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I'm in!
I missed the press conference but I'm in! My selection for the Olympic Games was announced this morning in Hyde Park. I'm going to Beijing, my third Olympics!
I was meant to arrive back in the UK first thing this morning and go straight to the press conference but my plane was stuck on the runway in Chicago due to "technical issues".
After meeting the selection criteria in Madrid and being nominated, it's actually a relief to have the selection confirmed. I knew I was in but couldn't say so until it was officially announced. I'm really looking forward to the next 8 weeks and will race in Beauvais and Bryn Bach, before leaving for Korea at the end of the month.
Thanks for all the support,
Tim
Trip to America
After a week off after Madrid, I started back training full of enthusiasm but unfortunately had to miss the next week as I had laryngitis and was feeling rough. That will teach me to have a week off!!
We went out to Austin, Texas for a "heat camp". It was proper scorchio! It is part of the whole preparation for Beijing. It was good training, though it took me a while to get used to the heat and cope with the training after my sickness.
It meant I headed to Des Moines a bit undercooked. I was really pleased with how I swam and biked and the run showed I'm just a bit short of fitness. The organisers did a really good job even getting the race on as its original location was still flooded on race day. I've stayed out here and will fly back on Friday and be cracking on with my training.
Madrid report
What a race! Never have I experienced rain like that. I don't think the pictures or TV can really show what it was like but for over half the field not to finish the race (only 30/64 finished) shows how bad it was. But I'm really pleased with my 4th place which keeps me ranked World No.1 and even more pleased to confirm my Olympic nomination by the BTF.
I felt luck was on my side when I punctured on the way to the race (rather than during it) and although I had to walk the 3km back to transition to get my training wheel, I was warmed up and ready easily in time to race. I had a good swim. Got round the first buoy unscathed and held a top 10 position throughout. Good transition and one of the first up over the hill. On the 2nd lap, the race changed completely when the heavens opened. It was the most ferocious rain I have ever felt - hurting my skin - and the temperature dropped about 7 degrees. And as I got colder on each lap and there was more grit and mud all over the road and more people dropped out, it changed from being a race to survival. I heard today that if the rain had continued for another lap, the race would have been called off.
I couldn't feel my fingers in T2 so getting my helmet off and shoes on took longer than usual. And for the first 4km I was running on stumps, I just couldn't feel my body, it was in shut down mode. I did warm up a bit but it was still surviving, rather than racing for me. I crossed the line with mixed emotions, pleased it was over, thankful I had finished in a top 8 and second Brit, but also very fustrated as I felt I was in my best shape this year, and ready to give Gomez a run for his money. It's a funny old game ... here's to Beijing and no freak weather !!!!
Bring it on!
Tim
Victory at GreenPark
I was really pleased with my race today at GreenPark, Reading. It was just the sort of hit-out I needed before Madrid next week, and it's always a pleasure to take the British Sprint Championship title. Kris Gemmel pushed me all the way, no wonder the Kiwis have already picked him for Beijing. It's important I recovery well this week, stay healthy and freshen up a bit.
I was out the water in 5th and with Stannard and Adams in front, I spent a lap on the bike chasing on my own. The group caught me from behind and we swallowed the two leaders up after another lap or so. Gemmel and I gave it to each other throughout the 5km run and I managed to get him in the last couple of hundred metres.
It's Madrid next Sunday...
Tim
Good to be back
I love South Africa and I love doing my winter training there but I’m pleased to be home in Loughborough (even if it was raining when I landed at the very swanky Terminal 5) after five months away and the last month living/training/racing out of hotels. Even better to come home after a World Cup win and with a World No. 1 ranking.
I knew the field in Tongyeong was going to be smallish (50 odd) and the smaller the field, the more important a good swim is. The extra swim focus paid off with me staying in 5th or 6th place all the way round and getting out just 3 seconds down. I had one of the quickest transitions and was out on the bike and up the road, forcing everyone to chase. The bike course was tougher than it looked because of the wind and we didn’t go over the bridge at one end of the course for safety reasons. I stayed to the front of the group to keep the pace honest and make sure no strong bikers got away. Out on the run, I hit the front and ran my own pace. By the side of the marina, there were quite a few twists and turns which was another reason to be up front and out of trouble. By about 5km I had shaken them all off and took my first World Cup win since 2005 – it's been a long time!
I’ve 3/4 weeks in Loughborough till Madrid WC. I’m feeling strong and looking forward to racing well there.
