2014 JR NATIONAL SERIES

Triathlon Canada Reshapes National Junior Series

December 16, 2013 

TORONTO—In an effort to attract young athletes to the sport of triathlon and provide more high level racing opportunities for junior triathletes, Triathlon Canada has developed an new look National Youth and Junior Series for 2014.

The four-race premiere Youth and Junior race series in North America will now offer the following categories: Youth Super Sprint, Junior Sprint and Super Sprint, and a Provincial Mixed Team Relay. The youth category will be for athletes ages 13-15, while junior division will be for athletes ages 16-19.

Full details here.

eGAMES JUNE 15th

There's an exciting new multi-sport event coming to Barrie, Ontario, and it's FREE. Graham Fraser and 2-time Olympic Medallist Simon Whitfield are launching the Endurance Games next weekend in Barrie Ontario, and registration is free, but limited to the first 50 people for each event.

Events include an eliminator run, a cycling criterium, and a Forumla 1 triathlon for amateurs and elites (ie. the Prospects race). Three athletes from the RTC Guelph will line up in the Formula 1 Prospects race: Alexander Hinton, Tyler Bredschneider and Derek Quick, to take on teams from C3 and NTC Victoria. Don't miss your opportunity to take part in the first edition of this exciting new project. And if you're not racing, be sure to stop by to cheer and show your support for the event in order to make sure that it grows in the coming years.

E-mail louise@centurioncycling.com for more information, and to register.

Dear Athlete, Simon Whitfield and Graham Fraser personally invite you to participate in the launch of the revolutionary Endurance Games (eGames) on Saturday June 15th 2013 in Barrie, ON.  This is a once a life time opportunity as you will the first to swim, bike or run  on this closed 800 metre looping course through downtown Barrie. Simon and Graham can be dangerous once they start brainstorming and this concept is there Dream Creation.  2013 Subaru eGames Launch Event Highlights Race on the same course as Simon Whitfield and other top athletes  2013 event is a showcase event for the 2014 Subaru eGames Canada's first Endurance Festival with Elite, Mass Participation and Youth Participants  This years race is on a closed 800 meter course through downtown Barrie SportsNet Coverage eGames is evolving the world of endurance sports in Canada What's in it for you in 2013? Race for FREE Race downtown in front of a cheering crowd... Really Cool Limited to 50 people  eGames Launch shirt and kit We are looking 15 athletes who will be true eGames competitors who will the 2 Mile Run, 45 Cycling Criterium and Triathlon... Is this YOU? Schedule of Launch Events For Saturday June 15th 2013 Event  Time  Description's & Distances Eliminator Run 1:00PM  -2 Mile Total Distance -4 loops of downtown course -After 1 Mile 25% get eliminated Youth Mile Race 1:30PM -1 mile 2 loops -High School Invitational Centurion Downtown Criterium 2:00PM -45 Minutes, bell lap Simons Formula 1 Amateur Triathlon 3:15PM -Swim 400 meters  -Bike 5km -Run 2.5km -Bike 5km -Run 2.5km Celebrity Race 4:30PM -Run, Bike, Run Simons Formula 1 Prospects Triathlon 4:30PM -Same as Amateur Triathlon -With Canada's Top Triathletes What are the 2014 Subaru eGames? Canada's NEWEST, COOLEST, Endurance event 2014 Event host include: Steve Bauer, Hilary Stellingwerf and Simon Whitfield Just like the X-Games the eGames will feature new unique formats Endurance Festival with Youth, Amateur, Elite and Mass Participation Events 2014 events include Triathlon, Centurion Cycling, Running, Mountain Biking, Stand Up Paddling and a community walk Ultimate athletes can do 3 events over the 4 day schedule accumulate points to be crowned the eGames champion in their age group Each event will held in downtown Barrie in new formats with lot's of twist and turns Very cool, exciting and always evolving SportsNet coverage Youth events to keep our kids moving and make it a family weekend Streets filled with spectators cheering for you Vendor expo village like you have never seen before Jazz festival for your entertainment  Stay tuned 2014 event formats and programs will be launched at this years event Thank you so much for choosing the active, dedicated lifestyle you do.  Without athletes like you, an Epic event like eGames could not take place.  It is time to showcase your talents and do everything you have always dreamed of. Please RSVP as there are only 50 positions open per event. Train, Race, Have Fun, Simon Whitfield and Graham Fraser

SPEED RIVER BRUNCH MAY 26th

The last Speed River Community Brunch is this Sunday, May 26th, 10:30am at the Cutten Club. Our very own Amelie Kretz will be one of the speakers. For more information, and to reserve your seat, follow this link.

