Welcome to the first addition of Tri-Alliance e-news!

This e-news will be sent out fortnightly, and aims to inform our avid readership of the latest news in tri multisports. We have aimed to cover a hand full of information that we believe will be of most benefit to our readers, and be of interest to all.

Enjoy!

The Tri Alliance web site is now posting the latest and greatest triathlon and multisports news events from Australia and around the world. Thanks to First Off the Bike.com you will be able to stay tuned for some of the hottest competitions coming up plus exclusive interviews that Tri-Alliance will receive before they hit the First Off the Bike web site.

Take look below what is hitting our site or go to www.tri-alliance.com.au

Florida- All England affair
Click here for the full story

We talked up a huge race this weekend in Florida and there certainly was a ripping battle out there. But win we'd anticipated for our favorite, Craig Alexander just didn't eventuate .   While Paul Amey too out the race in a terrific effort, one of the big stories lurking underneath is why 'Crowie' pulled the pin at the end of the bike. Theories have come in from a few sources so far, but the definitive answer is still out there .   Not that it stops us from speculating at the cafe.  If you have a theory, you can let us know via feedback@firstoffthebike.com

There is a lot to love about the 70.3 series. It's fast, furious and can elevate those who have perfected the art of the Half Ironman distance. Now we might be a little biased here at the offices of firstoffthebike.com but it is hard to go past arguably the most talented athlete on the planet. The Ironman 70.3 caravan rolls into Florida this weekend and in our humble opinion, it has already been won. Craig Alexander, the man who destroyed the field at St.Croix is set to do it again.

A week in Italy sounds like a great idea. But if you're a member of the Pro Tour this week you are seeing the landscape flying by at break neck speeds. This year's edition of the Tour of Italy (Giro) has been one that some riders would love to forget. As so often happens in Grand Tours the opening week is about who can stay upright rather than who can win. Narrow roads, excited crowds and a peloton getting used to the rhythm of the race has meant a stressful week for all. And as the old adage goes, you can't win a tour in the first week but you can certainly lose one.

Frederic Belaubre, the champion from 2006 and 2005, led a French gold-silver sweep at today's €™s Lisbon ETU Triathlon European Championships. Tony Moulai took the silver while Swiss Olivier Marceau grabbed the bronze in an exciting photo finish. Surprisingly, defending champion Javier Gomez finished in seventh place, more than a minute and a half behind the champion Belaubre. Today's €™s race marked the first since the world championships in 2006 that Gomez failed to make the podium, an impressive streak that stretched 16 races.

The Giro d'Italia is one of the three Grand Tours on the world cycling calendar. Known as the Giro, the three week jaunt across Italy is famous for its' blistering speeds and leg burning climbs through the Dolomites. And it is here that two things happen. Generally a new star is born for the tifosi (fans) to love and the mountains will have their say as to who wears the Maglia Rosa, the pink jersey. This is the 91st running of this great race and form coming into this is always a little tricky to judge. But this year's edition of the Giro has four time trials and a last week spent in the mountains to make it one of the toughest courses in years.

Chris McCormack wrote another chapter into his already legendary history, overcoming a class field to claim the 2008 Wildflower title. And while Macca was cleaning up the men's field, the ever-impressive Samantha McGlone was doing the same in the women's. McCormack, who seems invincible over any distance these days, started a remarkable weekend for Australian triathlete's racing in the US.

World Champion Daniel Unger won today's Richards Bay BG Triathlon World Cup in a thrilling finish over American Matt Reed and South African Hendrik DeVilliers down the final stretch. The surprising win shows another surprising statistic with Unger becoming just the third German man to win a world cup in ITU history and the first since Maik Petzold won in Salford in 2004.