Tim
The word from the East
I finished fifth with the second fastest run split on what I would call a "bad" day. Solid. If it had been the Olympic selection, I would be in. Nice!
I started next to Simon Whitfield and we both definitely struggled a bit on the first lap with the current and the lane rope meaning you could only overtake on one side. I ended up in the 2nd group trying to close down the leader. The group was too big and we couldn't organise a consistent chase. We held them for the first 4 or so laps at about 35-45 seconds, then on the last two it went out as less and less poeple were working in my group.
So 1 min 15 secs down at T2, there was some people to catch. Like Mooloolaba I felt strong and it is a similarly tough course going over the bridge and back on every lap, I paced myself well, running out of tarmac to finish 5th.
I'm now on the island of Jeju, to have a look and train at what will be the British team's holding camp pre-Beijing. I'll race the Korean World Cup this weekend (on the mainland, in Tongyeong) though probably train through it. I feel there is still a lot of speed to come from me on the run, and power in the swim and on the bike, and I want to be ready for Madrid and beyond...
Tim.
Good start continues.
I was third at Mooloolaba on Sunday. It was great to back racing at that level and see a few of the boys. I can't believe my last World Cup outing was Beijing when I broke my elbow. I was pleased to get on the podium; I know there is more to come, and I raced smart.
I was about 30 seconds off the lead out of the water, but quickly made that up as we went up the first hill on the bike. It is a very solid bike course - 14 hills within the seven laps. I felt comfortable throughout, staying close to the front to avoid any crashes - and there were a few. Out of T2, too many people were trying to chase down Javier (Gomez) and Brad (Kahlefeldt), and I just settled into my own rhythm, knowing I'm running strong (rather than super fast) at the moment, and I would be in the mix with a couple of km's to go. Bevan (Docherty) and I ran most of it together, and I picked the pace up at the start of the last lap (of 4) and just worked a small gap that kept growing. You can see me blowing hard when I'm getting away from Bevan and being interviewed post-race. (See the race video on the ITU website) It was nice to enjoy my first WC podium since 2005!
I head to Ishigaki next, which is also a tough course as we head up and over the Southern Gate Bridge a few times on both bike and run.
Till then,
Tim.
The winter's over, the season is about to start...
I've just arrived in Australia for the first round of the World Cup. I haven't raced Mooloolaba before but I know it's a tough course and I'm looking forward to racing. The field is a strong one so it will be difficult opener.
I had a great winter in South Africa. Winter is all about getting a really good aerobic base and I feel I've achieved that. I haven't had any injuries or set backs, and so the consistency of each session, each day, each week has set me up nicely. Having been out to Stellenbosch each winter since I first trained there with Simon Lessing in 1999, I was riding and running some of my regular routes stronger than I had done before.
It was great to have so many training partners come out and enjoy the heat and the wind. Fraser Cartmell was great company and a great training partner, followed in February by Dann B and Ritchie and then the BTF squad. Pierre, as usual, did a great job looking after my swimming and my body wouldn't be the same without Frankie's attention to strength + conditioning and massaging. And I've got to say thanks to my good friends Riaan and Marli who always look after me so well.
If you want to stay up late/get up early, the race will be live on www.triathlon.org
Cheers
Tim
Great start to the year!
I chalked up another win on Saturday at the South African Champs, super chuffed!! I felt OK for my second race, strong and solid, which is just want I want to be feeling in mid-Feb. I led the swim out with 3 others on my feet and we rode most of the 40km together. The bike was 4 laps and there was a hill about half way round. I attacked on the last lap and had about 25 seconds on the others at T2. I still had the fastest run split and switched to auto, so all good.
I'm not sure if I will race again before the World Cup series kicks off in Mooloolaba at the end of the March but I'll keep you posted on what I'm up to.
Train Hard Win Easy,
Tim.
Training and racing in SA
I won the WP Champs, no worries. It was a small field and a good workout under race conditions. It was nice to have fellow Brit Dann B out there on the bike. It is a step up in quality and size of field this weekend at the South African Championships in East London and I'm looking forward to it after two weeks training with the British Squad.
Dan Salcedo, Men's Head Coach, brought Will Clarke, Alistair Brownlee and Olly Freeman out with him for some warm weather training. It has been a lot of fun and I feel we have all really got a lot out of it in the sun, which was one of the reasons for them coming out. Along with Ritchie and Fraser (the Scots) and Dann B it has been a really solid two weeks.
