British Triathlon offers all Home Nation members the opportunity to qualify and compete at international level in triathlon, duathlon, aquathlon, winter triathlon and cross triathlon for the GE Great Britain Age-Group Team.
Athletes can enjoy the pride and experience of representing Great Britain at an International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Championship or a European Triathlon Union (ETU) European Championship event.
In 2011, the GE Great Britain Age-Group Team successfully won 218 medals across world and European championships including 76 gold, 74 silver and 68 bronze. British Triathlon Female Age-Group Triathlete of the Year, Rhian Roxburgh (35-39) won gold in the 2011 ETU Triathlon European Championships in Pontevedra, and recommends the age-group challenge commenting:
“I would say to anyone who wants to compete for the GE Great Britain Age-Group Team to just go for it! Firstly, make sure you are a member of your Home Nation, and informed British Triathlon that you want to be selected. Then enter all the races that are qualifiers for the championships you want to take part in. If you don't qualify first time round, don't give up because you have a chance the next time and the time after that.”
When asked what she enjoys about being part of the GE Great Britain Age-Group Team she added: “I enjoy the whole camaraderie of being in a team. I love the fact that everyone is so proud to be British and we all stick together. Great Britain is out in force and everyone wants everyone to do well. It's just a great feeling. “
Rhian’s top tips for success
• Train smart
• Establish goals to aim for
• Don’t forget why you first took up the triathlon challenge.
There are a few important steps that you will need to take in order to gain selection and become a GE Great Britain Age-Group athlete:
JOIN your Home Nation association: Triathlon England, triathlonscotland, Welsh Triathlon.
You can register online through the British Triathlon Website
REGISTER your intent to compete with British Triathlon. Visit the ‘Age-Group’ events section on the British Triathlon website. Select the event you want to register for and hit the register button. You will be asked to log into your account if you are not already, and then you will be able to pay the £10 registration fee. You must register by 5pm on the Friday before the qualification race you are competing in.
ENTER the qualifying event for the championships you have registered for through the race organiser. These races can fill up fast, so make sure you do this as soon as possible. Click here to find a list of all the qualifiers for major championships in 2012.
RACE well and qualify under the criteria outlined on the British Triathlon website.
Full details for each championships selection criteria can be found on the British Triathlon website.
PAY the team management and race entry fee as set out on the team confirmation email.
Once you have qualified you will receive a notification e-mail with information on the next steps to take.
BOOK your flights and accommodation. Call Nirvana Europe, the Official Travel Partner to the GE Great Britain Age-Group Team, and achieve your personal triathlon challenge!