Mirinda Carfrae destroyed the field in the great St.Croix 70.3 race yesterday. Quite simply, Mirinda was devastating on the run, making the rest of the women's pro field look second rate. Carfrae ran 10 minutes quicker than the second place getter Nina Kraft from Germany to record another victory on the island. An ominous warning for the rest for the 70.3 fields she races against as the World Champion proves she is in world class form. In the men's event Craig Alexander, a former 70.3 World Champion cleaned up a stellar field and took out the win. Alexander gapped the field by three minutes to cruise down the finish chute well ahead of some pretty big names.

The great thing about sport is that you can take all the form and expectations into an event but still come unstuck. Ironman racing and Half Ironman racing is definitely one of the hardest sports in the world to predict.   And that's what makes this sport so compelling.   Pete Jacobs took out the Busselton Half Ironman this morning in what can only be described as a bit of an upset .  Jacobs, more known as strong swimmer than biker, put that tag to rest with a ripper performance to take out this year's race .  And his wasn't the only surprise of the day ...

For more on these hot news topics go to www.tri-alliance.com.au

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SWIM

Well, we're back into the swing of things after most people have had an end of season break, and now is the time to start base training. This means paying special attention most importantly to technique in the water. Technique is key in this stage of the year, as you want to build a strong base with a good technique to improve efficiency and save energy in the water, making it easier for you when the tri season comes around again. It's all about efficiency. So, look into maybe doing some squad training or personal swim lessons where your stroke can be assessed and improved if necessary by a coach. You could also look at having yourself video taped under water for a very in depth analysis of your stroke if you have the facilities. You'll be thankful for it in the long run! Speak to your coach about specific drills for stroke improvement such as single arm stroke, catchup, etc.

BIKE

Now with the end of triathlon season, it is the perfect time to have your bike setup assessed. There's nothing worse than having the wrong setup for yourself, as this can lead to back pain and various other issues. So get yourself into a bike shop to see whether your bike is right for you as it is.

This also goes for clip in bike shoes if you have them. Many people are riding around unawares that their bike shoes are positioned at an angle that is incorrect for their foot, which can consequently lead to foot issues in the future. So get this checked out by your local bike store as well. The more comfortable you are when you ride, the more enjoyment you will get out of it.

RUN

As, for the run, this is also the time to take a long hard look at your runners, and decide whether or not they need a burial! Worn out shoes can lead to excessive jarring of the knees, and the possibility of foot injuries. So, even though those brand new runners might be ridiculously expensive, it;s a good idea at looking at buying a new pair.

Having Balanced Food plan

Lets be blunt….this is the time of year when a lot of triathlete's get fat! After finishing a long season filled with endless training for either sprint distance, olympic distance or half or full ironman, all you want to do is chill out, put your feet up, drink yourself through a fair few tinnies and over consume calories.
But don’t stress! Once you get started back into winter training and develop a routine of healthy eating, you are sure to regain that svelte figure! Just make sure that you stick to a balanced diet, of which means that you are not over or under consuming carbohydrates or fat in particular, as they are both essential to a diet, but can also be the cause of that extra baggage that we sometimes carry around.

Running Shoes: Has Advanced Technology Decreased the Risk of Injury?

There is increasing debate regarding whether running shoes with large amounts of cushioning and motion control technology actually help to prevent injury. The debate is based on a number of studies which have shown: 1) running injuries have not decreased with the rise of new technologies in running footwear; 2) cushioned shoes result in greater impact at heel strike than running barefoot; 3) increased cushioning under the foot reduces the sensation of force at foot strike, resulting in less shock absorbing behaviors (such as knee flexion); and 4) if a person has a perception that shoe materials provide them with greater protection, they actually strike the ground with higher impact.  Whilst some of this research may suggest that running shoes are not protecting us from injury, or worse, that they may be contributing to injury, this is not necessarily the case. True, some people may benefit from “minimal” shoes – shoes such as racing flats that have reduced mid sole cushioning and no motion control technologies. However, others may find greater comfort from a shoe with more cushioning and motion control - and a 2001 study reported that increased footwear comfort can decrease injury frequency. So what’s the answer? Actually, it is likely that the shoe is a small detail for most athletes when it comes to injury. The majority of injuries are training-related, and consequently training should be addressed first. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, then look at footwear or foot function. And if you do decide to try minimal shoes, you need to ease into them slowly, like you would any training adjustment. Speak to your coach or Podiatrist about a program to help you adjust to running in more minimal shoes.