2013 ITU Barbados Podium

CRITICS

Food for thought from Seth Godin:

"For me, the opinion of any single critic is becoming less and less meaningful as I choose what to view or engage with. And the aggregate opinion of masses of anonymous critics merely tells me that the product or content is (or isn't) mass-friendly. I'm far more moved by the insistent recommendation of a credible, raving fan than I am the snide whispering of some people who just didn't get it."

Full post here.

SPEED RIVER BRUNCH APR 21st

The next Speed River Community Brunch is coming up on April 21st, with another great lineup of speakers. Everyone and all ages welcome. Registration deadline is April 14th, so reserve your tickets today at: http://guestli.st/157566

2013 ONTARIO YOUTH CUP SERIES

Exciting development for our 14-15yr old athletes this season, from Triathlon Ontario. Details below:

2013 Ontario Youth Cup Triathlon Series

Presented by Triathlon Ontario

Goals 2013

•   To provide a competitive draft legal/non-draft legal racing experience within the Youth Race Calendar for Ontario’s 14-15 year old athletes

•   To provide a quality youth focused race series within Ontario to minimize costs and maximize benefits

•   To encourage developing young triathletes to race in youth races instead of adult races

•   To further develop exposure of our sport through increased media coverage

Venues and Schedule*

Sign up to races early to avoid disappointment as space may be limited in some cases.

May 26^th, 2013 – Caledon, C3 Kinetico Kids of Steel Triathlon – Draft Legal*

http://www.c3online.ca/kids.shtml

June 15^th, 2013 – Leamington Triathlon Weekend

http://www.tomatoman.org/

July 14^th, 2013- Timmins, Heart of Gold Triathlon

http://www.heartofgoldtriathlon.com/

Aug 3^rd, 2013 – Ottawa, Triathlon Ontario U15 Draft Legal* Development Race https://eventsonline.ca/events/nationalcapital_oat/

* Draft legal format, must be draft legal certified prior to race!

More info: http://www.triathlonontario.com/draft-legal-cycling-training-s15218

Or call Triathlon Ontario Office

Series Points

•   Final Youth Cup series ranking is determined as the sum of the three (3) best performances.

•   In the event of a tie, athletes are ranked in order of their finish at the Ottawa race.

Place	Allraces
1	25
2	20
3	19
4	18
5	17
6	16
7	15
8	14
9	13
10	12
11	11
12	10
13	9
14	8
15	7
16+	2
DNF	1
DNS	0

Awards

•   Medals to top three male and female athletes at each race and series plaque/trophy to top three overall series winner (provided by Triathlon Ontario presented at annual awards banquet)

More Information

TRIATHLON ONTARIO

Email - info@triathlonontario.com

http://www.triathlonontario.com/ontario-youth-cup-race-series-s16400

REMINDER: TRAINING DAY THIS SUNDAY, APRIL 7

Coach Lorri Zagar and I will be coaching the Training Day, this Sunday, April 7th at UofG. 

We have a solid group of athletes already registered, but there's still space and it's not too late to sign up. You can find the registration info here. 

TRIMUSKOKA TriSummit

The good folks at TriMuskoka have organized a big conference for coaches and athletes,  May 3rd-5th,  to kick off the 2013 season.  The Keynote Presenter is none other than Joe Friel, and I'll have the honour of speaking along with a great group of presenters.  This conference is the biggest of it's kind to be hosted in Ontario; mark your calendars and pack your bags for a great weekend of triathlon education and experience.  More info below.

MUSKOKA TRISUMMIT /   May 3 - 5th, 2013

WHAT is the Muskoka TriSummit?

What is the Muskoka TriSummit all about: This will be Canada’s largest triathlon conference featuring world renowned and legendary Joe Friel as the keynote speaker. In addition to Joe, eleven other industry leading professional athletes and coaches will be covering endurance sports training and racing topics that are abundant and go beyond the norm...this conference covers it all:

• Field Testing

• Recovery Techniques

• Minimalist Running

• Essential Gear and Bike Fitting

• Winter and Off Road Triathlon

• Injury Patterns in Sport: Prevention and Rehabilitation

• How to get your kids ready for triathlon.

