At Eureka Cycle Sports they offer a comprehensive, specific and quality set of Triathlon bikes for both beginner and the more experienced triathlete; which also cater for all budgets.  The range of Scott, Orbea, Moda and Blue Triad bikes offer some of the latest models and technology that bikes can offer on the current market. 

There expertise knowledge and passion of the bikes comes across  when talking to them. Prices range from a brilliant £889.00 to £9,699.00 for the bike range, which can be broken down into smaller payments if required. The excellent section caters for the beginner triathlete to the pro level road bikes. The models provide some of the best selection of triathlon specific bikes around on the market at the moment! Whether you are after an entry-level aero-framed model or to the highest specification carbon fibre, electronic-shift pro level models they stock it. 

They also offer a range of framesets, catering for all prices ranges from £799.00 to £2,999.00.  Whether you are looking for getting around your first race, a new personal best or victory your bike frame forms the core and key part of any performance package. The range is perfect for the entry-level athlete offering the Argon 18 E-80 frameset, specifically designed for the entry-level athlete with the specification of a much higher end bike, for just £899.99. They also offer the Argon 18 E-118 frameset at just £2,999,99, which was designed by the Canadian pro and U23 time-trial champions and is therefore perfect for someone to start building their bike with for winning or setting a new personal best in races. The newest model from the E114 brings good gains with the much higher quality carbon fibre, which is also slightly stiffer; which allows better transfer power to the wheels when riding the frame. The bike offers an 8% increase in aerodynamics and is 14% lighter (1550g) compared to the E114 model and you definitely can feel that when out riding, that’s a huge gain. The frame when used not only offers a great light weight, aerodynamic bike but it also looks fantastic, flying into transition on this will definitely turn some eyes!

Check out this quality set of triathlon bikes! 

Sunday 25th of August. After competing in Westonbirt challenge and having a fairly successful morning I began to walk back to the car. As I got in I checked my phone and was going to give the news to my mum of how well I had done that morning (the norm!). However when I looked at my phone I had many calls and texts just to say GET HOME from family. Me and my dad began to drive home as fast as we could, I arrived home to ambulances and family in complete distress, I got told the news that my mum was to be flow to Bristol as she had suffered a heart attack. Within the space of 3 hours from finishing my race at around 2pm in the hospital I was told my mum had passed away. My mum was a healthy and fit woman, it was a complete shock and it just couldn't be true in any way. It was a period of pure and utter disbelief, Ive never felt so much pain in my life and as I write this wrongly or rightly to you all to see I still feel a raw pain in my chest. It shouldn't it couldn't but it has. My life had turned upside down, I didn't understand anything, I could only cry and cry. 

My mum was a spectacular woman, a truly beautiful amazing and funny person who was loved by everybody. Her funeral summed her up in so much perfection so need do I need to do it here. 

This is just a way to tell everyone who has supported me in the last 57 days that I will never forget it. I can't tell you things are better because there not, but things are made easier by the great support iv'e had around me. 

I want to thank my family for being there massively and all grouping together so well. My incredible girlfriend, it has been a tough ride but she has been with my every step of the way and has been a life saver. To each and everyone of my friends who has turned up at my door, text, called, invited me to do things, brought my family food, taken us out. Anything and everything you have done has been amazing. To anyone who has posted a card through the door and happens to read my blog then thank you. 

Times like these I have learnt there are little words that people can say to you, however each and ever person who has been able to give something has made things easier. 

This will never be easy and never will I forget such an incredible mum, I will however do her proud like I always strived to do. I will focus on doing everything I can in the future to make sure she can be looking down on me saying "Go on son". Mum I love you and thank you for all you did for me. You will live on me and I will do you proud. 

Ciaran 

Not one that was completely planned and meant to be on the race calender this year was Tewskbury Sprint. I only got told about it in the week and got a phone call on the saturday to say if I wanted to race they had a slot for me! I of course said "yes please". Having got into such a regular pattern of racing every weekend its been weird not racing! 

What was most pleasing for me, that my dad who is a big inspiration to me was putting himself on the race line after not racing for three years due to injury. The man was back. Without him I wouldn't of even give the sport a go, so was great to have him as a competitor. 