Catch you after the w/e
Tim.
Sunny and windy in Stellenbosch
All is well out here. I'm getting through my training and enjoying the sun on my back. I'm going to have a hit out this weekend at the Western Provence Champs. It's just up the road in Worcester and is the first time I've raced since Beijing so I'm really looking forward to it.
I've gone through the race calendar with Ben and I may not do all of the first four World Cups, and then in to the lead into Madrid there are a few options with European Champs, the first FGP and the first race in the Corus series. Nothing has been planned beyond Madrid - I want to get selection sorted and then work it out with the BTF and BOA in terms of prep camps and what races work best for me.
Winter miles mean Summer smiles - aii!!
Tim
Happy New Year!
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year. A big thank you to all my sponsors and supporters for all their help during the year. 2008 is a big one and I'm looking forward to it!
I had a really good 10 days in Spain training with the boys in December. The Brownlee brothers, Ritchie Nicholls, Dann Brook and myself got a load of miles in on the bike, as well as swimming and running every day. It worked out really well, and Ritchie and Dann are going to come to South Africa for 5/6 weeks in Jan/Feb to get some quality winter training done (in the sunshine!).
Kelly and I made it out to Stellenbosch in time for Christmas and I'll be here till mid March. I'm working out my early season races now that most of the calendars have been finalised. I'll get it firmed up with Ben and posted up in the next week or so.
Tim
Day out with the Garmin winner
Had great fun with Nathan, the Garmin prize winner, in Swadlincote, Derbyshire. It was a perfect day for a ride round his 60km loop through quiet country roads (trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/4548606
). It was getting dark by the time we had snacked, so just ran three miles with him easy. (trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/4548454
).
Getting back into it
After my glorious holiday in Mauritius, I'm getting back into the day job. The elbow is about 95% fixed, it's just the final twisting action that I've got to focus on. Ben's working me hard and I'm enjoying the pain of getting fit again. My left side needs a bit of extra attention but I'm doing a fair bit of strength and conditioning, as usual at this time of year, so it will be sorted very soon.
I've been doing a bit for my sponsors as well. The water at Dorney Lake was bloody cold, especially after the Indian Ocean, when the Mazda Zoom Zoom ladies asked me to get in (the mag's out in February) and it was a pleasure listening to Nicole Cook and her awesome achievements when we shared an evening for EAS. Trek also have taken some new snaps of me training on my delightful new Madone.
I also went across to Switzerland to give a talk at my sister's school. She interviewed me, pretending to be like Parkinson, which made it a lot of fun and got lots of cheap shots in about why I don't reply to her emails, texts, phone calls etc. Her school is in the next valley on from Leysin and the snow has arrived in time for Christmas. I also took part in the school's crazy run... ...5km uphill in the snow. It took me 47.54!!
I look pretty toastie, don't you think.
I'm going to Spain for 10 days in December and then will head to Stellenbosch for Christmas through to the first World Cups of 2008. I'm toughing it in Loughborough till then.
Stay warm
Tim
Cycle Show
I was down at the Cycle Show at the weekend checking out my new Madone. I'm going to ride this one until my custom painted ones arrive. I signed a few autographs and hung out for a bit. Earls Court was a good venue, and there were lots of people and lots of bikes!
Tim
Update on the elbow
The good news is my elbow is on the mend and now means that I can drive my spanking new Mazda CX7! The range of motion is good but it still hurts like a good'un when I twist it. The nerves get caught up in the last bits of blood and swelling.
I was down in London last week for the launch of the Mazda CX-7 (I've got a blue one!). They're title sponsors of the London Triathlon next year and I'm an ambassador... so watch this space! In the meantime, here's an interview with Tri247.com I did at the launch.
I'm off for a couple of weeks lying in the sun (and doing my elbow exercises!) and then back to Loughborough to start my winter training.
Keep safe.
Tim.
Beijing WC crash
There was nothing I could do. The guy in front of me touched wheels with the bloke in front of him, and just went straight down in front of me. I went straight over the top of him, puncturing my front wheel and also fracturing my elbow...
You can watch it on Beijing Tricast on the ITU website
It's the end of my season. I flew home on Sunday night and was in to see the specialist in St John's Wood as soon as I landed. Six weeks of nothing and then I can start rebuilding the strength and mobility in my left side.
