TRIATHLON CAMPS
is a lot easier if you know you’ll be able to get away for at least part of the winter to a warmer climate to be able to enjoy some outdoor training. Here are a few options to look at this winter:
teamatomica.com
Headed by coach Ayesha Rollinson, Team Atomica offers a camp from Feb. 18 to 25 in the Southern U.S. (Last year’s camp was in California and, as we go to print, they are still finalizing the 2018 venue.) With small camper numbers and two dedicated coaches, each athlete gets plenty of one-on-one time and support during group workouts. Coaches Darian Silk and Suzanne Zelazo do a great job of helping all athletes adjust the daily training load to meet their goals and abilities. Biking routes are planned to accommodate all athletes’ levels, from full-distance training to those who are just looking to maintain fitness or focus on some shorter, speedier races. Transport to and from the airport for campers and their bikes is included in the camp fee.
Team Atomica
b78.is/camps
Led by former Ironman Canada champ Jasper Blake, there are a number of B78 camps on top for 2018. From Jan. 18 to 23 the Thousand Oaks, Calif. camp (in which Blake partners with Human Powered Racing) features four days of biking (“with some swimming and running thrown in for good measure,” according to Blake) just outside of Los Angeles. The rides include lots of climbing through quiet, winding canyon roads. From Feb. 24 to March 4 Blake and Mike Neill head to Bermuda for the eighth annual Bermuda Triathlon Camp. “This is a great entry level camp to get you out of the cold weather in North America,” Blake says. “The camp training sessions happen early morning and evening, leaving your days completely free to explore this beautiful island and its pink sand beaches.”
nrgpt.com
Founded by former pro Nigel Gray, NRG provides coaching to athletes from across Canada and offers a couple of camp opportunities through the winter and spring. From Feb. 10 to 17 and Feb. 24 to March 3, NRG offers two camps in Clermont, Fla., the site of one of U.S.A. Triathlon’s National Training Centres. Athletes swim in the beautiful 50 m NTC pool, while taking in rides and runs through the quiet country roads that offer the hilliest terrain Florida has to offer. From May 4 to 13, NRG heads to Costa Blanca, Spain, where many pro cyclists train for a nine-day cycling-focused camp that includes lots of challenging riding to go along with some open water swims and run training.
B78 NRG
mackatak.net
From March 10 to 17, Triathlon Magazine Canada editor Kevin Mackinnon has teamed up with German coach Jurgen Sessner for a week-long training camp in Lanzarote, one of the spectacular Canary Islands. Set at Club La Santa – a training paradise that features three 50 m pools, a fully equipped track, elaborate weight rooms and circuit training areas, the camp includes extensive training in all three sports.
The cycling on the island is one of the main highlights of the camp thanks to the spectacular terrain and strong winds that provide outstanding preparation for the upcoming race season.—tmc
Club La Santa Lanzarote