Triathlon

The vast majority of triathlon holidays focus on training, where an intensive program of coaching and exercise is mixed with down-time and, more often than not, all-inclusive food and accommodation.

TRAINING CAMPS
Specialist training camps with excellent facilities 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 are usually small and very 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 all three disciplines. There will generally be high-quality bikes at your disposal (though many prefer to bring their own), a variety of excellent cycle routes on quiet roads with a few challenging climbs, a swimming pool and access to open-water swimming close by, 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 triathlon activity break involves taking part in a particular event, such as one of the summer races in the Alps or any number of local triathlons in Spain or Portugal. A typical trip will be of three days duration, with the race taking place on day two.

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 Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura), the Portuguese Algarve region 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.

Next steps...

Activity guides - local guides to great places for triathlon

Trips - triathlon run by our local travel partners