Triathlon Ireland’s first Junior Academy training day of 2014 was a huge success with almost 60 young athletes between the ages of 10 and 19 years developing their skills under the watchful eyes of Triathlon Ireland coaches in Greystones.
The day began with an hour in the Shoreline Leisure pool with athletes performing a variety of drills focusing of swim stroke, breathing and open water techniques.
Some impressive splits were posted during a short time trial to finish, with results useful to measure improvement over the coming months. After a quick change it was onto a bike fitting workshop lead by top cycling coach Aidan Hammond and a Strength & Condition workshop lead by Academy Head Coach Eamonn Tilley.
The packed day continued with a bike ride after lunch with groups practising triathlon transition mounts and dismounts, cornering, drafting and riding within a bunch. To finish off the day athletes made their way to the track in Greystones for some running drills, stretching and a running time trial.
With 8 TI Qualified coaches on hand throughout the day there was plenty of advice and expertise available to the athletes. The enthusiastic group thoroughly enjoyed the day with many keen to join local clubs, target upcoming races and attend future Academy training days.
“The volunteer coaches did a fantastic job and provided some really high quality coaching to the young athletes. Academy Head Coach Eamonn Tilley has also put a huge amount of work into getting this up and running and it really showed over the weekend as everything ran so smoothly” Commented Triathlon Ireland Development & Media Officer, Scott Graham.
“It was fantastic to see the next generation of triathletes so enthusiastic and eager to learn and I’d like to thank the parents and guardians for giving up their day also.”
If you missed Sunday’s Academy Training Day the next one is set to take place on March 1st in Carlow. To book your place see www.triathlonireland.com/
There are also children’s races coming up in Portlaoise on April 5th and the National Aquatic Centre on May 18th. Further races available at www.triathlonireland.com
