Monthly Archives: March 2025

Meet Your 2025 VTC Committee

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Chairman & Membership Secretary: Carl Britton

Carl first joined Viceroys in 2014 when he moved to Walton initially to take advantage of the cycling membership and to meet new people. This led to a full membership and Carl is now a regular at the Friday night track session and can often be seen splashing around with the Development group in the lake swims.

Carl comes from a background in mountain bike racing as a youth, loves any outdoor activities and has competed in a variety of multi discipline adventure races. Each year Carl signs up to a new endurance challenge to maintain his focus and commitment to keeping fit. This usually involves trying something new and outside of his comfort zone!!

Chairman: Carl Britton

“I am very proud to be the Chairman of this fantastic club and I am looking forward to supporting the new Committee in taking the club forward to even higher levels of success. Previously, the club and its members inspired me to confront my fears of open water swimming and supported me in my goal to get around my Ironman swim leg in one piece! One of my passions is to use my experience to help others with their sporting goals.”

Recent events include:
– Ironman (Full) UK, Bolton
– UCI Gravel World Championships, Veneto, Italy
– 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs completion
– Thames Path Challenge 100km Ultra Running Race, Putney Bridge to Henley
– The Bull Ring 200, Birmingham
This year’s challenges:
– The Bee Line 200, Manchester
– Everest Challenge, 8,848m Climb, Peak District
– British Gravel Championships, Dalby Forest

Vice Chairman: Nick Christian

Nick has loved anything on two wheels since he threw his stabilisers away at the age of four.

That includes racing motorbikes back in the 90s before turning back to mountain biking.
Nick turned to road riding in 2014 and joined Viceroys Triathlon Club the same year.

Vice Chairman: Nick Christian

Nick loves riding, quite enjoys swimming . . . . . . . hates running!

As far as he is concerned, it’s all about having fun with like-minded people. And if that helps you with your training plan, even better!
Can often be heard saying, “This hill doesn’t count.”

Club Secretary: Iain Gill

Iain is a lifelong runner who joined the Club in 2021 and has enjoyed learning to swim and road race with the Viceroys. He is most likely to be found at the track, Tuesday evening rides and coached swim sessions.

Iain is currently recovering from a shoulder injury but hoping to be swimming again when the lake opens and do a few races at the end of the season after a curtailed 2024.

Club Secretary: Iain Gill

Head BTF Coach: Ralph Hydes (BTF Level 3 High Performance)

Ralph Hydes is a BTF Level 3 high performance coach and has been coaching athletes of all abilities from total novice to Age Group internationals since 2000.  Ralph is also an Ironman University certified coach.  He has been the head coach at Thames Turbo Triathlon Club for the past 7 years and head swim coach at Wimbledon Windmilers. 

Having worked with juniors from 8 years old through to seniors in their 70’s, Ralph carefully considers the needs of everyone to get the most out of their performances whatever their goals and abilities. 

Head BTF Coach: Ralph Hydes (BTF Level 3 High Performance)

He has trained over 25 individuals to represent their age groups at World Championships, two of which became World Champions, another to be European Champion, 3 Kona qualifiers, 2 UTMB qualifiers, multiple Ironman finishers as well as helping hundreds of others fulfil their goals from 5K’s to marathons and triathlons.

He has represented Great Britain himself at 8 World Championships. In 2006 Ralph came 7th in the World Duathlon Championships for his age group.  He has completed 2 Ironman events, 5 Ironman 70.3 events, 12 Etapes, a channel relay and multiple sportives.

Ralph’s philosophy is to help get the best out of his athletes using nutrition, strength and conditioning, as well as unique training techniques to become the best you can be with the time you have available to train.

Treasurer: Sylwia Milkowska

Joined Viceroys in 2018 with a secret ambition to complete Ironman.
Even though Sylwia had not owned or ridden a road bike prior to joining, she enjoyed tootling along on a hybrid and even bikepacking to Poland one year. Swimming has always been something to endure rather than enjoy having learned the stroke only in adulthood. It’s the running that has been her go to exercise throughout the years.