• Swim , Bike and Run clinics.

On May 5th, it is a full day of hands on clinics with top notch pros and coaches from across Ontario.  We are also having group rides and runs led by the speakers.

ATTENTION CLUB DIRECTORS and COACHES

Here's your chance to attend the Muskoka TriSummit Conference for FREE!  Canada's largest endurance sports conference in beautiful Muskoka.

When ten (10) or more of your club members register for the Muskoka TriSummit you will receive one free registration.  All your club members have to do is to identify their affiliation to your club or coaching service on the registration form.  You can do what you want with this free registration...keep it for yourself to use, or use it as a "raffle prize" within your organization. We hope to see you and your club members attend this amazing event!  

Where is all the information located? 

For conference details head to our site, www.trimuskoka.com.  On the main page, there is everything: TriSummit program, registration, accommodations with special TriSummit rates, and a dining guide.

PROMOTING YOUTH LEADERSHIP THROUGH SPORT

A free lecture, courtesy of Wilfred Laurier University. Wednesday April 3rd, 7pm. Spread the news.

2013 SELECTION POLICIES

Triathlon Canada's 2013 Selection Policies are now posted at the following link:

http://triathloncanada.com/en/page.ch2?uid=SelectionPolicy

Links are also available on right hand side of this blog, under "SELECTION CRITERIA & INFORMATION"

FINDING THE FIRE

The next Speed River Brunch is coming up on Sunday March 3rd, with a great list of speakers.

Enjoy brunch and learn about some of the fantastic athletes in our community. More info and ticket reservations here.

 

FEAR THE BEARD

From Andrew Bysice, and thanks to Trimes for posting this.  Donation page here.


The "Fear the Beard" Campaign

I am Andrew Bysice, an elite Canadian triathlete from Oakville, ON. I am also an alumnus of McMaster University's Swimming, Track and Cross Country Teams.

I am raising money for the removal of my beard from my face. 

But, I am not doing it for me, I am doing it for Naomi Cermak. 

Naomi is a friend of mine and a fellow triathlete and an alumnus of the McMaster Swim Team. 

Naomi has Stage IV melanoma. 

The incidence of melanoma is rapidly increasing in Canada with almost 6000 new cases reported every year. Melanoma has very few treatment options (let alone curative). However, one promising curative experimental treatment is called "immunotherapy" in which the patient's own immune system is taught to attack the melanoma. Immunotherapy is offered at only a select few cancer centres in the world and is currently not available in Canada. However, The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto is building an immunotherapy clinic in an effort to offer a curative treatment option for those diagnosed with melanoma .

Naomi has requested that any money that I raise through "Fear the Beard" goes to the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre to benefit melanoma treatment and research.

My minimum goal is $1000. 
The shave date is tentatively set for March 15th, 2013.
If Naomi is not in treatment that day, she will shave my beard. 

EXTRA INCENTIVE: Who ever donates the most money will get to pick what is shaved into my facial hair, which I will wear for 24 h. 

Remember, every little bit helps. 

Thanks!

Andrew Bysice

P.S. Oh! I forgot, Cancer will #fearthebeard 

HELEN JENKINS

A recent interview with Helen Jenkins, from tri247.com, and related Asics promo with some words from Helen on dealing with injury and testing limits. I had the opportunity to talk to Helen's coach (and husband) Marc Jenkins at the 2011 ITU Buffalo PanAm Cup about Helen's incredible 2011 season and 2nd World Championship title.  He said the key to her success was simply that she had been healthy and injury free throughout the year. 

A simple yet profound lesson to remember as we seek a balance between testing limits and getting to the start line healthy.

 

ITU BRIDGETOWN PANAM CUP

An added benefit of having Mr. Jason Wilson in the squad is the very close relationship we have with BFIT - the Barbados Federation of Island Triathletes - a great group of people who are passionate about the sport of triathlon. Last year BFIT took on the huge task of hosting the first ever ITU race in Barbados. It was such a success, they're doing it again. The sprint distance makes it a good tune-up for the 2013 season, and you'll be hard pressed to find a nicer race venue anywhere on the circuit.  Mark your calendars and book your tickets, the ITU Bridgetown PanAm Cup will be Sunday April 21, 2013.  

