The Road to Rio starts for BTF
British Triathlon has launched the 2010 GB Paratriathlon Performance Squad, as the sport aims to create a World Class infrastructure in the build up to the Paralympics in Rio 2016
British Triathlon launches the 2010 GB Paratriathlon Performance Squad, as the sport aims to create a World Class infrastructure in the build up to the Paralympics in Rio 2016.
In December 2009, the International Paralympic Committee confirmed the sport was to be formally considered for inclusion in the Rio 2016 Games Sports Programme, and British Triathlon is wasting no time in implementing a new performance structure.
Thirteen athletes have been accepted onto the programme including current Paratriathlon World Champion Clare Cunningham and European Champion David Cooke. The squad has gone through a rigorous selection process and shown they have the ability and commitment to achieve long-term success in the sport.
The squad will have agreed aims, shared by all the athletes, staff and coaches, creating a team spirit that will deliver World Class performances and continue to push the boundaries of the sport.
The squad’s showcase events include the World and European Championships, and the Paratriathlon race in the Dextro Energy Triathlon – ITU World Championship Series race in London’s Hyde Park. Last year, the event was Europe’s largest ever Paratriathlon, and the new squad will be looking forward to competing in front of a home crowd.
Paratriathlon Manager Jon Riall is excited about launching the new squad: “I am very excited about the launch of the new GB Paratriathlon Squad and look forward with anticipation to their results over the coming season. There has been a significant increase in expectations of the programme, both from British Triathlon and from the athletes themselves. The long-term aim for Paratriathlon is inclusion in the 2016 Paralympic Games and this is the first step on the ladder to World Class performances, and I am excited to be able to lead on such a programme.”?
Clare Cunningham, World Champion Paratriathlete commented: “This is a very exciting time to be involved in Paratriathlon, as it is developing quickly and the standard of the sport is constantly improving. By selecting each of us onto the GB Paratriathlon Performance Squad, British Triathlon believes we have the commitment and ability to develop and perform at an Elite level. I am thrilled to have been selected and it is now up to each of us to work hard and motivate each other to achieve great performances in the 2010 season.”
Dr Sarah Springman OBE, British Triathlon President and ITU Vice President and Board Liaison to the Paratriathlon Committee added: This is a hugely exciting time for the sport of Paratriathlon, both in the UK and abroad. With the International Paralympic Committee considering the sport’s bid for programme status in Rio 2016, it is imperative that we establish a World Class system that supports our new GB Paratriathlon Squad to push back on any perceived boundaries and deliver world beating success at the same time!”
Male GB Paratriathlon Performance Squad
Jimmy Goddard from Berkshire, 1st 2009 Corus British Paratriathlon Championships 1st, Silver 2009 European Championships silver: T1
Alan Rayment from Hull: T1
David Cooke from Taunton, Gold 2009 European Championships: T1
James Smith from Surrey, Bronze 2009 European Championships & Gold 2009 Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Series: T3
Tom Perkins from Wiltshire, Gold 2009 Corus British Paratriathlon Championships: T4
Ian Dawson from Norwich, Bronze 2009 Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Series: T6
Haseeb Ahmad from Leicester, Gold 2009 National Paratriathlon Ranking Series, Bronze 2009 European Championships, Bronze 2009 Corus British Paratriathlon Championships: T6
Chris Goodwin from Southampton, Gold 2009 European Championships, Gold 2009 Corus British Paratriathlon Championships: T6
Female GB Paratriathlon Performance Squad
Jane Egan from Glasgow: T1
Clare Cunningham from St Albans, Gold 2009 World Championships: T4
Faye McClelland from East Sussex, 2009 Gold National Paratriathlon Ranking Series: T4
Sara Butler from Birmingham, Gold 2009 Corus British Paratriathlon Championships, Gold 2009 Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Series: T6
Charlotte Ellis from Cleveland: T6
Matt Baird
Editor of Cycling Plus magazine 
