designed to be worn while riding outside. 

But what exactly would a cyclist do with muscle oxygenation data? Freckleton and other physiologists admit that this is still exploratory, “similar to where heart-rate and power data were when they first came out,” Freckleton said. “There are no clear guidelines as to how to use it.”

The main premise and selling point of the device for now, however, is a way to measure or at least approximate a rider’s lactate threshold. In rough terms, lactate threshold is closely associated with the maximum level of sustainable output. If you can quantify this point, either in power output or in heart rate, you can more effectively train to improve it.

A common way to approximate a lactate threshold test without lab gear is to ride as hard as you can for an hour, then look at your average power and/or heart rate for the last 20min of the effort. This could be called your LT power or heart rate.

Traditional LT tests involve pricking a rider’s finger every few minutes to measure lactic concentration as power is incrementally increased

In the lab, lactate threshold tests typically involve ramping up power (usually by 20 watts every four minutes), and measuring lactic acid by taking small blood samples from the fingertip, looking for the point when lactic acid starts to spike.

The team behind BSXinsight are hoping that having a portable consumer unit that calculates lactate threshold without the pin pricks — or the lab costs — could find a market among cyclists, runners and triathletes. 

The US$299 running version will pair with heart-rate monitors. The US$369 cycling version will pair with heart-rate monitors and power meters, via ANT+, but not cadence sensors, at least for now. And there is also a US$419 multisport version. All come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. BSXinsight is still awaiting product certification approval outside the US, but Freckleton expects to have that soon.

The BSXinsight device comprises an LED emitter plus a pair of photodetectors that measure the scattered light 

So does it work?

At FasCat Coaching in Boulder, Colorado on Friday, several high-level coaches gathered for a demonstration. Present among them was Neal Henderson, a veteran coach who was worked with several Olympians and world champions. Henderson said that there is “certainly reason to believe a correlation between muscle oxygenation and lactate threshold, but it is all about the algorithms. I want to see the data under the hood.”

Freckleton said coaches will have access to complete data sets from BSXinsight files, downloadable in .csv files, while consumers can just look at the more layman-friendly dashboard on BSXinsight.com.

At the demonstration, BSXinsight enlisted a local cyclist to perform a LT test using both the pin-prick method and a BSXinsight unit simultaneously. The pin-prick data returned interesting results, with a dip in lactic acid at the 340w mark relative to measurements at 320w and 360w, which several coaches in attendance chalked up to sodium contamination from the rider’s sweat.

Still, Freckleton called the LT power from the pin-prick test at 360w, while using BSXinsight determined the rider’s LT power at 374w. An LT test done the prior week on the same rider at FasCat Coaching resulted in a 355w LT.

Rob Pickels, a sports physiologist at the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine, said that while he “absolutely sees a correlation” between muscle oxygenation and LT, the current technology and science around it “is exploratory.”

But the same goes for lactic acid, he said. “If anyone can tell you specifically what causes fatigue, then they are the smartest person in the world,” Pickels said. The BSXinsight unit, he said, “is very interesting. I’m not ready to say it’s absolutely ready, but I am interested.”

(Images: Ben Huang / Immediate Media)

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An incredible field of athletes has been assembled for the middle distance race (1.9km swim/90km bike/21.1km run), including both Ironman Hawaii 2014 winners Sebastian Kienle and Mirinda Carfrae, as well as top Brits like Jodie Stimpson and Rachel Joyce, and other big names likes Pete Jacobs, Caroline Steffen and Jan Frodeno.

Challenge recently organised a global survey asking age-groupers what they think of pro athletes, and found that they are an essential part of triathlon: 74% of respondents said they think that pro athletes add value to an event, while 62% think pro athletes are a very important part of the sport.

“Challenge Family has always had utmost respect for professional athletes, they are the ambassadors of our sport and we place great importance on the close relationship we have them,” said Zibi Szlufcik, Challenge Family CEO.