I'll give you an update in a couple of weeks when I see the doc again.
Cheers
Tim.
Hamburg World Champs
Well done to my good friend and Beauvais team mate, Daniel Unger for his awesome victory. And to Javier and Brad for their podium places, and Will and Stu for their results. And, of course, for the hundreds of British age groupers who raced.
I'm told you could clearly see on TV the first buoy washing machine and fortunately I didn't get caught up in that. The swim was a bit rough, but that is to be expected with 80 athletes on the start line of the World Champs. There was no hanging around on the bike either. Once the four early leaders had been caught, the pace didn't drop through the twists and turns of Hamburg Centrum. It did stay dry, though which made a big difference because the women's U23 race did not look fun at all in the torrential rain (nice one Rosie getting 4th).
I was well placed into T2 and out onto the run no problem. After the initial mad first kilometre, it settled down a bit but I was keen to push on because I noticed that Javier hadn't caught the lead group. After he did, it just got quicker and quicker, and I began to struggle. I finished in 10th place.
Beijing WC is next up, just two weeks away,
Tim
London Triathlon
It's always good to race in your home town, and it's even better to win! To be on top of the podium at London, the biggest triathlon in the world (on the hottest day of the year) was a real thrill. The noise and support from the crowds was great, so thanks for that, and also thanks to Asics, Trek, Garmin, EAS, Orca and Continental for their support at the Expo.
I was really pleased with my swim. I felt comfortable all the way round. Ben Sansom led it out but I was close behind and worked really hard from the water to my lovely new Madone. I'd split the group, so 5 of us got away on the bike. We put a load of time into the chasers and as we started the run, it became a two horse race between Stu Hayes and myself. He sat on my shoulder for 5km and as we started the 2nd lap, I pulled away.
I've now got a couple of days off before heading to Switzerland and then France to prepare for Worlds.
Enjoy the sunshine,
Tim
Salford WC
Hurray, no rain ! It makes it so much more enjoyable racing in the sunshine. And it's always good to catch up with Craig Doyle, he's a funny man.
I had a decent swim, out in the top 20. It was comforatble in the big lead pack, with a few digs off the front but nothing serious. Then on the 5th lap (the prime) a stronger group (including Hayes, Potts and Reed) got away. I thought I would bridge up to them and see if we could get working. Often breakaways extend their lead in the last couple of laps but we lost time which is a shame in a group of such strong bikers.
We had about a 10 second lead at the start of the run. I ran the first lap out in front, and the second with Gomez, Whitfield and Kahlefeldt. Half way through the third, Gomez stretched his legs and one by one we dropped off. I was pleased with my performance to get 4th but gutted not to get on the podium. I'll need to raise my game for Worlds!
See you at the w/e at London
Tim
Hyde Park
Firstly, thanks to the boys at Sigma for helping me out on Thursday/Friday. My bike needed some work after getting slightly damaged on my flight back from Switzerland and they juggled the schedule to squeeze me in.
I got an early look at the Hyde Park course as I was in town for the press/media call on Wednesday. It really is an amazing venue, and fitting of an Olympic Games triathlon. The "super sprint format" with heats and then a final reminded me of racing the F1 series in Australia, and it had the same feel - fast, furious and fun.
I cruised through my heat, no worries. The swim in the final was on and I did well to get round the first buoy before the rush. Not my normal speedy transition as I was using duathlon pedals, so needed to put my racing flats on first. There were a few attacks on the bike but nothing serious and no-one was going to get away. And because I had my shoes on already, my T2 was super quick and I was out of transition and into my running. Weimer did get onto my shoulder but I broke him on the short, sharp incline and was able to keep him at a distance to take the win. Hard but fun racing!
Salford's up next Sunday - let's hope it stays dry...
Tim
Lorient FGP
I had a bad swim - no excuses - it just wasn't happening and so came out 40 secs down. I sat on the front of the third pack for most of the ride and then ran hard. It's a team gig, so every place counts. According to the results I made up 35 places to finish 12th. Just as importantly, I ran myself into 3rd scoring place for the team and we finished 2nd.
Next up is Hyde Park, hope to see you there
Tim
Running up that hill
After Europeans, I went straight to Leysin (Switzerland) to train with AJ and the squad. Obviously, I thought the weather would be half decent but boy, has it rained ! And, because the village is at 1600m, it has meant it has been pretty cold as well. I have done some good training though and it is always a pleasure to run up the mountain!