Kade Paterson, Sports Podiatrist, Bounce Health Group, Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, Albert Park

Some examples of minimal shoes

Brooks Racer ST:

ASICS Piranha:

Nike Free:

Adidas adizero PR:

New Balance RC152:

Puma H Street:

ARM PADDLES – So, you may have heard about hand paddles before. They are designed to increase your strength in the water and help to improve general technique of stroke. But have you heard of arm paddles??
Arm paddles are specifically designed to aid the development of power in the arm action but also they ensure the correct high elbow position essential for top class swimming.
So if you’re after that extra bit of strength, that extra bit of improvement, that extra bit of whatever in your swimming, look at picking up a pair of arm paddles.

Yes you did see correctly. We have a great NEW venue again right near the ocean, and this years camp will have new bush trails and tracks for running, the same great ocean swimming (optional), great Mountain Bike Rides and Tracks.

BUT...in a new innovation we will be running it more as TEAM BOOT CAMP weekend.  Some of the activities will include military course, orienteering, vertical challenge, Indoor Rock Climbing, High and Low Ropes, Kayaking..... As well as the ride, run and swim sessions you are used to on the Queens Birthday weekend camp.

This will be conducted on the Queens B’Day Weekend from Friday June 6th – Monday June 9th 2008

For more information please contact Jarrod Evans on jarrod@tri-alliance.com.au

More..........

The CBD program will now have a brand new timetable with 2 swims, 2 bikes, 2 runs starting shortly. The new timetable will be:
--Monday Swim 6.30pm
--Tuesday indoor wind trainer session 6.30pm
--Wednesday swim 6.30pm
--Thursday run 6.30pm
--Friday based on numbers and if the program goes well, possibility of a swim at 6.30
--Saturday long ride with squad
--Sunday long run to either start from the corner of Pickles and Beach Road, or alternatively, if feedback provides, MSAC  

So, if you are interested in training at MSAC and using the venues, what you will get will be:
--the 6 sessions suggested above
--Entry into MSAC, which is a premium facility in Victoria
--Entry into 3 winter events with runriderun.com
--Full generic program
--The program will be ongoing  and you can still pay by direct debit or up front for blocks.  This will be set up as the MSAC Tri Alliance program in the renew and join up sections of the web site.
All for only $35 a week which is outstanding value.
If you compare that to the current generic program you will pay $25 per week coaching fees, $14 per week for swimming if training at CBD, and if you enter a Triathlon Victoria duathlon, this will cost $50 per entry.  Weekly costs is now approaching up to $50 per week on the current scheme for a CBD athlete doing the current generic program.  

You can upgrade to a fully personalised program if you choose or we are also looking at casual sessions for those who want to do the once off session.  As you would understand there is facility costs that we will be absorbing within your fees with this program but in terms of value for money and the venue it is second to none.

If you have any further question about this please let me know.

For more information contact CBD Cycles on (03) 9639 2299 shop 1 top of Bourke St or (03) 9642 8766 at shop 2 bottom of Bourke St Melbourne.

Email, sales@cbdcycles.com.au

1. First off the bike race news
2. Swim
3. Bike
4. Run
5. Nutrition
6. Injury Topics brought to you by Bounce Health MSAC
7. New toys on the market brought to you by CBD Cycles
8. Tri Alliance and RUNRIDERUN.COM Starting full multisports timetable from MSAC.
9. CBD Cycles Drapac Team Bikes For Sale brought to you by CBD Cycles

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