Felt so good to be back in Shepp, and what a glorious morning for triathlon!  Should we add that to our total of amazing weather race days???  Always a fun and friendly event, this year was no exception.  The O2 Events team did a fantastic job of ensuring Challenge Shepparaton went ahead without a hitch, although we hear the winds on the bike course kept all athletes honest.  

Unfortunately due to scheduling (and rescheduling) of events, the field was somewhat lower than normal, with many long course athletes focusing on Melb 70.3 next weekend.  The TA numbers also reflected this, but the dedicated crew who came to race, did so with gusto and were rewarded for their efforts.  Well done to the following superstars (particular shoutout to the Burns Family who dominated the podium!):

Sprint:

Paul 1st 1:08:51

Tegan 1st 1:11:27

AMAC 1st 1:09:30

Riley 2nd 1:26:04

Sue 2nd 1:29:55

Ella 3rd 1:30:29

Jobe 3rd 1:18:22

Jan 3rd 1:26:10

Olympic

Fik 2nd 2:55:30

Nic 6th 2:33:32

Sprint Teams

Shane Bamford representing Shepp Tri Club & Tri-Alliance 1st 1:10:17

And well done to Lotte Wilms, who led the elite female field for the entire race…. except the final 300m!!!!  She dominated the swim and held strong on the bike, only to have to fight cramping on the run.  Not her day, but a gutsy 2nd place nevertheless. 

Also special mention to Ollie, Andy and Ben who all supported Elwood Life Saving Club (and all the athletes), by jumping in the rubber duckies and providing water safety for the swim.  They all looked to be in their element and did an amazing job.  Well done, boys!

Speaking of special shout outs, we have one from Coach Gaz this week.  He held the reigns on the weekend whilst we were away, and was blown away by the actions of some of our crew!  He's not an overly emotional guy, but has written a little something from the heart this week.

An update from Andy about the new jerseys:
Current sales are 4 x male and 3 x female jerseys.  We need 10 of each for minimum orders. Several people have said they're keen to order, so now is the time to lock it in. I'll have the sample sizes at each of the upcoming training sessions for people to check out and try on

And last but not least, we want to wish all those racing Ironman 70.3 Melbourne this weekend the very best of luck.  We'll have the tent up in the club village and encourage as many supporters as possible to come along.  Athletes,  we have watched you diligently following your programs, logging the kms, ticking the boxes and can't wait to watch you go out there and execute your plans.  Now is your time!

To those of you who don’t know what G files are, they are a series of informative and highly entertaining articles I pen from time to time.

Anyway why am I writing something now? You no doubt ask hesitatingly!

Well, something happened last Saturday that sent a little shiver up the back of my neck!

It reminded me of something that I think we all forget from time to time.

Ant it wasn’t Long Course!

And it wasn’t Short course!

And it wasn’t any of the coaching group!

Apart from the cancelled session due to the public holiday, squad swims are back to normal this week:

Monday 14th March
Public Holiday
No squad swimming

Wednesday 16th March
MSAC - 3 lanes
5.45am - 7am

Friday 18th March
MSAC - 3 lanes
5.45am - 7am

The feedback from the jerseys was so positive that Andy has brought them back by popular demand.  But this is the LAST time!

Our Race Fit jersey, in a men- and women-specific cut, is constructed with sustainable recycled performance fabrics, delivering a lightweight breathable piece that is lighter on the planet in its creation.

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The Tri-Alliance Jersey is race oriented and close fitting with panelled construction for a close aerodynamic fit.

- Race Fit in Tri-Alliance design
- Micro-perforated back and side panels 
- Anti Sag Pockets
- Set in sleeve
- YKK Zipper
- Bluesign, OEKO-TEX & Global Recycled Standard certified fabrics
- $129
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Message from Andy: 
These will be offered as a pre-order option from now, with the team store remaining open until minimum order numbers are achieved.  If minimum quantities are not achieved, a full refund will be provided. Delivery 7-8 weeks after team store portal close date. All kits will be shipped to Andy who will arrange distribution.  Not sure of your size - get in touch with Andy Wood-Rich who has a selection of sizing kits so you can get the perfect fit.

Mobile:  0422 552 293 

Email: [email protected]

The Tri-Alliance team store is now live!

Enter the password: TRIALLIANCE2022

If your old sports shoes still have some life left in them, there is someone out there waiting to give them a second chance.

Lately due to restrictions these are going to local homeless and crisis shelters across Australia rather than abroad. 

From now until the end of March, Neda is collecting old runners for donation to Shoes for Planet Earth.

So if you have a pre-loved pair (or 7) that meets the guidelines below, bring them to training and she will happily take them off your hands.