I've also sorted out the next block of races. Lorient FGP, Hyde Park Corus race, Salford and London. Then I'll come back to Leysin (as long as the weather improves!!) for the lead into Worlds and Beijing BG ITU World Cup.
Three races on the bounce in the UK will be fun, so hopefully catch you at one of those.
Tim
European Champs
Aaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhh!!! So frustrating - punctured on the fifth lap. Rear wheel, and the furthest possible point from the wheel stop. Big respect and many thanks to my good friend AJ, who sat up and waited till I had changed my wheel, and then worked his socks off with me to try and claw back some time on the lead group.
As the rain started about 15 minutes before our start, I thought there might be some trouble... Clarkey puntured when we rode some of the course on Wednesday.
I swam pretty well, second lap a bit quicker then the first, and I was out in about 20th. The bike felt good, in control and trying to stay out of trouble towards the front of the large pack, till the puncture. AJ and I worked hard and I was in T2 down by a minute, rather than two. I ran decent, working my way through the field to finish 18th.
Well done to Hollie and Alistair for impressive victories.
Stay out of trouble
Tim
Des Moines WC
Fourth! Shame not to get on the podium but I'm fairly pleased. I'm moving in the right direction and having only done two World Cups this year, I'm up to 11th in the World Cup rankings.
There was a real vibe about the race. Obviously there was a lot of cash up for grabs and the field was stacked, but also in terms of what the sponsors had done and the money they had invested into the race. Having the Hummers on display and three giant screens around downtown certainly added to it.
Around the transition and grandstands it was packed and noisy and full of atmosphere but it was surreal riding in other places because there was no one watching there, that part of the race was a real ghost town.
I've got a weekend off then it's over to Copenhagen for the European Champs.
Tim
Four in a row!
National Champion again and I'm well pleased. Beautiful place to race but it's a tough bike course!
The deep water start felt a bit alien, and because the swim was a rectangle, the first lap was a bit rough. I made up a few places as we came out of the water and round the Mazda car, and then swam well to get out of the water in third place.
It broke up straight away up the hill on the first of ten tough bike laps. And on lap 7 or 8, AJ joined us having biked his way past everyone else - he had showed his intent by turning up on his TT bike! There were four of us left in the running.
I ran the first 2km hard and then backed off, settling into a nice rhythm to add Bryn Bach to Liverpool (04), Salford (05) and Windsor (06) in the trophy cabinet.
Next stop the heat and humidity of Des Moines
Tim
Madrid WC
A solid return to World Cup racing is how I would sum it up. Also, it was my first Olympic distance race since 27th Jan, and the one before that was the Beijing WC on Sept 24th, so it has been a while.
They have moved the start pontoon back (at last) to the edge of the lake making the distance to the first buoy over 300m away which meant there wasn't the normal pile up there. I was out in touch with the leaders and although the run into T1 hurt like hell, I was in the lead group by the top of the first hill.
The pace slowed down after Clarkeys crash and then Alfie and a couple of others got away. It's quite technical coming in off the bike and I wasn't at the front of the group so was quite slow through T2. The leaders were away and I ran my own race. At 5km, I began to feel good and finished strongly in 6th place. As I say, pretty pleased overall.
National Champs up next on Saturday.
See you in Bryn Bach?
Tim.
In the clear
There's not a lot more to say - I'm delighted with the news and can't thank everyone enough for all their support. These are the statements posted onto the BTF website by myself and Norman Brook and you can also read the official statement from the BOA's Chief Executive, Simon Clegg there as well:
On receiving the news, Tim Don said: "I am relieved and happy to be reinstated and I can now concentrate 100% on gaining Team GB selection and performing well in Beijing. I would like to thank the BTF and my sponsors who have supported me throughout this process. If something good can be taken from my case, then it has been to highlight the importance of the need to keep your UK Sport Whereabouts information up to date. It is also fantastic that UK Sport are now working with the athletes to ensure the no advance notice testing system we operate in the UK works well, and the UK remains a world leader in out of competition testing.
Norman Brook, Chief Executive of the British Triathlon Federation said: "Tim's case should act as a stark awakening to all athletes on the no advance notice testing system which the British Triathlon Federation supports. I believe UK Sport have addressed the initial problems within the no advance notice system. Our athletes should now be fully aware of their responsibility to ensure the information they supply on their daily whereabouts is correct."