 

TORONTO 2015 MASCOT CONTEST

Kids, deadline is March 7th. Get drawin'!

GUELPH TRACK PROJECT ONE YEAR ON

It was this time last year that we were wrapping up an audacious fundraising effort for a new outdoor track here at UofG; over a million dollars was raised to upgrade the outdoor track to an international-class facility. The triathlon community played a significant roll, coming together under the banner of "Guelph Triathlon" to raise over $50k for a 'lane sponsorship'.  It was a very inspirational experience, with great community energy, and a feeling that no project or goal was too big with the right people and the will to see it through.  Head coach Dave Scott-Thomas and the group of volunteers who spearheaded the effort did an incredible job.

The track was completed in the fall, and will be open for business this spring, with the Speed River Inferno track meet on May 28th, 2013. Mark your calendars and be sure to come out for some fast racing. 

In the meantime, here are a few pictures of the new track, including lucky lane #7, the Guelph Triathlon lane.  It's the only track I know of with "Triathlon" stenciled right into the rubber, and a lasting reminder a community that came together to support this project. Thank you.

SPEED RIVER BRUNCH FEB 10th

The Speed River Track and Field Club is hosting their next Community Brunch on Sunday, Feb 10th at Cutten Fields. The theme this month is "Amazing Women In Guelph", featuring four outstanding speakers who will talk about their varied athletic experiences.

Tickets are $15 which includes the cost of the brunch and can be ordered at https://guestlistapp.com/events/144903. The deadline to reserve tickets is Sunday February 3rd, in order to be able to let Cutten Fields know numbers. We will collect money at the event.

IN THE NEWS

RTC-G program featured on the UofG atGuelph page:

Guelph Triathlon Centre Trains for Podium

Athletes run, swim, cycle to be best in the world

BY ANDREW VOWLES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2013

Dorelle Hinton

Dorelle and Alexander Hinton were still youngsters in Kingston, Ont., when they started chasing down their dad. Tagging along at first to his triathlon races, they began competing in kids’ versions of those grownup meets, then graduated to longer and longer distances.

Now, as U of G students and members of the Guelph Regional Triathlon Centre (RTC), the siblings are leaving behind not just Dad but many of their peers at national and international competitions.

They’re among a dozen athletes – all U of G students or recent grads – who belong to the six-year-old program in Guelph. It’s not a varsity squad – no Canadian university offers varsity triathlon – but several members have competed for Gryphon swimming and cross-country teams in provincial and national meets.

Full article.

TALENT DE-CODED SYMPOSIUM, MAR 22

From the Canadian Sport Institute Ontario:

CSI Ontario High Performance Sport Symposium Hosted by the CSI Ontario and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport .

We are pleased to invite you to attend the second annual CSI Ontario High Performance Sport Symposium on Friday March 22nd, 2013 from 8:30-5:00pm at the BMO Institute for Learning in Markham (corner of Steeles and Pharmacy).

The theme of this Symposium is ‘Talent De-Coded’ and will feature keynote speakers who will discuss topics including talent pathways, talent development, talent transfer, talent id, and more!

The Symposium has an interactive format which will include round-table discussions. The High Performance Sport Symposium ‘Talent De-Coded’ is open to everyone (PSO staff, coaches, volunteers) - one delegate per sport will be registered at no cost. The charge for each additional delegate per sport will be $50/person.

Event Details Place| BMO Institute for Learning (Markham) Date | Friday March 22nd, 2013 Time| 8:30-5:00pm Stay tuned for more details!!!

More info will be posted at the CSIO website.

2013 JUNIOR SERIES ANNOUNCED

Triathlon Canada is pleased to announce the dates and locations for the 2013 Triathlon Canada National Junior Series:

Venues and Schedule

Race #1 June 8 or 9*
Bird’s Hill Park, Manitoba
(Official race website not available at the time of this notification)

Race #2 June 22nd
Edmonton, Alberta
www.edmontontriathlon.org
sohymany@gmail.com

Race #3 July 6 or 7*
St. Andrews, New Brunswick
www.tristandrews.com
info@tristandrews.com

Race #4 July 21
Toronto, Ontario (Junior Nationals)
www.torontotriathlonfestival.com
registration@torontotriathlonfestival.com

*Exact date of race to be determined

Further info here.