PERFORMANCE SQUAD
The University of Edinburgh Triathlon Performance Squad has been running for 11 years and provides athletes with the opportunity to train and race at a performance level whilst still maintaining a high level of academic achievement.
TRAINING TIMETABLE
As a member of the Performance Squad, athletes will have access to an additional 3x coached swims, 2x coached bike sessions and 1x coached run per week, which will be posted on individuals training peaks accounts.
Any un-coached sessions will have session plans provided and be led by a senior squad member.
There is also the option to receive additional strength and conditioning coaching – please discuss this with our Performance Captain if this is something you are interested in. Note that you must be a member of the Performance/Development Squad to access this.
As a member of our Performance Squad you are also offered spots on the reading week training camps, previously held in Calpe, Spain.
2023/24 APPLICATION PROCESS
Selection for the Performance/Development Squad is carried out at the beginning of each academic year and is based on a combination of time-trial performance, application form, attitude towards training, and training commitment.
Following the time-trials, applications will be reviewed and short-listed athletes will be invited to attend squad training sessions for week 1 and week 2.
At the end of week 2, a review meeting will be held and the final squad list will be released to athletes. All selections are down to the discretion of the Performance Committee and all expectations are detailed in the Performance Squad Contract.
Athletes looking to apply for the Performance/Development Squad must fill out the Performance Squad Application Form prior to attending trials during welcome week. Please note that if you have not completed the application form, you may not be allowed to trial.
TRIAL INFORMATION
Tuesday 12th September | 06:00 | Swim trial, St Leonard’s Land Pool.
Thursday 14th September | 18:00 | Run trial, Green Pavilion – Meadows.
Friday 14th September | 10:00 | Bike trails, Commonwealth Pool – Dalkeith Road
Please contact triathlon@ed.ac.uk for more information.
COACHING AND RACING
Each year the squad have 3 trips down to BUCS, which Performance/Development athletes are all expected to attend.
The squad’s head coach, Natalie Stewart is a Level 3 qualified coach and has been coaching the Scottish National performance programme
PERFORMANCE SQUAD COSTS
Performance Squad student membership – £35/month
Development Squad student membership – £20/month
Please note performance squad members must also have the following:
- EUTri Membership – £120/year
- EUSU Membership – £8.50/year
- Sport & Exercise Peak Membership – more info here.
EDINBURGH AS A TRAINING LOCATION
Edinburgh is an excellent location for training, with brilliant riding only 6 miles outside the city centre, taking you on adventures south, east and west. Whether you love mountain biking or prefer to do all your training on a road bike, there are plenty routes to explore and some great training rides right on our doorstep.
We have access to fantastic swim facilities at St Leonard’s Land and The Royal Commonwealth Pool, as well as open water swimming at Portobello Beach or in the Pentlands during the summer.
When it comes to running, Edinburgh boasts a wealth of hills (7!), flat, trails and tarmac. Laps of the meadows, hill reps up Arthur’s seat or an adventure to the Pentlands for the day, it’s all very accessible and provides an excellent backdrop for training.
As well as being a Performance Squad centred on training, enjoyment is key and we also love to have fun outside of training… we encourage all of our athletes to get involved in club socials, day trips and most importantly… squad breakfasts and coffee trips!
INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE PROGRAMME
Athletes who are training at a high level prior to joining the squad also have the opportunity to apply to the Individual Performance Programme. This gives athletes access to additional strength and conditioning sessions, physio support from FASIC and nutritional advice along with targeted webinars and events throughout the year.
University of Edinburgh Triathlon Club 