NTC Training Camp 2017, Les Stables, Bordeilles, France

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1 NTC Training Camp 2017, Les Stables, Bordeilles, France A group of 17 met for the club s annual training camp at Les Stables in France, 7-18 June. The majority of the group flew out to Bergerac from East Midlands airport on Wednesday 7 th, with a couple of later arrivals on Sunday and Monday. A coach (bus) collected the group + bags + bikes from the airport and took us directly to the accommodation. Some hired bikes there. For our stay we took over the whole complex, owners Sibs and Mark entrusting us with their beautiful complex while they were back in UK to run the Vitruvian Triathlon during the second week. All apartments are ensuite, large, comfortable and well equipped, with a different cycling theme for each of the four apartments. There is also a 4 lane heated 25m pool, 800m track, huge bike store equipped with tools and fitness equipment (Watt bikes/treadmill/rowing machine/weights etc.), TV and games room, laundry area, Wi-Fi, and accessible equipment such as wetsuits, swim aids, track pumps, nutrition (gels etc) It s a fantastic complex that also manages to retain a traditional atmosphere associated with the pretty Dordogne region. On arrival the sun was shining and it was hot! We had immediate access to the apartments, allowing a quick change and a short afternoon ride to Brantome for shopping and coffee. On return to digs there was opportunity for a run off the bike around the track and a swim (or cool down) in the pool. This set the scene for what followed for the remainder of the time in France. Every day there was opportunity to ride/run/swim, various distances, with 1:1 coaching and feedback for those that wanted it..and it was scorchio! During the evening each apartment took it in turns to cook a meal for the rest of the group, which was consumed Al Fresco style. We ate at local restaurants just twice during our stay (first and last night) taking the 1k walk down to Bordeilles. On one evening we fired up the outside pizza oven and Lloyd was in charge of creating some delicious homemade pizzas which were fantastic. Other nights we consumed huge amounts of food to fuel our activities, usually with seconds and then some tasty French deserts. Occasional healthy options were also on offer!

2 As far as training is concerned (the real reason we went!)fiona took the underwater camera which offered swim analysis for the improvement of technique and this year there were many takers for regular pool sessions even if it was to escape the hot conditions for a short while! Each swimmer also had the opportunity to revisit their CSS pace (400/200 TT s) and complete a ramp test to establish an efficient stroke rate. Les Stables is located next to the River Drone making OW swim very accessible. Check out Karen s Go-Pro clips on Facebook to appreciate what a lovely swim this was. On one occasion the group swam downstream to Bordeilles, negotiating the weir half way down, swimming under rocks with overhanging greenery all very pretty. On the second occasion the group swam down to the weir and then completed the second half against the current returning to Les Stables with the support of the river kayak (skilfully steered by volunteer non swimmers) During our stay we completed a few runs: some short runs off the bike, a nice 5m loop through the village of Bordeilles, a 7m/9m off road trail run, and an interval session of 6X800 s around the track. The running was quite challenging in the heat.

3 Rides varied in distance, including a 100 miler, with regular lunch stops, café & cake stops, and an ice cream stop courtesy of Ray on his birthday. (I think Chrissie escaped her birthday treat early in the week) The roads in France are fantastic to ride, quiet scenic roads, good surfaces, beautiful countryside and villages and, in the main, very courteous drivers. We even did a chain gang while we were there and the group stayed together!

4 At the end of the second week we held a mini triathlon, with a focus on transition practise, the fourth discipline so often overlooked by competitors. We held a transition practise session prior the race. Then the triathlon was completed in good spirit (Phil tied Lloyd s shoes laces together) and to lots of vocal support from the non-triathletes amongst us. Footage of that and other sessions can be found on Facebook. It wasn t all hard work though there was plenty of time for socialising, sightseeing and lots of fun in the sun.

5 The return date of Sunday 18 th came all too soon for some, for our sad but smooth return to the UK. If this account has wet your appetite be sure to get your name down soon for next year we have places reserved already!