Another strong swim for me and a great T1, probably one of the best of the year put me out second on the bike and chasing hard. I knew the man who was out in 3rd, would probably go on to win the race so i knuckled down and started to work hard. He come up alongside me and past me and I was then dteermined after dropping back 7 metres to go no further. This tactic worked really well for me and we caught up with first. However they knew each other very well and sadly started to work together (naughty boys!) and left me behind. The bike itself ended up being 3.5 miles longer than the 12 miles stated, however I really enjoyed the longer ride and felt strong throughout. I come into transition 3rd and despite my number falling off and running back for it, still had a great T2. Out on to the run I just wanted to keep things smooth. I know I'm starting to get some more consistent running in and I just said to myself keep it smooth and don't loose third; and that is what I did. Across the 3 laps I didn't really settle down but I kept hold my my 3rd place overall and 1st in Junior along with a morale victory out on the bike. It was a good day after a long hard week of training. 

A very wet, windy and not brilliant evening was what I was viewing for my small warm up races at the lake this wenesday evening. 

I left early and had a good long warm up, due to starting a new strength and conditioning session the day before I was feeling every muscle in my legs and lower back. I went straight to the front for the swim once again and went hard, the water was choppy and the course longer than normal, so a slower time but a good swim. I felt good through T1 and felt immediatly good on the run (something that I havent felt in a long time). The times don't suggest that I ran any better but i felt smooth and strong and got pipped at the end for 1st place as I just couldn't pick up my cadence towards the end. 

A good result however alongside some very hard training.

Ciaran 

Compression Garments are something that is starting to become a must have in and around triathlon.  Compression garments have become increasingly popular amongst athletes with suppliers claiming enhancements in recovery and performance. Some people are convinced of the benefits, others very precarious, and some completely against how they could help enhance performance. However I am now simply going to talk about the claimed benefits of compression garments, their popularity, some science and studies and then leave it up to you to decide in the poll at the bottom.

It was a race in many ways that summed up my season. A constant learning experience at that higher end of competition, but me giving nothing but 100%. Iv'e always felt strong when competing in aquathlons; against anyone. I knew like the whole of my season I haven't been in the best run shape, due to niggles with my calf. But lately I have felt as though iv'e made improvements with my gate, and also been able to up my running sessions so things are starting to head in the right direction. 

The swim I felt strong but still lacking some experience where to place myself, within such a good field. I feel I should always be a front pack swimmer but getting caught within the mass makes it a hard job to swim properly. However I come out of the swim reasonably well and with a good group. The run was a lightning pace, I progressed and felt massively better on my second lap and defiantly starting to feel I can run again. However against the winner i'm about two minutes down on the run which has been a big problem and defiantly shows how much iv'e struggled with my running sessions and the subsequent problems that has had on my race performances. Losing most places and time on the run shows how I need to focus next year on making improvements on my gate so that I stay injury free and can really focus on getting the milage in on the run sessions. 

But antoher great experience and 20th in Britain I have to be happy with. Its minimal margains and this year has shown me, even though it may be my first year with hard work and consistency through the winter and in to next season I beleive I can get some big performances and good results next year. 

The year is near it's end, one serious race to go with two small aqauthlons to keep me fresh in between. Looking forward to a rest after a few hard weeks into Bala. 

Ciaran

Wow.. What a shoe. 

The Saucony Kinvara 4 is the latest version of the honourable minimalist trainer. It provides a few tweaks to the model which many attribute to the boom of late in this Saucony range. The newest version of the Kinvara is more evolution than revolution, it carries the same design aspect and looks very similar however the shoe itself has been tweeked. 

All told, the Kinvara 4 provides an excellent running experience simply by joining the best parts of the previous models together. The Kinvara 4 provides a well-received and focused minimalist shoe for both newcomers and initiated alike. It is aimed at fast runners and It looks more of a race day shoe, however due to great work done with the stability of the shoe and cushioning it is the perfect training and race day. There has been work done on the heel area, so people who heel strike and are looking for a lighter weight shoe this could be for you. The latest version looks like an amalgamation of the previous models, showing a certain maturity with subtle changes rather than flashy alterations.

I will start firstly with it's colour because that's what really makes it stand out from the start. It is available in 7 colour ranges per gender (14 in total). All are great, some are more subtle than others so just depends how much you want to stand out from the crowd! This design aspect really allows people to enjoy what they are running in!

Getting down into the more technical stuff.. this shoe is really impressive. Saucony as a brand I really rate. I nearly went off them, but that was my fault due to picking the wrong shoe for me, this is why it is so important to get yourself gait analysed and really talk to an expert (If your local, Go to Run Swindon!). 

It is a very lightweight shoe 6.7 oz./ 190gm (size 8). This continues the lightweight performance of the shoe from the previous models but remains very responsive and stable. The drop from heel to forefoot is 4mm. This is great for the lighter/faster runner who impacts the ground less and doesn't need the added cushioning. The lightweight feel of the shoe makes it feel like you don't have them even on.

