Perhaps the biggest challenge in taking on an event like the Alpe d'Huez triathlon is completing the sheer volume of training required without getting injured. To be ready for the 2.2km swim, 100km cycle and 20km run the team have to put in the miles to replicate the massive Alpine climb, chilly lake waters and altitude run. Not an easy thing to achieve in the UK. The long, cold winter meant a delayed start to preparations but now those long hours in the water, on the road and running track are being put in.
Nigel Maycock says for him there is no such thing as a typical week as his training load varies widely depending on work and family commitments. A typical week featured a stomach bug on Monday and a 60-mile commute to and from Reading on the Tuesday. Wednesday brought an hour-long run, Thursday a 2km Lido swim and an impromptu meeting with fellow team member Chris Bennett, and Friday 90 minutes of bike commuting. And there is no rest at the weekend. Despite the World Cup, Maycock managed a gym session on Saturday and a spin session on Sunday. All of the above slotted in nicely with family commitments.
And then there is equipment to think of. As well as his body, Maycock has also been exercising his credit card on buying new gears and tyres for his bike.
Lyndon Ferguson says his training is progressing well but he admits to neglecting pool time to do more running which he feels will have more benefit on the day. He recently completed the Windsor triathlon in 2hrs 23mins. He came out of the swim well down the field but had a good bike leg. 'The ride was good but the course was a little tougher than expected. Not a bad time of 1hr 7mins for the 42km. I felt stronger as the run went on, something I am pleased about thinking of the 22km run at the top of Alpe d'Huez.'
Bennett's training is now reaching a peak as he builds distances. A notable ride was to the coast with his son one Sunday morning. Training has also been boosted by a trip to Sweden with a Transitions team to tackle a 150km sportive, trips to the Guildford lido and running in the Surrey hills. 'The mainstay of my training has been on my fixed-wheel, single speed bike to and from work over the Surrey hills. The distance is short but the effort intense.'
Fiona Molloy, has taken part in a number of events in an effort to be ready. She has struggled with injuries this year and had to forgo the run section of the recent Bournemouth triathlon due to a calf strain.
The team has now had chance to wear the team trisuit provided by Rupp+Hubrach and it's been a real hit. They've also worn the Adidas cycling and running specs provided. 'I was particularly impressed with the R+H lenses when worn on a cycle yesterday. The prescription lenses and tint made every thing so crisp and the frames were distinctly comfortable. The sticky nose pads gripped brilliantly on my glistening nose,' says Molloy.
Lisa Evans tried the suit out in the Pembrokeshire triathlon. It was her first and was a tough experience. 'The swim went well, did one mile in the sea in 22mins and came out third woman, that was my moment of glory.' She found the cycle more of a challenge, completing the 43km in 1hr 50mins. The first 3km of the 10km run was uphill on a uneven coastal path. 'My final time was 3hrs 22mins.'
Evans admits to getting a little concerned about the bike climb in the Alps after her experience in the Welsh race, but other team members were all keen to reassure her that the trick is to spin the pedals. All will be revealed at the end of the month. ?
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