“We are very much looking forward to hearing the comments at the pro forum and to working with those involved to continue to improve triathlon and supporting the pro athlete community at every level, from those who have just broken into the pro ranks to those at the top of the sport.”

Challenge Bahrain will take place on 6 December 2014 with over 90 professional athletes signed up for a share of its record-breaking US$500,000 prize purse. Full online live coverage will be broadcast on race day at www.challenge-bahrain.com.bh, and 220’s Liz will be there in Bahrain to cover all the action for our website and Twitter.

(Main image: Paul Phillips)

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Online entries opened at 10am yesterday to over 11,000 pre-registered athletes, and were available on a first come, first served basis, divided between Irish residents and international athletes.

The event will start on 9 August 2015 with a 1.9km swim in Dun Laoghaire, a 90km bike through Dublin City and west into the countryside surrounding the city. T2 will be located in Phoenix Park, which will also host the 21.1km run and the finish.

“We have had a phenomenal interest in Ironman 70.3 Dublin since it was announced and we are just sorry not to be able to accommodate all the athletes who pre registered their interest,” said Kevin Stewart, MD Ironman Northern Europe.

“Demand for securing a place into 70.3 Dublin follows the success of our recent rapid sell out of Ironman 70.3 Staffordshire. With two of the five new European 70.3 events taking place in the UK and Ireland, it demonstrates the continued demand of local athletes wanting to race in an Ironman.”

There are however still some guaranteed entries available via the two official charity partners – Save The Children and The Rotary – and through the travel partner Nirvana Europe. 

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“I am so excited to race Challenge Denmark,” she says. “I have been searching for a race in Denmark the last few years and have long desired to visit the country.  As soon as I saw the Challenge Denmark race announced, I was sold!” says Mary Beth. 

“The race not only offers a spectacular and exciting point-to-point course with incredible scenery but also promises to be super fast, “ she adds, referring to the flat bike course between the city Herning where the swim takes place, and the city of Billund where T2 is located. On a good day where the wind comes from north-west, the Challenge Denmark team promises one of the fastest bike courses ever seen. 

“I can’t wait to test myself against a stellar female field and enjoy spending some time after the race in Denmark” says Mary Beth. “My husband, who races triathlons for fun, won’t miss this trip and is planning to race in the age group ranks as well to try to get his best time.”

Mary Beth – known as “Triathlon’s Honey Badger” due to her tenacity – has racked up eight Ironman wins since 2011, never finishing off the podium outside Kona. She suffered a broken collar bone in a bike crash in September 2013, and won silver on her comeback at this year’s Ironman Asia-Pacific Championship Melbourne, then managing a top-ten finish at Kona despite severe leg cramp on the run.

Also racing in Denmark next June will be two-time Ironman World Champion Chris McCormack, who will be taking on the half-iron distance race.

(Image: Cervélo)

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Recruited to help the launch were Olympic sprinter and TV personality Iwan Thomas, Lance Corporal Derek Derenalagi and Paralympian and founder Sophia Warner (pictured below). Warner says that she was inspired to create the series after racing the London Triathlon and finding it daunting to enter an able-bodied event – even as an elite athlete.

“Disability sport falls into two main categories: rehabilitation and elite – with very few opportunities for the majority in between,” she added. “Para Tri is the realisation of a long-held dream to create a series of dedicated events that anyone with a disability can enter.” 

Participants can choose from five different paratriathlon events: the ‘Sprint Para Tri’ (150m swim/3km bike/1km run) is aimed at absolute beginners – and if participants want to face the challenge with able-bodied family, friends and colleagues they can invite them to make up a team for one of the two Para Tri relay events.

Athletes looking for a bigger challenge can sign up to the ‘Half Para Tri’ (400m swim/10km bike/2.5km run), or enter the ‘Full Para Tri’ and take on the same distances as our elite paratriathletes at Rio 2016 (750m swim/20km bike/5km run).

Lance Corporal Derek Derenalagi, who is also supported by Help for Heroes said: “High-profile events like the Paralympics have inspired the nation, and the number of people with disabilities involved in sport has never been higher. We hope Para Tri will help this trend to continue.