“Things have definitely changed since joining the club! I have become an Ironwoman by completing Ironman UK in Bolton (and qualifying to race in world champs in Kona) and I’m one of 4 women to ride all ‘100 Greatest Cycling Climbs’.”

Treasurer: Sylwia Milkowska

“But, above all I love training. Health and fitness are my passion. I believe that exercise is the best therapy. And even though I don’t particularly enjoy competing in races, I always like to be fit and ready to do one spontaneously when I want to.”

Social Secretary: Marit Sõrmus

Marit joined Viceroys in 2019 when her friend, whose husband was part of the club, thought she would enjoy triathlon, even though she didn’t own a road bike and hadn’t swam properly for a long time.

“Fast forward to 2025, it’s fair to say I’m an adrenaline junky who is always up for an adventure, the longer and more challenging the better. Enjoy pushing myself and other Pinks to see how far we can go, while having that fantastic type 2 kind of fun!”

Social Secretary: Marit Sõrmus

Social Secretary: Gary Parker-Ticehurst

My dad, who’s also a Viceroy, was my inspiration for starting multi sport. I started running just after lockdown with the ‘Couch to 5k’ app, this was then followed by a charity challenge of running 100 miles in a month. Following this I took the plunge and bought my first road bike and ended up completing my first duathlon.

I then joined Viceroys with my husband Clint Parker-Ticehurst in March 2023. The Viceroys are a great bunch of people and I enjoy both the training and social side of the club. I have progressed so much since joining and have competed in many events.

Social Secretary: Gary Parker-Ticehurst

Social Media: Lucy Hoseason

Lucy started triathlon when she was 9 years old after doing an aquathlon. Soon after she joined a junior triathlon club until she was around 16.

“I then went on to join Viceroys in 2020 just before lockdown and have been a member ever since! My biggest triathlon achievement has got to be my gold medal in 2022 at Age Group World Championships in Canada!”

Social Media: Lucy Hoseason

Social Media: Sam Holloway

Sam has always been passionate about sports, starting as a swimmer in his childhood and teenage years. Started triathlon in 2017, and took a step up in 2022 when he joined Viceroys, aiming to elevate his training and find like-minded individuals to train alongside.

Since then, he has competed in one European and two World Age Group Championships, his proudest achievement however being the reigning Viceroys Club Champion. 😁

His goals are to continue racing at the pointy end whenever possible but now also exploring new challenges and longer distances.

Social Media: Sam Holloway

Social Media: Clint Parker-Ticehurst

I joined Viceroys in March 2023 with my husband Gary Parker-Ticehurst. I have not been training in multi sports or competing in triathlons for very long, but have attended many events since; from Super Sprints to Half Ironmans.

I’m very lucky to travel with my job, which opens up opportunities to participate in events all across the globe. The Pinks are a fantastic bunch of people and I feel I have improved so much since joining. I am never going to win any races but I am determined to be the best I can be.

Social Media: Clint Parker-Ticehurst

Kit Officer: Carla Gilbey

Wowsers – I joined Viceroys now nearly 15 orbits of the sun, this is my second time around being invited to be part of the Clubs Committee (prior to which I was membership secretary) and now supporting the members with Viceroys Jazzy Kit.
 
I’ve always been a bit of an adrenalin junky and will try almost anything. Genuinely tripped up on Triathlon through my love of running and took up the challenge to raise funds for two friends of mine who lost their babies to Cancer, at the same time it was an opportunity for me personally to overcome my fear of open water swimming (it’s still very much my nemesis!).
 
I love the sport as I’ve come to meet some amazing athletes in all disciplines, and I hope to meet many more 🩷

Kit Officer: Carla Gilbey

Viceroys Triathlon Club AGM 2025

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Viceroys Triathlon Club AGM 2025

Date & Time: 2025-03-06 19:08:31
Location: The Anglers

Welcome and Introduction

  • The meeting commenced with a welcome to attendees, highlighting the excitement of the AGM 2025.
  • The old committee is running the session, with the new committee to be announced at the end to maintain engagement.

