NOW, FOR RACE SHARPNESS
The gym from the gods has kept both physically sharp. Race sharpness, however, demands outdoor training and, of course, racing. It’s why the couple spent early January in Dubai, although the camp ended early. “We’d intended to be there for four weeks but, due to Covid, we didn’t want to end up stuck in a hotel for a month so came home. While there, we trained with GB runners. Everyone wore masks but nothing was off limits.” Which brings us back to the Sub-8hr challenge. Beyond the technology, sport science and cutting-edge nutrition, could the (hopeful) return of crowds provide the biggest performance boost? “Without a doubt; in fact, I’ve already been thinking about who I’d like in the crowd. I’d love to have Lucy Gossage screaming at me. If I could pick a cheerleading squad, she’d be top of the list. And Chrissie [Wellington], 100%. To race that 8:18 time unassisted was just incredible. She is the fastest and I’d love for her to help me in some form. It’d be great to have a British team and keep that fastest time in Great Britain.” As we reported last issue, dissenters will criticise the artificiality of the challenge; proponents will argue that CharlesBarclay, Brownlee, Spirig and Blummenfelt still have to move their limbs faster than any male and female triathlete has done so before. For the likes of Charles-Barclay, it doesn’t matter. This is a challenge that’s sparked her motivation and one that’d cement her place at the upper echelons of long-course triathlon. Throw in a Hawaii 2021 title and after the annus horribilis of 2020, this could be a historic 12 months in the life of one of Britain’s greatest-ever iron triathletes.