220 Triathlon July 2021

There are things I’ve previously taken for granted that I never will again. Post-lockdown, it’s the strangest things that give us that moment of realisation about how much we had been missing ‘real’ life. Mine was while sitting at my local swim lake this weekend watching a perfect formation of triathletes smash round a buoyed race course, as the next wave waited nervously on the banks. Seeing so many swimmers putting everything into a race was a great mark in the sand for events being back in the calendar and training having a real focus. Being around others taking on challenges is a real motivator too, as I found out this month helping with the swim part of a charity iron challenge (see next month for more). Here’s to a…

Science-led smart textile brand Kymira breaks into the tri-ware industry with its first suit, based on the use of infrared light to boost human cell growth with the aim to enhance performance and healing. Kynergy technology uses thermoregulating minerals set inside the clothing fibre, which aim to help increase circulation, tissue oxygenation, cellular metabolism and energy production. Kymira claims that clinical studies show users experience a 25% average reduction in pain and 80% reduction in soft-tissue injuries as a result of the suit priming muscles for stress. The Italian-made La Fonte chamois pad is constructed from high-density foam and micro-perforated fabric, designed to enable ventilation and protection on key pressure points. Kymira suggests wearers don the suit 30mins before and keep on for one hour after exercise. This is to…

UNDER £20 PROVIZ CLASSIC £19.99 This lightweight running tank is designed for summer workout sessions, made from sweat-wicking, interlock polyester, with classic Proviz reflective detailing along UNDER £50 ZOUMA FAZE £40 From new runware brand Zouma comes this singlet made from 100% recycled SEAQUAL™ fabric. The top also aims to provide maximum comfort from its flatlock seams and has moisture-wicking properties.wearezouma.com UNDER £70 ON TANK-T £60 Weighing in at only 63.4g, this On tank is made for speed work and racing in high temperatures. The minimalist design includes a seamless cut with Japanese knit fabric that claims to be ultra quick-drying. on-running.com…

Europe’s acceleration of the vaccination programme means many of you will enjoy the thrill of racing abroad this summer. Which means new experiences, warm weather – and managing travel fatigue. Thankfully, recent research out of Pretoria University can help with the latter. A host of useful pre-travel tips includes: consume probiotic supplementation two weeks prior to leaving; look to bank an extra 30-60mins of sleep during the build-up; and aim for a flight that has the fewest stopovers, particularly during the middle of the night at place of departure time. When it comes to travel itself: on-board the plane, use an eye mask, earplugs and neck pillow, and wear loose-fitting clothing; prevent illness by avoiding touching your mouth, nose and eyes; and when it comes to nutrition, drink to thirst…

Ahead of the recent Ironman 70.3 St George race in Utah, I tweeted that any pro who couldn’t qualify for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship should probably question why they’re a pro. It was part throwaway comment and part rooted in experience. I’ve spoken to many professional triathletes over the years, yet never to one who focused on getting to the 70.3 Worlds and failed. Why? Because for a long time the 70.3 Worlds were just not much of a thing. In its early years in Clearwater in Florida, it was essentially known for being a draft fest on a drag strip. There was barely a snippet of broadcast footage, it took place a month post the Big Dance in Hawaii and seemed an afterthought. “Young athletes such as George…

1 Choose a bike you can trust to go the distance in variable conditions. Our pick is the aluminium-framed Boardman ADV 8.9 gravel bike (£1100), with Shimano GRX gears and pannier mounts. boardmanbikes.com 2 Bar bags such as the Lomo 3L Handlebar Bag (£17.50) are handy for stuffing snacks and valuables. We like the dry-bag design and useful bungee cords. lomo.co.uk 3 Forget maps, simply download gpx files of your trip to the Wahoo Elemnt Roam (£299.99) and follow directions. We enjoy the intuitive interface and colour display. uk.wahoofitness.com 4 Ditch the tent and set up camp for the night with a bivvy bag. We like the Alpkit Hunka (£49.99) for its value, light weight and packability. alpkit.com 5 An absolute must for soothing long hours in the saddle is…