Agenda Overview

  • The agenda includes key member updates, activities, kit and merchandise discussions, and the announcement of the new committee.
  • Voting for the new committee members has been introduced this year, replacing the previous method of raising hands.

Chair’s update

  • The club experienced significant changes with new committee members, chairman, and coach.
  • The committee’s efforts have been commendable, leading to increased membership and engagement.
  • The chair expressed gratitude for the hard work of the committee, which made their role easier.
  • The introduction of voting was well-received and considered more effective than the previous method.

Secretary’s update

  • Club insurance covers only club-organized activities and members are encouraged to obtain British Triathlon membership for individual coverage, starting at £33.
  • A governance paper has been developed to clarify roles within the club, though it is not yet finalized.
  • The new committee is expected to advance this document.

Treasurer’s update

  • The club’s income from subscriptions was £13.7k, with expenditures at £12k, resulting in a surplus.
  • The surplus will be allocated to additional coaching and sessions.
  • Major expenses include coaching (£4.8k) and lake swims (£4k).
  • Other expenses cover memberships to British Triathlon and British Cycling, swim caps, membership cards, and yearly end of season party catering expenses.
  • Part of the budget will cover year-round track activities, with potential leftover funds used for club kits and shared costs for events.
  • The club is in a strong financial position, with income covering year-round track use. Maintaining a financial buffer is essential for unforeseen expenses.
VTC AGM Accounts

Membership Update

  • Membership currently stands at 130, which is an increase from the previous year despite some attrition.
  • The club currently has 26% female members, a slight decrease from 28% last year.
  • There is a higher percentage of full members compared to cycling-only members.
  • Different membership categories include full members, lifetime members, overseas members, and students, with varying fees.
  • The club aims to reach a financial breakeven point, which has increased from 10K to 12.5K.

Club events update

  • Last year the magic number for participants taking part in club organised events was 20 and this year we would like to see more people join in and take part in club activities.
  • Winter Challenge and Halloween cycle were popular and well-attended, with participants enjoying themed activities.
  • A new proposal for bi-monthly social evenings to foster community outside of athletic activities. 
  • Lake swims aim to start in May, pending confirmation from the lake.
  • All 2025 events are in the events calendar on the app.
  • Important to schedule key events like relays and club championships early to allow members to secure entry tickets.
  • All events are listed in the calendar. Suggestions and feedback, especially regarding the Winter Challenge, are encouraged.
  • Acknowledgment of the hard work by the Winter Challenge organizers, which was well-received and motivated participation during the winter months.

Marketing update

  • Participants are encouraged to tag Viceroy’s in social media posts to facilitate sharing and increase engagement.
  • Race reports, even short ones, are popular and receive significant engagement. Members are encouraged to contribute without needing reminders.
  • Social media activities have led to increased interest and membership inquiries.
  • Discount codes and race invitations are shared via the app, contributing to membership growth.
  • A team of three will manage marketing and social activities moving forward.

Club organised activities

Club-organized activities are paid coaching activities and one weekend lake free swim:

  • Monday Evening Swim Training: Starts in May, pending confirmation from Emma and the crew.
  • Friday Track Sessions: Now held year-round at 6 PM, despite some scheduling conflicts.
  • Weekend Free Swim: Available once per weekend, resuming with Monday sessions.

Member organised activities

Member-organized activities rely on volunteers. Emphasis on the importance of member participation and if you think you might be able to join, sign up and others will join.

  • Tuesday Evening Rides: Restarting in April.
  • Wednesday Evening Trail Runs: Flexible start times and locations.
  • Social Runs (cat and mouse): Resuming in April, based from the Walton Bridge.
  • Zwift Evening Rides: Regular sessions on Wednesdays and a new Thursday session starting March 13th.
  • Monthly Cycle Loop Training: Monthly sessions starting May 4th, exploring quiet public roads.
  • Hillingham Race Circuit: Potential closed-road circuit for training, pending cost evaluation.
  • UK-Based Triathlon Training Camp: Under investigation for future implementation, aiming for inclusivity.

