Hamish performed brilliantly for the team last year but this year he is really setting himself up for a solid season and we believe he can take it to another level. Watch this space! This is what Hamish has to say on his winter training…

The days are getting longer and the sun is out! This week I was showing some leg on my bike for the first time this year, with only a couple more weeks until I jet off to Mallorca for a training camp in warmer sunshine. The winter always seems long until it gets to March and then I realise that it has flown by.

During the winter, I took the opportunity to develop my bike endurance and continue to improve my running. As a focus for this, I have entered Mallorca 70.3, Luxembourg 70.3 and Eirias Middle Distance. Alongside these middle distance events, I am opening the season at Chirk Sprint soon followed by First of the Summer Tri at Holmfirth and will be complementing these races with a number of other Sprint and Standard Distance races.

On the whole, training has gone well through the winter. I took part in a number of running events, including an 11th place finish at a very slippy Chester Racecourse on Boxing Day. January soon turned into February and the training was beginning to show some great progress. Long runs were getting faster as well as longer for the same effort. Hills on the bike were passing quicker and my feel for the water in the pool was back.

The end of February came very swiftly and, on Friday 28th, I had my yearly 60 minute test on the turbo; this is a test that puts fear into the most hardcore of turboers. It is not just a physical challenge but a mental battle tool a continuous 60 minute interval at the hardest sustainable effort that could be managed. What a way to spend a Friday evening! It was a tough hour but, when I realised I had beaten last years’ number with plenty of time left, I couldn’t help but grin for the remaining time.

Then came some unfinished business in the form of High Legh 10k on 9th March, where I twisted my ankle last year. I was gunning for a PB. It turned out to be a glorious day and I was only 4 seconds off a top 5 finish. I am pleased with the PB but feel I didn’t perform to my potential in the race, lessons have been learned and I will continue to improve.

I have plenty to be pleased with from my winter’s effort but now it is time to spring forward into the triathlon season!

With thanks to our sponsors:

www.wilier.it – Triathlon Frames
www.ffwdwheels.com – Race wheels
www.huubdesign.com – Wetsuits
www.zyro.co.uk/altura – Triathlon and cycle apparel
www.ismseat.com – Saddles
www.invisciddesign.com – Speedfil hydration systems
www.schwalbe.com – Cycle Tyres
www.limarhelmets.com – Helmets & Glasses
www.lakecycling.co.uk – Cycling Footwear
www.jagwireusa.com – Cables & Housing
www.amphibia-sport.com – Transition Bags
www.lezyne.com – Pumps, Tools, Bottle Cages
www.fenwicks.info – Lubrication
www.kapz.co.uk – Custom headset caps
www.racewaredirect.co.uk – Chain catchers and phone cases
www.shimano.com – Groupsets
www.camelbak.com – Bottles
www.max-mediagroup.co.uk – Team PR
www.joolzedymond.com – Photography