French Grand Prix
I was sixth at Sables D'Olonne - nice place but the weather was terribly wet and bloody windy. In fact, I had a tumble on the bike in the morning when I was doing a U turn after some efforts, nice! I was OK to race and wasn't going to let the team down. We came a respectable 3rd with the weakest team and only 4 of us racing (you can have 5, with 3 to count).
Overall, I had a solid race. The sea was choppy and rough but I had a good swim getting out in the top 10. The bike was comfortable in terms of pace but not in terms of the conditions - I lost my front wheels 3 times and my back at least once! I was one of the last into transitions, being cautious, and ran well. A good "first" race of the season, especailly as I trained through it.
I'll probably race again in the next couple of weeks but the next focus is the BG ITU World Cup in Madrid on June 3rd.
Stay safe and bring it on!
Tim
National Duathlon Championships
Although I was met with some rain at Heathrow, my first week back in the UK has been warm and sunny! As predicted though, Saturday morning was a bit chilly, so standing on the start line at Ashbourne (National Duathlon Champs), arm warmers and tights were all the rage.
I built into the first run (12km). Phil was off the front and at one point had 30 seconds on us, but by T1 I had reduced it down to about 15. I was pretty slow in transition putting my hot-top on, but soon got into a rhythm on the bike. Oli caught me in the last 500m, but once we were out onto the run, I opened up a gap and won comfortably. It was good to be back racing after the dramas with my calf, and even nicer to be racing in the UK. I wore my Garmin Forerunner which may be of interest.
Next up is the first round of the FGP at Sables d'Olonne.
Tim.
Plan for the season
So the plan for the season is sorted, I think. Ben is over and we have been able to go through it. I've got a good idea of what July and August looks like but there are a couple of different race options and then I'll decide after some of the big June races. I'm realy looking forward to the season, especially as I will race for Beauvais again. Freddy Belaubre has joined the club which will make us even stronger this year.
I've had a really good time training in Thailand, but I hear the weather is decent in the UK and so I'll be home soon. Before Ben came out, I did this crazy adventure run. Through jungle, over mountains, round the cliffs, across sand, it was a bit of everything. Almost 26km in the heat - it was a toughie.
See you at a UK race soon,
Tim.
Thailand
The original plan was that between Mooloolaba and Ishigaki I would go to Thailand for some heat acclimatization training. The World Cups are not on the agenda due to my calf problem (which is now sorted) but I have still travelled to Phuket. Man, it is hot ! And it's not the rainy season but when it does rain, it's monsoon-like! I got caught out the other day riding with Benny Sansom.
There's a lake by the hotel which has got some buoys in so we can swim easy in there, but do quality swimming in a 50m pool which is about 20km away. The riding is interesting with quiet roads and really varied terrain. There is also a track by the pool but I have been building up my running fitness again mostly off-road. Ben comes out this week so we are going to work out the race plan for the season.
Train hard
Tim
Injury update
I was meant to race at the SA Champs on Saturday at Langebaans. My calf is not 100% and I'm not going to race unless I'm ready to compete for a place on the podium. When I was over for the TCR show, I found out I had a slight tear in my soleus muscle. It's one of those injuries that takes as long as it takes to recover - it's an awkward bugger that you can't really help get better. Anyhow, I'm doing what I'm told and will be back to full running in the next 10 days. I learnt last year that you can only turn up to race on the World Cup circuit when you are fully fit and so I'm delaying my start to the season. I won't go to Mooloolaba and Ishigaki and I'm obviously very disappointed.
Easy now,
Tim
Three 220 Awards!
I was back to the UK a few days early to get my calf checked over. It's still a bit niggly and so it was worthwhile getting a scan and a thorough examination from the medical team in Loughborough.
TCR was good fun. I don't know the official attendance but it seemed two solid
days of people, bumping and squeezing down the corridors moving from one stand
to the next. It's such a positive that there is so much interest in triathlon.
I think I'd met Normann Stadler a few years back when I was still a junior at a European Duathlon medal ceremony and I had a bit of a catch up with him on the www.tri247.com stand. The Q&A, on Saturday with Normann and solo on Sunday, went well with lots of interesting questions.
To be honest, I thought I was in with a shout of winning the Male Triathlete of the Year and Male Performance of the Year as voted by 220 Magazine readers and I was well chuffed to win them. Totally unexpectedly, I was overwhelmed to receive the Outstanding Contribution to Triathlon award. Thanks to all those that voted.