“This is going to be a fantastic event for everyone to get involved in. Families and friends can compete together or you can take on the challenge on your own. There is something for everyone.”

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Further information, including how to register for the inaugural event, is available at www.paratri.com, with regular updates available on Twitter and Facebook.

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The day began with the classic Chilly Duathlon, with 400 people lining up on the start line. The race consists of a 3.2km run around the outside of the Castle Combe track, followed by a 16km bike on the track and a final 3.2km run again around the track’s perimeter. 

The pace was red hot from the off and in to the first transition the lead was held by Phil Kruse, narrowly ahead of Duathlon Age Group World Champion James Coleman and Benjamin Griffiths.

After the 16km cycle Coleman had worked into the lead, going into T2 ahead of Chris Roxburgh and Robert Abraham. By the finish line Coleman had extended his lead crossed the line in 44:23mins, giving him a comfortable 1mn lead over Benjamin Griffiths (Team Wosskow Brown) and Robert Abraham.

The ladies’ race was taken by Bath’s Nicole Walters, who dominated proceedings to take the race win in 51:05mins – more than 2mins ahead of nearest rival Gwen Kinsey of Stroud and District Athletics Club – with Michelle Kerfoot of Kingswood Tri Club taking bronze.

It was then on to the final race of the day, the British University championships, which attracted some 675 competitors to the venue from all over the country. The men’s race was headed from the off by rising star Liam Lloyd (University of Leeds), with a whole host of athletes racing in just behind him. 

At the end of the bike section Liam was holding on to his lead, but only by a second from Dan Bigham (Oxford Brookes University) who put in a storming 20:36mins bike leg, the fastest of the day. Back out on to the second run and Lloyd began to stamp his authority, pulling away to take the victory in a very impressive 42:22mins from the fast-finishing Alex Matchett (University of Bristol) and Samuel Wade (Cardiff Metropolitan University).

The ladies’ race began a short while later and there was a battle up front between U23 World Triathlon Champion Sophia Saller (Oxford University) and Kate Moulds (University of Birmingham). On the bike Saller began to show her dominance, pulling a small lead on her rivals and leading Chloe Cook (Leeds Beckett University) out on to the run by over 10secs. Saller held on to her lead to take the win by 25secs from Cook, with Grace France (University of Bristol) taking third place.

For all results head here.

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The awards celebrate the best in triathlon, with 20 separate categories to recognise the top-rated athletes, races, coaches, brands, products, services and more which have graced the 2014 season.

Category winners will be announced at a dazzling awards ceremony held at The Triathlon Show at Sandown Park on the evening of Saturday 28 February 2015, with some of the biggest names in triathlon expected to attend.

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Elivar is excited to be associated with the awards for the second year in a row, and as part of the partnership, Elivar will also be providing a nutrition package worth over £350 for the prize draw, which all voters will have a chance to win by entering their nominations here.

Len Dunne, co-founder of Elivar, said: “It means a lot for us to be supporting this event again next year and we are delighted to be involved. It’s a fantastic opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the biggest names in triathlon, and to be promoting awareness about our unique sports nutrition at the same time.”

“The 220 Triathlon Awards are one of the highlights of the magazine’s year and I’m looking forward to seeing who our readers have chosen as their 2015 winners,” added Helen Webster, Editor of 220 Triathlon magazine. “It’s great to welcome Elivar on board for the second year as headline sponsors, knowing that they bring the same passion, enthusiasm and dedication to the triathlon market as we do here at 220.”

Elivar offers a range of sports nutrition products which are specifically designed for the over-35 age group endurance athlete. Developed with world-class sports nutritionists, Elivar’s unique product range contains lower glycaemic index sugars, a sophisticated mix of slow-burn carbohydrate and a rich supply of protein, all of which are essential for optimising and regulating energy levels and maximising recovery for the older athlete.

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The voting polls are open until Monday 12 January 2015