The upgrade from ProGrid to PowerGrid in the heel landing zone for even smoother transitions is great for heel strikers looking for a light weight shoe, it also adds to an improved overall ride (PowerGrid is a lighter yet more durable compound than ProGrid). In addition they have redesigned the upper continuing to utilize FlexFilm for a lightweight, natural feel in the forefoot and toebox area which allows for some great breathing space for your feet, but at the same time increases the stability in the fore foot area. This for me is what makes it a fantastic shoe, the cushioning from the gel pads in the front of the shoe provides great cushioning and bounce for forefoot runners. The outsole features the triangular lug design which adds the the great stability and durability of the shoe. A frequent complaint with the Kinvara 3 was achilles irritation, the lower heel will now hopefully stop the irritation found from the Kinvara 3. 

Really pleased to be able to announce my link with Run Swindon for the up and coming season. 
After first being introduced to Liam at run Swindon, I was amazed at the knowledge and detail he went too. I'm really happy to have him on board for the next year. He will provide great support with my running. 

For specialist gait analysis and running information this is the place to go! 
Www.runswindon.co.uk

Ciaran 

After the London race it was always my intention to then sit down and plan the end of the season. I deemed it would be a good opportunity to see how far I had come, and then also decide how I would like to challenge myself in the last month or so of the season before going on a small break before winter training. Having already race 13 or so times this year it has been an action packed year and a tough balancing act to go into races in good shape, but also not have to much time off tapering and recovering. I would be the first to say that I hadn't got the hang of recovering well at the start of the year and I would hit good blocks of training, but then become ill. 

After a few years do running predominantly in Adidas trainers (never a problem) I opted for a bit of a change. Not sure change is always the best thing to advise.. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" rings a bell. However sometimes change can be good and the only way to see whats best is to experiment. 

I opted to try zoot tempo 5.0 running shoes. 
"This shoe was designed for the athlete who needs a stability running shoe and wants a triathlon specific race day shoe" (Zoot). That is the aim of the shoe and I really think it meets those points to perfection. 

The Zoot ULTRA Tempo+ uses Zoot's unique Barefoot technology which incorporates a seam-free liner withint the shoe. There is no seam from a tongue or any stitching. The shoe is specifically designed for triathlon race day without socks. This allows for super fast transitions which I have found are so important over the shorter distances. An innovative sole system used in military boots for amphibious operations (OTB Boots- Google it) also features a series of drainage holes in the insole and sole of the shoe. These holes prevent the shoe from getting water logged when athlete pour cups over their head in a hot race while running through aid stations. When in a triathlon its important your feet can get dry without you having to waste time doing it, these shoes allow for that brilliantly. What's also great is whether your racing on the road or trails the shoe can easily adapt in any weather.

Additionally, the Zoot ULTRA Tempo+ uses an integrated stretch lace closure system to facilitate quick donning of the shoes in transition. This system you wont see on any other running shoe and it really allows this shoe to be a market leader in this field. Its best selling point is probably its ability to be a fast race shoe in transition whilst providing great comfort on the run. Stability is accomplished partially through the use of a "roll cage" carbon fiber insert in the mid sole call the "Carbon Span" along with a conventional dual density, multi durometer midsole that uses varying hardness of shock-absorptive materials to provide a balance of cushioning and roll and lateral stability. The geometry of the shoe (sole thickness and wedge) are designed with what Zoot calls the "Tri-O-Mechanics" that are said to promote a more forward-than-heel foot interaction with the ground. 

These shoes are great for 5k all the way up to a marathon for a quick runner. It is suggested that anyone doing sub 1:30 for a half marathon or 2:45 for a full marathon then these trainers would be suitable. The lightweight nature of the shoe (275g) allows for a fast and light pair of shoes to be on your feet, however they provide great support and cushioning in the right areas for the forefoot athlete. It would be okay for someone to heel strike in these however, I don'k think they would last very long nor is the shoe aimed to support that. 

Aesthetically the shoes looks brilliant, the bright colours are great and the rest of the shoe looks brilliant. Just be looking at the shoe as a triathlete you can see, the time spent on designing the shoe to meet the demands of transition in the fastest possibly manner. 

The only negative point is when the shoe first come out it retailed over £100 however some good looking around you can probably get the shoe for about £60 now. 

Verdict:
Zoot's whole aim was to create a running shoe that was specific for racing whilst providing stability. There really have done that in abundance here! There a perfect race day shoe and also great for training in too. I wouldn't recommend doing all of your training in them however they will last a good 300-500 miles for a light framed athlete. The shoe is great for the neutral runner.