Swallow is reigning champion

TRIATHLETES FACE TOUGH TEST

With the whole British triathlon team competing at this weekend’s national championships in Swansea, competition will be fierce and the standard exceptionally high.

The British squad are in commanding form as they continue their Olympic build up, with five podium finishes in the first five events of the season. But there will be particular interest in the ladies race as world number one Leanda Cave hopes to win the national title she lost out on last year after a bike crash forced her to withdraw.

Cave’s team mate Jodie Swallow won last year’s event, but the reigning champion remains sceptical about a repeat performance.

"I'm looking forward to the race but am really apprehensive as it's the first race since my stress-fracture from the winter. It will be a good calibre race, but realistically I am not looking to win.

“I've been injured for what seems so long, that whatever the weather brings, I don't think it should affect the outcome. I have been back in what I'd call full running effort training for the last three weeks, and I am a very able runner, but I'm not fully fit,” she said.

The event is on Cave’s home turf in south Wales, and she is determined the hard work she’s been putting in on the bike will pay off this year.

“Since last year's fall, I've been working on a lot of technical bike skills and ideally the weather will be fine as that will be the best race conditions on the day. I'm feeling a bit nervous about the race, as it's been a long time since I've raced in this country, and raced well too; but training is very good and I'm excited because I'll be racing in my hometown," Cave said.

“The race itself will be good, as I hope there will be a few new competitors racing and maybe more people to work with on the bike. The course suits me, as I prefer to run on the flat, and the recent good weather should have warmed the water a little,” she added.

Swallow, who is coached by Bob Smith - EIS Strength and Conditioning Coach for the East midlands region - believes there are two main contenders for this year’s title.

“I think Michelle Dillon and Leanda Cave are the ones to watch, because they are currently at the top of their form, and Michelle is such a good runner. But there are bound to be a few surprises, and there are so many good cyclists of world class calibre it may affect the run," she said.

Photography © Getty Images