Brownlee Challenge: “I’ll make sure I use my head”
Q&A with Mark Young, picked earlier today by Alistair Brownlee as one of his teammates for the Brownlee Challenge
With Alistair Brownlee’s choice of teammates now known for the Brownlee Challenge taking place tomorrow (Saturday 21 September), we speak to the first of them – Mark Young.
Congrats on being selected for Team Al! Are you nervous about taking on Jonny?
I’m sure it’s going to be a pretty humbling experience seeing first hand just how fast the elite athletes go!
Can you tell us a little about your triathlon background?
I’ve been competing in triathlon for three years now. I used to run to keep fit, and after getting a bike through the bike to work scheme, and then talking to a mate who did Ironman, I thought I’d give it a go and I was instantly hooked!
I live in Whitby on the Yorkshire coast, so my training consists of sea swims, moorland trails, and lots of hills (so just Alistair and Jonny’s kind of terrain!)
I’ve done most of my racing in the Yorkshire and the North of England, where there are some fantastic local races.
The Helvellyn Tri was a highlight last year, I always enjoy the super friendly Clevelend Triathlon Club events, and The ‘Last of the Summer Tri’ in Holmfirth is always a great way to round off the season.
But last week was definitely the crowning achievement of my tri career so far, when I got to represent team GB (AG40-44) in the Sprint World Championships in Hyde Park London.
Why do you think Alistair chose you to be part of his team?
It was my two sons (Alex, 7 and Dan, 5) who got me the entry.
They did the Triathlon England challenge in Trafalgar Square at the Grand Final last weekend, and sent Alistair a picture of themselves with their medals.
They are determined to be the next generation of brothers in team GB!
Have you discussed tactics with him yet?
Not yet, but I’ll make sure I use my head – we all know how high his expectations are around tactics!
Watch this space for news on how Mark and Team Al get on and whether they manage to beat Jonny!
Jamie Beach
Former digital editor 
