Europe Triathlon

We have been running a few articles recently about the growth of age-group participation and in particular we have focussed on the medal tables.  As we all know, ETU Championships means that Team GB will of course be there and will be there in numbers. For many it is the annual holiday abroad and for many they will make this trip for triathlon, duathlon and cross events. 

They come in large numbers.

They wear their national uniform and they are proud to represent their country.

Triathlon is the only sport where Age Group athletes can win medals in the same championship venue as the Elite and we all recognise that without the Age Group athletes, who race the events back home and who by so doing help the sport grow and develop in their own country, our sport would not be so exciting. The other important factor in this equation is that sons and daughters of these Age Group athletes are born into a sporting family where triathlon is a way of life.  What better message can possibly be conveyed?

ETU has made it a clear aim to support Age Group participation and so, here in Lisbon, there will be a great opportunity for National Federations to hear just how easy it can be to motivate and encourage their own Age Group teams.

Here are a few words from Nicky Dick, British Triathlon’s Age Group Director,

As we continue to push for greater Age Group participation from all the National Federations in ETU Championship events, Great Britain are offering two opportunities to fellow Federations.

They are holding a workshop/question and answer session on Friday 27 May at the Meo Arena from 15.00 to 16.30. The two Age Group Managers, Nick Davies and Dawn Vaughan and the Age Group Director Nicky Dick, will be hosting. The essence will be on how to encourage more federations to enter more athletes in all ETU championships. Looking at barriers and sharing of ideas to overcome them and build an age group community in the home country to then take to the European stage, or strengthening an existing one.

In addition National Federations are invited to have a representative to sit in at the GB standard distance team briefing, to see how the manager briefs over 100 athletes in advance of their race. This will be on Saturday 28 May at 10.00, venue to be confirmed.

Every team briefs their athletes differently and to hear how GB do it may give some insight for less experienced federations.

So, come along and let’s make this great ETU Family even bigger, with more federations sending out more Age Group athletes.

Let’s go !