In just two years, the British Triathlon Championships in Liverpool City Centre has cemented itself as one of the most prestigious events in the British Triathlon calendar. With Olympic, Sprint and a ‘beginners’ distance, the Triathlon has something to offer everyone, all together now from novice to Elite. Age groupers will have the opportunity to qualify for the 2016 ITU Triathlon World Championships in Mexico during the major televised event, competing on the same course as some of the top triathletesin front of a crowd of thousands, and experiencing how a day in the life of a professional triathlete could feel.
British Triathlon’s Jon Ridgeon described the city as ‘the perfect setting with its historic docks and iconic buildings’ as 1500 competitors race along the regenerated Albert and Canning Docks, along Penny Lane, Upper Parliament Street, and through the ECHO arena. The course provides a sheltered open water swim and a straight, flat bike offering the opportunity for some very fast split times.
We will be arriving earlyfor the events expo on the Saturday; filling race packs with Yellow Jersey goodies for the competitors, and giving us an opportunity to meet some of our customers before Sunday’s race.
Some of the competitors to watch out for on the day include the European Championship Bronze winner Matt Sharp, Cardiff Triathlon winner David Bishop, and 2013’s TriLiverpool winner Emma Pallant; along with a long list of British TV personalities, paperback writers and Soap Stars, although if you are anything like me you run to the hills the moment you hear the music for Coronation Street start.
Besides the Yellow Jersey customers, our loudest cheers will be reserved for one of our Brand Ambassadors, Sophie Coldwell. Competing in terrible conditions last year, and while still a British Junior, Sophie was able to come out of the water in fourth place before pulling away in the bicycle leg, leading the run until the last lap, and coming second to the 2014 WTS Champion and world number 1 Gwen Jorgensen by the narrowest of margins. With fantastic performances in the swim and bike at the ITU events in London and Hamburg during her first year as a Senior Elite, Sophie Coldwell is certainly the one to watch this weekend.
Sophie tweeted shortly after last year’s ‘Absolutely over the moon to come 2nd to current world number 1 Gwen Jorgensen and pick up my last ever national junior title!’
Whether you are up as a competitor or day tripper, please stop by the Yellow Jersey tent. One of our main reasons for attending events like the Liverpool Triathlon is to put a face to our company, and we always enjoy meeting our customers. Competing in triathlon is just another day in the life of the Yellow Jersey team, and as enthusiastic amateurs, we might be able to offer a little helpful advice if you are up for your first race.
