1. WORD FROM THE COACHES

Sunday morning on Yarra Boulevard was the final race of the Victorian Duathlon series with a handicap system used based on previous results. Starting in reverse order competitors were aiming to stay ahead or run through the field to be crowned the Grand Final Champion.

Massive congratulations to Michelle who won her age group in the series with consistently fast races and podiums across the board. Monty was just piped at the post but a fantastic effort to take second place in his category again rounding off a very good winter Duathlon campaign. Now for these guys to transfer this winter speed into the Triathlon season for more glory!

KONA – IRONMAN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

The big dance in Hawaii takes place this coming weekend and many of us will know a few people racing and have a keen interest in how well they go and how fast the Pro’s can get round.

This is the pinnacle of long course racing in Triathlon with many Tri-Alliance athletes setting this as a future goal. This years race has 2401 registered entrants, the oldest being 83, the youngest 19 with the average age being 43 and with 64 countries being represented this is a very wide ranging event.

We shall be watching with interest on the live streaming this weekend (early on Sunday morning) as the race takes shape. For more info go to this link

2. ELWOOD & SUMMER TIMETABLE

The summer timetable has started (not that the weather has understood yet….) and it is time to return to Elwood on Thursday evening for our combo sessions, Saturday bricks and Sunday Runs. If you have previously joined Elwood Life Saving Club it will be time to renew this alongside your parking permit. This will ensure close easy parking and access to hot showers and changing rooms after your open water swims.

The guys at Elwood LSC (Rachel & David and colleagues) have long been supporters of our club and the Triathlon community in Bayside with them being race day water support for all Gatorade Races and Challenge Melbourne. By becoming a member you gain access to the club rooms and support the great work they do. Once an associate member you also can apply for a parking permit which enables you to park in the main carpark for free. In addition to this it covers all foreshore parking from head street in Elwood right up to Port Melbourne (even when not Tri training).

The membership form and parking permit can be found by clicking this link.

We also plan to have a time post a training session on either a Saturday or thursday at Elwood where you will be able to register and get relevant forms stamped at the Club.

SUMMER TIMETABLE

The Summer timetable is in place so ensure you check the calendar to know when and where sessions are on. The main session differences are below:

• Thursday evening 6pm @ Elwood – Short and Long Course Combo (mixture of wind trainer, swim and bike). Depending on your race goals and previous sessions (i.e. hot-laps in the morning will dictate what your session is). Always however bring runners and your wet-suit.
• Saturday morning 6:30am @ Elwood – Short Course Combo – begins with a bike set then run/transition and open water skills – always bring everything!
• Saturday morning 6:30am @ Elwood – Long Course Ride – long ride with relevant run off the bike according to race goals and program
• Sunday morning 8am @ Elwood – Long Run – for all athletes. Bring wettie for swim too!
• Sunday morning 8am @ Fairfield – Long Run – for all athletes – trail runs with Greg.

Check the timetable here for all the sessions.

3. NEW TRI ALLIANCE TRISUITS

The Tri Alliance Trisuit for 2016 is the best ever!  Our first trisuit where you have the option to individualise it with your name for an extra $15.  (PRE ORDER ONLY NOW)

Production is currently underway so if you want your name on it order now. We expect to get delivery of these late October/early November in-time for the Victorian racing season.

We have spent months on developing this suit with several samples and extensive testing to make sure both the quality, comfort and usability of the suit is of the highest priority.

We have opted for the long sleeve suit this year for a number of reasons,

• Sun protection,
• Better aerodynamics with golf ball pattern arms for less drag,
• No rub points under arms.

What makes this suit so good you ask?

• Full length zip with half jersey design.  No Need to take the suit off if doing number ones,
• Option to wear as short only if top half is rolled up and tucked into short,
• Zip pocket with 2 x mesh pockets either side for gels or gel holders,
• Mesh panels for better breathability and cooling
• Form fitting suit that you can wear swim, bike or run with comfort and no restriction.
• Suit weight is under 200g

4. TIMETABLE UPDATES

Alongside the summer timetable changes a few other sessions updates are below. Always ensure you check the timetable to ensure you know where and when sessions are on.

October programs for relevant athletes are now uploaded to your accounts so please check them out and approach your coach should you have any questions regards them. Race season is almost here for many so much more racey sets will be in them as well as building runs off the bike and open water swimming.

SWIM

• Mondays at MSAC continue at 6:15pm with 3 lanes available for all and 2 coaches
• Wednesdays at MSAC continue at 5:45am with 3 lanes available for all and 2 coaches
• Fridays at MSAC now have 3 lanes at 5:45am available for all again with 2 coaches.
• St Michaels Swims will be returning from Monday 24th October with sessions on a Monday and Wednesday at 7pm. We shall chat with relevant athletes regards who should be attending these sessions in due course. Do ask if you have any questions.

BIKE

• Recovery week mean no coached hot-laps on Thursday morning
• Saturday’s ride will be rolling from Elwood at 6:30am with various distances accordingly to race and ability.
• Long course riders this will be your long ride with a run off the bike.
• Short course this is your combo set beginning with a race specific ride followed by run and swim. We will also be starting to practice transitions with racks so T1 and T2 are smooth and fast as possible.

RUN

• Sunday runs in October will be at either Fairfield (trail running) or Elwood both at 8am for all athletes.

For that post swim coffee or food you now no longer have to trek across MSAC with their new pop-up cafe located by the Speedo shop next to the outdoor pool.

Operating hours: 6:30am – 11:00am

We are not sure if they do pool deck service mid session though! A great idea and initiative and maybe that little bit of extra motivation needed to get to the morning swim sessions as you know the reward is very close at hand….

5. LIGHTEN UP!

Over the past few weeks of riding along Beach Road it has been noticed and commented on by many the number of riders that do not have lights on their bikes. This has been especially noticeable with the lighter mornings we had before the clocks changed.

Why wouldn’t you want to be seen?! If you were driving at that time you’d have your car lights on right? Fashion, weight (yeah a few grams!), laziness, forgetfulness – not quite sure but it is concerning. Having lights on your bike at dawn and dusk (and actually at all times of the day) are as important as putting your helmet on. As we get towards summer and more riders on the roads it’s common sense to want to be visible to other road users.

The following paragraphs come from Bike rider safety on VicRoad’s web site – have a read of the entire page here.

Use lights at night

This is the law. If you do not use lights at night or in conditions of low light, penalties may apply. The front and rear lights must be visible from 200m and the bicycle must also have a red rear reflector visible from 50 metres. Bike riders who do not have bicycle lights fitted to the front and rear of their bicycles are very difficult to see at night.

Use lights during the day

Using flashing front and back lights in daylight too helps you be seen on the road. Drivers can have poor peripheral (side) vision. Helping them to see who is in the bike lane or bike riding beside them makes it more likely that they will adjust their driving to give bike riders the space they need. So using bike lights in flashing mode day and night helps you be seen, and helps you stay safe.

If you don’t have lights or they don’t fit your current/new bike get down to Giant South Yarra with your Tri-Alliance membership card to see their extensive range and get your 20% off.