Club Merchandise and Kit

  • Introduction of a new supplier, BornBound, for club kits, chosen for their offerings in the triathlon arena.
  • Assurance of consistent kit design with no plans for frequent changes, aiming for repeatability in sizing and availability.
  • The first order window for the new kit will open on the 13th of March, with a lead time of approximately 10-12 weeks.
  • Emphasis on the challenge of sizing due to Italian manufacturing, with plans to provide stock for swaps and for the new members.
  • Explanation of pricing differences between male and female jerseys, based on factory quotes without rounding up. Transition to an online store for kit purchases, with payments handled directly by the supplier, removing the club from financial transactions.
  • Hoodies will arrive next week (wc 10th of March) and technical t-shirts will arrive at the end of March. Get your orders in by emailing viceroytriathlonclub@hotmail.com, limited number of sizes in the first patch.

Committee Updates

  • A formal vote was conducted for the first time to elect committee members.
  • The committee met 8-9 times over the past year, primarily communicating via WhatsApp.
  • Members are encouraged to provide feedback and suggestions through the club’s email account.
  • New committee:
    • Club Chairman – Carl Britton​
    • Vice Chairman – Nick Christian​
    • Club Secretary – Iain Gill​
    • Membership Secretary – Carl Britton​
    • Treasurer – Sylwia Milkowska​
    • Events – Marit Sõrmus / Gary Parker-Ticehurst​
    • Socials – Lucy Hoseason / Sam Holloway / Clint Parker-Ticehurst​

Additional Committee member for 2025

  • Carla Gilbey will join the committee as a Kitt Officer. New role for this year and will be pending a vote next year.

AOB

Senior London Triathlon League

  • Last year the club shifted from the South East to the London region, improving accessibility to races.
  • Participation is either individual or as a team
  • Participation in the London League requires completing at least 3 events organised in the race series
  • More information will be added to the club app, if interested in taking part, let members know on the app.

BTF Club Relays 20/07/2025 Bedford

  • Teams can be formed with three members of mixed sexes, with flexibility in team composition.
  • Scheduled for July 20th in Bedford, featuring a team of four in a super sprint format.
  • Members interested in participating are encouraged to express their interest on the club app so others will know and a team can be set up.

Other topics:

Suggestions for club events include renting a velodrome for indoor track activities.

Acknowledgments

  • Appreciation was expressed for the outgoing committee’s efforts and the new members’ enthusiasm to drive the club forward.

Unfortunately, Ralph was not able to join but shared his observations after a year of being the Head Coach at Viceroys.

My observations from my first year of coaching Viceroys:

Hopefully everyone enjoys the sessions and feels that they are inclusive to all, whatever your level.

I genuinely have seen many that are attending the sessions improve technique, strength and speed throughout the year, so well done to all those that attended the sessions.

There has been a strong turnout most weeks at the swim sessions in the summer months at the lake, the track and the S&C / track run sessions throughout the winter.  This has been a new element for the club training through the winter, which I think will reap dividends, especially for those that have attended.  I hope everyone has appreciated this new session throughout the winter.  Several sessions having over 20 members attending.

I would like to see more club members attend the sessions. It helps build camaraderie, develops a strong club identity (even more than it is already), creates a buzz and gets you to meet more of your club mates.

Coming to the club sessions also helps me identify any issues that you may have with technique, injuries or training questions, so if you are looking to improve then this is the best way to achieve that.

As a high-performance coach, I periodise the training sessions so that you are doing the right sessions for the time of year to build you towards peaking for the summer months when most races take place.  Obviously, if your race falls outside of the summer months, I can help you tweak the club sessions to fit in with what you are aiming for. I have helped over 30 individuals get from beginner level to represent GB for their age groups and helped 4 individuals get to Kona, win world or European championships, so I can help everyone from beginners to high performers.

I have really enjoyed coaching Viceroys this year and love the buzz of the club. I’ve enjoyed meeting a large proportion of the club, but I would like to help more of you!

Ralph

ralph.hydes@hotmail.co.uk