I head back to SA at the weekend to continue my preparations for the first World Cups of the year. Remember swim, bike, run.
Back in the groove
Yes, back racing. It is the best. And just what I needed, a good hit out to see where I'm at.
There were only 6 of us in the Pro wave at the Western Province Champs, and for the first lap on the swim (in wetsuits), I just sat in. Upped the pace on the second and myself and Kent Horner got about 30 seconds on the others. It's a flat, four lapper on the bike and I wanted a really good smash out on the bike so did loads of the work. We put about 5min 30secs into the chasers. And then on the run I had a 100m lead after about 2km so was able to cruise from then and won by 50 odd seconds.
It will be the same course for the SA Champs at the beginning of March with a tougher field I'm sure, which will hopefully set me up nicely for the Mooloolaba World Cup on the 25th.
For those of you heading to TCR on Feb 10/11 and the 220 Awards dinner, look forward to seeing you there.
Happy New Year!
I hope everyone had a good Christmas and New Year. Kelly came over, which was great, and she had a nice break from her teacher training course. I was also best man at Riaan's wedding on the 30th - I was the only Englishman in the room so you can appreciate there was a fair bit of heckling ! It was a top, top night ending in a fully clothed swimming pool invaision. It did mean my New Years Eve celebrations were very quiet and I was in bed a couple of minutes after midnight.
As Kelly went home, Ben came out. We got some really solid training in before I strained my right calf at the Total Sport Challenge. All was going well for 8km, and then I had to hobble the last 4! With some regular massage from Francois, I've made a speedy recovery and celebrated my 29th (can you believe it) birthday yesterday with a 20 minute morning run and a 2 hour ride in the afternoon.
I'm really looking forward to my first post-suspension race, the Western Provence Champs on January 27th so, until then, keep your training consistent.
Reflections on 2006
What a year ! No guesses what the highlight was... ...and also the lowlight. I do want to say thank you to all my friends and family for the support they have given me, and especially to my terrific sponsors who stood by me when trouble came knocking.
Winning the Worlds was a dream come true. I like racing in Lausanne! Obviously I missed the original break but then made the decision at the right time to try and bridge the gap. I was pretty comfortable on the run and put the pressure on Hamish when he began to hurt. To have the fastest run split after the massive effort on the bike was doubly pleasing. It was a great race for me, of course, but it also showed what a great sport triathlon is, full of drama and excitement.
The missed tests hearing was a relief to get out of the way although I was gutted to be suspended. I can't change what happened and can only look forward. I have bought my own laptop to accompany me on my travels and have learned my lesson! (The 'Whereabouts' system has also been improved to make it simpler on screen and you are now able to ring and text any changes.) Overturning the Olympic ban is looking more positive after Peter Cousins (the judo player) was re-instated.
I have signed up to race for Beauvais in France again in 2007. It's such a great club and Laurent, Jean-Nicholas and the boys made me feel so welcome and relaxed that it was a no brainer. My suspension ends on December 27th and my first planned race is the Western Province Champs at the end of January. Early March it's the South Africa Champs and then the ITU World Cup circuit kicks off in Mooloolaba (March 25th) and Ishigaki (April 15th).
Hope you like the website's new look, have a great Christmas And New Year.
The missed tests: what really happened
Sue Mott has written a couple of pieces in the Telegraph (Saturday 21st and Tuesday 24th) and the following piece is a more detailed breakdown of what went on to result in Tim's 3-month suspension.
UK Sport's 'Whereabouts' system is, in their own words, "widely regarded to be one of the most advanced in the world", and UK Sport is admired by other countries "for the way in which we are tackling this complex area of anti-doping". They also say the system was developed in consultation with the athlete community.
Under this National Anti-Doping Policy, athletes are required to regularly update an online database specifying where they will be available for testing for one hour a day at least five days a week. If they are not at the stated location when UK Sport's Doping Control Officer attends to take a sample, it is reported as a missed test to the respective governing body. Three missed tests over an 18-month period constitutes an anti-doping rule violation.
It seems that every country has interpreted the WADA rules differently. For example, in the US, if an athlete is not present when a tester turns up, the tester is able to call the athlete to find out where they are. In Switzerland, the tester will actually track an athlete down if they are not in the place where they said they would be. In the UK, the Doping Control Officer goes to the place specified for that hour and waits for the athlete to show up.
