FAQ

Minimum Ability Levels

All of the standards below are guidelines and are in no way set in stone. We encourage anyone interested in getting involved to get in touch with us to discuss their ability levels. This will help us to find the best way to get you started.

Guidelines

  • Competently swim 100m.
  • The swim should be front crawl.
  • Trial Night will take place on the 1st Monday of the month at 8.15 at PALC.
  • Swimming lessons can be arranged directly with Torfaen Leisure Trust for anyone wishing to improve their swimming prior to a trial night.

Cyclists must have the ability to ride for 1-2 hours for the Sunday Endurance Session. Sunday sessions will include beginner and moderate rides.

Training Sessions

For the Sunday Endurance Ride, cyclists should be capable of riding for 1-2 hours without a break. (Riders that do not meet this criteria please attend the beginners cycle as per timetable) Cyclists should be ideally using a road bike, otherwise they may find it harder. Riders should be self-sufficient and bring a pump, spare tube(s) and tyre levers, along with any food and drink they require.

If you are interested in further information about the coached and/or uncoached swim sessions on our programme, please contact us. Open water swimming sessions are available during the warmer months, please speak to the Head Coach for further details. It is requested that individuals attend at least 3 pool sessions before attending an open water session.

Thursday Run sessions are open to all speed levels but the ability to run for 3k without stopping is required. If individuals are unable to meet this criteria Pont-y-Pwl First steps group meet at 6:30pm on a Monday and they can help them build up to this. Thursday run sessions consist mostly of speed and technical sessions including intervals and drills aimed to improve strength, speed and efficiency. The sessions will always accommodate all speeds of runner. Adequate running shoes and visible clothing are requested along with a head-torch for the darker nights. We can offer basic advice relating to equipment.

General Information

Torfaen Triathlon Club has been formed as a partnership between Pontypool and District Runners (running club), Torfaen Dolphins (swimming club), Pontypool Road Cycling (cycling club), and Torfaen Leisure Trust Ltd. (not-for-profit leisure operator) with the support of Welsh Triathlon (governing body for Triathlon in Wales).

The club exists to provide an opportunity for anyone in the Torfaen community and the surrounding areas wishing to take part in Triathlon to receive coaching and support and to represent the club at events across the UK and around the world.

How do I get involved?

To become a member you will first be encouraged to attend a ‘Trial Night’ which take place on the 1st Monday of the month at 8.15pm. Minimum ability levels are detailed below. New members need to complete a basic membership form, and fitness declaration. There is also a direct debit mandate for access to swim sessions.

Personal Insurance

Torfaen Triathlon Club are affiliated to Welsh Triathlon and that we recommend each individual joins personally (at a discounted rate as a member of an affiliated club) in order to take advantage of the benefits including insurance for training and racing.