UCLA Triathlon is an official club sport of the University of California, Los Angeles. In addition to a structured coached program for students, UCLA Triathlon also provides coaching and a team atmosphere for staff, faculty, alumni, and community members. UCLA Triathlon is committed to helping all members, from elite to beginner, reach their athletic goals. UCLA Triathlon is also holds an annual triathlon on the UCLA campus and puts on multi-day camps and single-day clinics.
The UCLA Triathlon Club Team is oriented towards athletes new to the sport of triathlon, those who do triathlon for fun and fitness, and more serious age-groupers looking to excel. Open to students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community members, the club program includes a custom and periodized training program, designed by coach Gareth Thomas, which aims to peak athletes for specific races throughout the season.
What level of experience do I need to join the team?
None. The UCLA Triathlon Club Team caters to all abilities, from the total beginner to elite. Programs are designed specifically for
* athletes new to the sport of triathlon
* those who do triathlon for fun and fitness
* more serious age-groupers looking to excel
Do I have to be a UCLA Student?
No. UCLA Triathlon is a student-run program, but we encourage participation from:
* undergrads
* grads
* staff
* faculty
* alumni
* community members
How Does the program work? (Training)
The club program includes a custom and periodized training program, designed by coach Gareth Thomas, which aims to peak athletes for specific races throughout the season. The program also includes weekly workouts coached by Gareth and his coaching staff. All club members also have access to the world-class athletic facilities at UCLA. Below is an example of a periodization program developed for the team.
How does the program work? (Racing)
The team selects the key races that the team will focus on that season. These mainly include sprint and olympic distance races. The team covers travel and loding expenses for key races. The triathlon season begins in March and runs through October, with most key races occuring in April/May and September.
Triathlon is a relatively new sport and as such there are few resources for exceptionally talented young triathletes looking to develop their talent while also pursuing an education. The UCLA Triathlon Elite Team is aimed at developing such exceptionally talented athletes.
Elite Athlete Development Program
The Elite Athlete Development Program is a project currently being developed as a part of the UCLA Triathlon Team. The program will be lead by coach Gareth Thomas who passion is the development of world class athletes. The target of the program is to attract young talented athletes who are interested in pursuing Triathlon to the highest level while simultaneously giving athletes the opportunity to pursue a first-rate education.
To support these athletes a multi-tier scholarship program is also currently under construction. At best, chosen athletes will be fully supported with personal scientific workout schedules, regular coached workouts, clinics, physiological testing, physical therapy, strength & conditioning, technical development, race entries & travel and equipment provision (for training and racing).
The Elite Program will focus on success at Collegiate, National Championship & World Championship races building through to ITU Points & World Cup events and ultimately Olympic Trials and selection. Duathletes and Ironman athletes are also welcomed and will be given the same level of attention to their development and goals.
The program is set to launch in 2008 and, as such, selection protocol is still under refinement but naturally a very strong background in freestyle swimming and running is key along with the necessary academic credentials to enter a UCLA study program. Interested potential applicants should contact Head Coach and Elite Program Director, Gareth Thomas by email at gareth@coachgareth.com.
UCLA Triathlon is currently seeking monetary partners to help fund the growing program. This is an excellent opportunity for outside organizations to associate themselves with the top athletic school in the nation which is supported by a unique marketing program with excellent exposure to an affluent demographic. Parties interested in financially supporting the UCLA Triathlon Elite Athlete Development Program should contact sponsorship director David Quiros by email at uclatri.sponsorship@gmail.com.