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Post by David Power on Nov 21, 2015 8:31:29 GMT
Age Group Selection Application
Would you like to get the chance to represent Ireland in an international race next year? The great thing about triathlon is that you can compete at the same events as the pros/elites but also the fact you can race competitively in your Age Group against athletes from all over the world. There are World and European level events, with most taking place in Europe next summer.
Several club members have represented Ireland at age group and elite level over the years. I've gone to 4 Duathlon Championships in France and Spain over the past 5 years and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Being part of an Irish team, wearing the green kit, testing yourself against athletes from everywhere from Japan to the UK, running down the blue chute at the finish, celebrating afterwards. It's all memorable. Read Padraig Owen's great report from Chicago this year.
Interested? Just ask some questions here or read more about eligibility criteria and application process below. You need to apply soon as TI has deadlines for selection already passed, but since there are multiple levels of selection, even if you're late, still submit the application (or contact TI first as payment is required to apply).
I'm going to do one race - deciding between Lisbon Tri or Aviles Duathlon.
triathlonireland.com/Participation/Age-Group-Selection/
Date Name Location Apply
16/04/2016 - 17/04/2016 ETU European Duathlon Championships Kalkar, Germany
24/04/2016 - 24/04/2016 ETU Cross Duathlon European Championships Târgu Mures, Romania
26/05/2016 - 29/05/2016 ETU European Triathlon Championships Lisbon, Portugal
04/06/2016 - 05/06/2016 ITU World Duathlon Championships Aviles, Spain
24/07/2016 - 24/07/2016 ETU European Long Triathlon Championships Poznan, Poland
04/09/2016 - 04/09/2016 ETU European Middle Triathlon Championships Walchsee-Kaiserwinkl, Austria
11/09/2016 - 18/09/2016 ITU World Triathlon Championships Cozumel, Mexico
24/09/2016 - 25/09/2016 ITU World Long Triathlon Championships Oklahoma, USA
19/11/2016 - 20/11/2016 ETU European Cross Triathlon Championships Lake Crackenback, Snowy Mountains , Australia
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Post by andrewboyle on Nov 21, 2015 8:39:19 GMT
Hi Dave, I'm doing Lisbon. Would be great to have some other Belparkers there. It's a great city, should be a great race (hoping not to come last!).
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Post by lauraflynn on Nov 23, 2015 14:03:52 GMT
I hope to go to lion also bit haven't booked anything yet. Was hoping some more from club would be going alright or was going to try and muster up my own fan club from some friends and family. Have you booked hotel Andrew. Do the Irish teams generally stay together ?
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Post by David Power on Nov 23, 2015 14:24:33 GMT
Laura/Andrew - great to hear there's more interested. I'm tempted by Lisbon too, since it's a great city, but prefer duathlon and Asturias in Spain (not decided yet!). I've done a few duathlons, check out my race report from Madrid this year. Normally you book flights/hotels yourself but TI do usually offer Nirvana Europe as an official travel agent, who can do a package for you as they block book some of the hotels. There can be a good buzz staying in the official TI hotel (Team GB are usually also staying there) although I generally prefer getting an apartment or other place - depends on if you're staying for a quick weekend or hanging around for a longer holiday. dapower.wordpress.com/2015/05/12/european-duathlon-championships-report-2015/www.nirvanaeurope.com/events/triathlon-duathlon/2016-european-triathlon/general-informationDavid |
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Post by andrewboyle on Nov 23, 2015 16:35:24 GMT
I haven't booked anything yet. Was waiting to hear from TI on the actual date of the race (all I've heard is a 4 day range...). Have been conscious that hotels, flights etc are going to be filing up. We plan on going for a week - probably mid week to mid week.
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Post by lauraflynn on Nov 23, 2015 17:07:07 GMT
Andrew/Dave, thanks for that, I might talk to triathlon ireland and see if they are any help
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Post by helenfrench on Nov 23, 2015 17:15:17 GMT
I hope to go to lion also bit haven't booked anything yet. Was hoping some more from club would be going alright or was going to try and muster up my own fan club from some friends and family. Have you booked hotel Andrew. Do the Irish teams generally stay together ? I might be persuaded Laura! |
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Post by helenhh on Nov 23, 2015 17:28:05 GMT
How good does one have to be? I'm guessing I'd need to speed up quite a bit between now and Lisbon. I'd be tempted to come and cheer though!
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Post by hani on Nov 23, 2015 20:20:54 GMT
Do it Helen, you are fast! I have absolute faith in you
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Post by helenhh on Nov 23, 2015 20:41:22 GMT
Do it Helen, you are fast! I have absolute faith in you I love your sense of humour Hana! I think I'd better stick to what I know I can handle here at home. If you're going to do it though... |
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Post by padraigowens on Nov 23, 2015 23:31:06 GMT
Hope to be in Lisbon as well guys and maybe organise holidays around it. There are some great resorts north and south of the city.
That said, i'd definitely recommend staying close to transition etc. Between briefings, setup, registration and watching elite and other races, you'd be surprised how often you walk to and from your hotel. Orla Nugent in TI is very helpful for any questions.
Don't be worried about where you'll place. Obviously, there are some really good athletes looking to take a medal home, but there are also lots of people there for the experience as well.
It was my first time to race outside Ireland and I found there was a lot to prepare and even then, things can go wrong. There is definitely a learning curve. If you're likely to be busy in the run-up to the event, then consider ways to lighten the load, eg. shipmytribike. There are definitely better ways to spend your time around your first race abroad than breaking down your bike and rebuilding it on the other side.
If you have the time, try to travel a day or two early. It's a great experience and it's nice to be able to relax and soak it up rather than rush around on the day before the event. Also, it allows you a bit of flexibility if something goes wrong.
For those who are 50/50, definitely take the opportunity. In this sport, there are few things more enjoyable than racing over the blue carpets a couple of hours after the elites.
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Post by lauraflynn on Nov 24, 2015 19:18:36 GMT
Helen F/Helen H, it would be great if you both came. I will do a bit of research on prices for flights and hotels etc and let you know and thanks Padraig for your advice.
Helen H , if you haven't already done so I suggest you talk to Orla Nugent in TI and ask her what the story is, as Padraig said also, she was very helpful to me guiding me through the process as it's quite complicated the way they present it on their web-site.
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Post by andrewboyle on Nov 24, 2015 20:15:12 GMT
Ship My Tri Bike are taking a truck to the race. All in cost is about €240.....probably a bit dearer than taking it on your flight but you avoid the hassle of that plus you don't have to take it apart and rebuild (biggest plus for me). I have used them before and the service was great.
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Post by helenhh on Nov 24, 2015 20:37:16 GMT
Helen F/Helen H, it would be great if you both came. I will do a bit of research on prices for flights and hotels etc and let you know and thanks Padraig for your advice. Helen H , if you haven't already done so I suggest you talk to Orla Nugent in TI and ask her what the story is, as Padraig said also, she was very helpful to me guiding me through the process as it's quite complicated the way they present it on their web-site. It sounds amazing Laura but I'm not in the same class as you two. (I'll be with you in your AG by then though Laura.) I don't want to bring shame upon my club and country! The more the merrier though so I'm seriously thinking about joining you... I'm hoping to have a quiet day at work tomorrow so will ping TI. |
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Post by andrewboyle on Nov 24, 2015 21:39:22 GMT
Ah here, Helen give it a go (you did have an AG podium finish at least once this year I remember).....
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