Prior to the Whereabouts system being introduced, British Triathlon's World Class programme used a tracking system which required an athlete to send an email of their week's schedule and address(es), which in turn was forwarded onto UK Sport and the ITU.
In May 2004, a preliminary system was shown to British Triathlon's Olympians and to quote then Performance Director, Graeme Maw, "it would be fair to say that the presentation appeared that of a pilot" as athlete log-ins failed to work.
In 2005, UK Sport advised the BTA that the system would be adopted fully. The BTA organised for the UK Sport rep to show how it worked to the World Class squad on June 19th 2005 at the Copthorne Hotel, after the Royal Windsor Triathlon. It was a two hour meeting which was continually disrupted by one of the attendees and the last 15 minutes were allocated for this demonstration. The UK Sport demonstrator could not even get online to give a correct/precise/accurate demonstration of the system.
Tim missed his first random test on September 13th September. He was with the British Triathlon squad (athletes, coaches and the Performance Director) in Gamagori (having won the World Aquathlon title and collapsed during the run in the World Tri Champs) on the way to the Beijing World Cup. The computer said he was at home in Loughborough. Tim acknowledged that he had not updated the system but highlighted his difficulties with using the system, getting his password to work and general confidence in the use of a computer. (Tim left school at 18 and has never received any computer training).
In November, Tim had his WCPP review. The subject of his missed test came up and once again Tim asked for help with using the system and requested a one on one session with UK Sport to gain full working knowledge. He also mentioned that twice he had tried to call the UK Sport rep and left messages on her voicemail but had not heard back. No training was organised and Tim left for South Africa none the wiser.
Just before leaving South Africa, en route to Australia for the Commonwealth Games, Tim raced in the South African National Champs in Richards Bay. Before leaving Stellenbosch he tried to update his whereabouts but couldn't get online at the internet cafe. The race hotel in Richards Bay had 3 computers in their reception but none could get online either. Tim had a bad race having to pull out on the run suffering in the humidity.
He left for Australia the next morning, on his own, very concerned about his form with the CWG so close. Ben Bright and Will Clarke followed a day later. These flights were booked and paid for the BTA so they knew exactly where everyone was. When Ben arrived at the apartment on the Gold Coast with his computer, Tim logged on to change his whereabouts. That was a day too late as the Doping Officer had already been to his house in Loughborough to collect a sample. The system had defaulted back to his Home details ( this is the template that Tim originally set up) .
When stating this was Tim's 2nd miss, UK Sport acknowledge that he had raised the issue of his need for more training, however they had done nothing to help/rectify that. In fact, it was only after this 2nd miss that a meeting was arranged to train Tim individually. The date was 16th May 2006 - six months after asking for it. And the situation was made even worse by the fact that the session was then cancelled 10 days beforehand because UK Sport felt it was not a good use of time because a new system was going to be introduced in August.
In June this year, Tim missed his 3rd test. He was late home from the athletics meet at Loughborough University. Normally in bed at 10pm to be up early for swimming the next morning, Tim watched the track meet with his girlfriend and his coach, Ben Bright, and was 5 or 10 minutes late home.
Hands up, no excuses, the night he was not in between 9-10pm (the hour he specified), the Doping Control Officer comes to his house. Passing the BTA's Chief Executive, Norman Brook, in the car park rushing to catch the first race was coincidence but it does mean that for all three misses, British Triathlon knew exactly where he was.
It was and is TIM'S RESPONSIBILITY and he has acknowledged that at all times. However, he could have been helped a bit.
- After only 1 year, the system has been changed. The UK Sport rep admitted during the training session for the new system (launched Aug 06) that the previous one was no good
- If UK Sport are going to introduce a system that if athletes don't use it correctly, then their livelihoods and reputation can be damaged, then they must ensure that the athletes receive appropriate training
- If an athlete says they are having difficulty with the system having missed a test, then the Governing Body / UK Sport must ensure extra system training is given immediately
The new system is an improvement. The screen in which you enter your details is more simple, there is a phone line to ring if you can't get online, your Governing Body can check/update your details for you and they have extended the window in which you have to specify your available hour.
So, in August 06, UK Sport introduced their new and improved version of the Whereabouts system. At the group training session (w/e of London Tri), under guidance from the UK Sport rep, Tim entered all his details correctly only to find a female athlete's details up on the screen. And, at an individual session at UK Sport's offices on Oct 12th, again under supervision, Tim's whereabouts were not correctly updated by the system.
