Duathlon training camps and activity breaks

As with triathlons, duathlon holidays are all about training. Intensive exercise and personal coaching in a comfortable training camp, usually with all-inclusive food and accommodation.

TRAINING CAMPS
Specialist training camps for duathletes and triathletes have sprung up all over, and are especially well patronised in southern Europe - very popular through the winter and early spring pre-season. Altitude training is a major draw in the warmer months. Weekend camps in the UK are another option.

Training camps tend to be well appointed, often with accommodation and dining on site, although there are budget self-catering and self-guided options too. Training programs may be pre-set for beginner, intermediate, advanced or long-distance, or can be tailor-made to suit your requirements. They are typically a week in duration and may be timetabled.

You can expect to benefit from individual coaching and analysis of technique across both disciplines. Facilities are excellent: there will generally be high-quality bikes at your disposal (though many prefer to bring their own), a variety of cycle routes on quiet roads with a few challenging climbs, a gym and most likely a running track, too. Runners usually have the option of off-road trails as well as road routes.

Self-guided training camps, where you have access to all facilities but are not individually coached, are a cheaper option - and you can always pay for personal coaching by the hour if required.

The other type of duathlon activity break involves taking part in a particular event, such as one of the summer races in the Alps or a local duathlon in Spain or elsewhere. A typical trip will be of 3 days duration, with the race taking place on day 2.

WHERE TO GO
Training camps have sprung up all over southern Europe - notably in Spain (Catalonia, Andalucia, the Costa Blanca and Mallorca as well as the Canary Islands), the Portuguese Algarve and also in France. Altitude training camps are found in the French and Swiss Alps. There are also options in the UK. For event-based holidays, the Alps, Spain and Portugal are the main destinations.