With the Triathlon World Championships on the horizon, we ask ourselves how a club that only had its fifth birthday last year has managed to produce 17 (yes 17, that’s 15% of the club’s triathletes) triathletes who are good 
enough and have trained hard enough for qualification to race in Chicago for their country, you are awesome Mark Yeoman, Colette Kitterhing, Lucy Collins, Colin Hinsley, Kevin Dargue, Scott Forsyth, Hannah Thompson, Tim Gray, Jen Isaac, Lara Clay, James Turner, Richard Jones, Peter Bell, Yann Umbricht, Mark Edmunds, Moira Larkin, Mike Essex
First, we talk to Mark Yeoman, Viceroys’ founder, chairman and coach – who as you will discover is not entirely uninvolved in the successes of many of his fellow Viceroys’ motivation and qualification too.
Chairman Mark Yeoman had us all in awe a year ago, when he was not only one of the 5 Viceroys elite to qualify for AG honours to race for his country, but he actually achieved a staggering 1st Brit and 6th in the world in Edmonton World Triathlon Championships 2014 – automatic invite to Chicago Triathlon World Championships 2015. This year, Mark will be racing Sprint and Aquathon –partly decided by his need to get back to school on time!
So we ask him HOW (AND WHY!) DID YOU DO IT?
‘ I have never been to the big old U.S of A and with an automatic qualification slot from Edmonton, I thought that someone needed to keep an eye on all the other Viceroys over there. Someone needs to be able to translate Scott or Peter when they go all Scottish on.
Although I was lucky enough to have not had all the stress of qualifying, this doesn’t mean I didn’t want to never show weakness. St Neot’s was as big as they come – first qualifier and everyone wants to nail it first time, British Champs and first European qualifier – now that’s stress and by far the worst bit. But if you don’t try you will never now. The only failure is the failure of not trying. The best bit…. Crossing the line.’
But what have you done training wise since your qualification?
‘I didn’t need to peek in May so I could ease into the later part of the season so since then I’ve focused on one thing at a time to remain relaxed and in control.’
And finally, any tips for other wannabe Age Groupers?
‘Try it, don’t be afraid, you never know, look at the amazing success the club has had this year. Hard work always pays off. Get some good structure, train as often as you can outside your comfort zone and find your limits and go beyond them.’
Smash it Mark – and never show weakness.
