The Final Build Before the Finish Line

We roll into Build Week #2, and this one carries a little extra significance.

Not only are we building through the training cycle, but this week leads directly into Race #6 of the 2XU Triathlon Series...the final race of the season.

For our Short Course athletes, this is the one we’ve been steadily working toward all summer. Early alarms, countless laps at MSAC, intervals in the dark, wind trainer sessions that seemed to go forever… it all stacks up for moments like this.

Race #6 marks the final local race on the calendar before the season closes out. After this weekend the rhythm changes. We move into Recovery Month, where the focus shifts from racing and pushing the limits to resetting the body and mind before we start building again for the next season.

It’s an important moment in the cycle.

The best thing athletes can do this week is follow the program exactly as written. Don’t suddenly add extra sessions because you feel excited. Don’t skip sessions because you’re already thinking about Sunday.

Trust the process. The structure is there for a reason.

Build into the race. Arrive fresh. Execute well.

Then enjoy the moment.

🚴‍♂️ Race Recon – Saturday Morning

Leading into race weekend also means we have our Race Recon session on Saturday morning.

This is always one of the most valuable sessions we do.

We’ll roll out from Catani Gardens at 7:00am, riding the course to familiarise ourselves with the turns, the surfaces and the rhythm of the ride.

From there we’ll jump straight into a run off the bike to wake up the legs and simulate race day conditions. And finally, we’ll head into the St Kilda marina for a swim, giving everyone a chance to get comfortable in the water before Sunday.

These sessions are about confidence and preparation. When race morning arrives, nothing should feel unfamiliar.

🤝 Race Weekend – Many Hands Make Light Work

Race weekends are always one of the highlights of the season, but they don’t run themselves.

After the recon session on Saturday morning we’ll need a few people to help put the TA tent up so it’s ready for Sunday. It doesn’t take long when a few hands pitch in.

Saturday lunchtime we’ll also be running our Tips & Tricks session, helping athletes with those final little race details (transitions, pacing, and all the small things that make race day smoother).

Then on Sunday morning, it’s all about supporting each other. Whether you’re racing, cheering, helping with logistics or just being part of the atmosphere, it all contributes to the experience.

And finally… once the racing wraps up, we’ll pack the tent down again around lunchtime.

It’s always amazing how quickly the job gets done when everyone jumps in.

And as always...we really appreciate the support.

⭐ A Special Milestone for Zee

This weekend’s race also marks a very special moment for one of our long-time Tri-Alliance family members.

Zeebella (Zee) Dixon will be lining up for her final Kids Tri race, bringing to a close an incredible run that began all the way back in 2019.

Zee started racing when she was just six years old (we might quietly ignore the “recommended starting age” guidelines for a moment because clearly she was born ready for it). Since that first race, she has gone on to compete in every single Kids Tri event across the past six years without missing one.

If you’ve been around the series for a while, you’ll know exactly the conditions those kids have raced in...wind, rain, heat, choppy water, muddy grass… Melbourne has thrown a bit of everything at them over the years. Through it all, Zee has shown up every time and raced with enthusiasm and determination.

The Kids races have been a huge part of her childhood, and it’s been wonderful to watch her grow up around the sport and within the Tri-Alliance community.

And in true Zee fashion, she isn’t quietly slipping out of the series either.  She’s currently undefeated this season with five straight wins in 2025/26.

Not a bad way to finish.

Zee, congratulations on an amazing six years of racing. We’re incredibly proud of you and can’t wait to see what adventures come next.

🍻 End of Season Celebrations

With the season coming to a close, Narelle Hayes has organised end-of-season drinks so we can all celebrate everything that’s happened over the past year.

Here are the details she shared in the Tri-Alliance Facebook group:

📍 West Beach Pavilion – St Kilda
📅 Sunday 29 March
⏰ From 3:00pm

It’s a great opportunity to catch up with everyone outside of training sessions and race mornings, reflect on the season and celebrate the many achievements across the squad.

If you haven’t already done so, please RSVP to the Facebook event so we have an idea of numbers.

These are always fun afternoons and we’d love to see as many of you there as possible.

🌏 A Big Weekend of Racing Ahead

This weekend is shaping up to be a big one across the triathlon world, and we have athletes racing at three different events.

Rather than a countdown this week, it feels more appropriate to simply wish everyone heading to a start line the very best.

Race #6 – St Kilda
The final race of the 2XU Series and the closing chapter of the local triathlon season.

IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong
One of Australia’s most iconic 70.3 races and always a fantastic event.

Gold Coast T100 Festival
Part of the new global T100 series, bringing some of the world’s best long course racing to the Gold Coast.

Wherever you’re racing this weekend, we wish you the very best. Trust your training, stay calm on race morning, and enjoy the experience.

We’ll be cheering you on.

🏟️ Training Schedule This Week

The F1 Grand Prix may be over, but pack-down around Albert Park is still happening, so there are a few small adjustments to sessions again this week.

Here’s where to be.

🌊 Monday Night Swim – Half Moon Bay

Tonight’s swim is currently scheduled for Half Moon Bay.

It’s raining today and conditions are a little uncertain, but as of now the EPA rating remains FAIR.

We’ll keep an eye on the 3pm EPA update and confirm via the Facebook group if anything changes.

At this stage Ollie intends to be there, so please keep an eye on the group for updates before heading down.

🏃 Tuesday Morning Run – St Kilda

This will be the final week we meet along Beaconsfield Parade while Albert Park finishes its bump-out.

📍 Park in Pier Road
📍 Meet at Pier Rd / Beaconsfield Parade
⏰ 5:45am start

🚴 Tuesday Night Wind Trainer – Elwood

📍 Elwood Life Saving Club (concrete/grass area)
⏰ Set up from 6:00pm
⏰ Session begins 6:15pm

Please bring your own wind trainer, as Les’s units are allocated to TTT athletes.

Weather dependent, so keep an eye on the FB group.

🏊 Wednesday & Friday Swim – Back in the Pool!

After three weeks of adjustments we finally get to say…

MSAC is back open!

Swim squad returns to the pool with sessions at 5:45am on both Wednesday and Friday mornings.

This will be the first chance in a few weeks to get back into the familiar rhythm of pool training... so don’t miss it.

🌊 Thursday Combo – Elwood

Our Thursday night combo session continues at Elwood Beach from 6:00pm.

🏁 Weekend Schedule

Saturday
Race Recon Session – Catani Gardens
7:00am start

Sunday
Race day… or supporting duties!

🔁 Wrap Up

Build Week #2.
The final race of the season.
And a big weekend of racing ahead.

Moments like this are what all the training builds toward.

Trust your preparation. Support your teammates. Enjoy the experience.

And we’ll see many of you down at St Kilda this weekend.

💙💛 Team TA