'Elevating Coaching Excellence'

From 6–8 June, the inaugural World Triathlon Testing & Benchmarking Clinic was held in Alicante, marking a major step forward in triathlon coaching development. Organised by World Triathlon, the clinic was led by World Triathlon Athlete Development Manager, Vicent Beltran and supported by Hector Arevalo and Roberto Cejuela from the University of Alicante.  The overarching focus of the clinic was to advance the technical and applied capabilities of international triathlon coaching.

The clinic provided a hands-on learning experience centred on athlete performance testing, combining triathlon coach education with the latest in science-based methodology. With an emphasis on knowledge sharing, critical thinking, and real-world application, coaches explored triathlon testing methodologies that translate directly into improved athlete assessment and long-term performance outcomes.

Structured around lectures, live demonstrations, athlete testing simulations, and peer-to-peer discussions, the clinic enabled participants to engage in data collection, performance profiling, and collaborative interpretation exercises. Coaches developed practical skills in executing both field and lab-based assessments, enhancing their ability to create evidence-based triathlon training programs tailored to individual athletes.

A truly global event, the clinic welcomed nine coaches from nine different countries, fostering a culturally rich environment for international collaboration. The curriculum addressed triathlon athlete assessment across all three disciplines:

• Swimming: Coaches engaged in the Critical Swim Speed (CSS) Test, a 7x200m lactate test, qualitative stroke analysis, and athlete robustness and movement assessments.

• Cycling: Sessions included a power profile test and Maximal Aerobic Power (MAP) testing with VO2max analysis, providing insight into cycling performance and energy systems.

• Running: Coaches completed a Maximal Aerobic Power test with VO2max testing, refining their ability to identify running thresholds and endurance potential.

A core component of the clinic was performance data analysis. Participants practised interpreting metrics across swim, bike, and run to guide athlete benchmarking and training individualisation—ensuring each athlete receives a targeted, progressive approach aligned with their physiological profile.

Feedback from attendees highlighted the clinic’s high educational value, practical relevance, and the benefits of international collaboration. Many expressed interest in continued learning and advanced follow-up modules, some expressed below.

'I recently had the privilege of attending the inaugural World Triathlon Testing & Benchmarking Course in Alicante, Spain — an experience that proved to be both groundbreaking and deeply valuable. The course delivered far beyond expectations, with expertly structured content, strong practical application, and exceptional facilitation by Vicent Beltran and Héctor Arévalo. I gained critical tools for evidence-based coaching and athlete development, which I’m excited to implement in Namibia to strengthen performance outcomes.
Beyond the technical learning, this experience also highlighted something deeply important to me: the critical value of women in coaching and high-performance sport. While the course was outstanding, it was clear there’s still significant room for greater female representation in these types of elite development programs.
I wholeheartedly encourage more female coaches to pursue opportunities like this. We need a broader range of voices, perspectives, and leadership in sport — not only to enrich the coaching community, but also to provide diverse role models for athletes at every level. Gender diversity in coaching isn’t just a matter of inclusion — it’s essential to the sport’s holistic and sustainable growth.' - Adele de la Rey - Namibian Secretary General, L2 World Triathlon Coach, National Coach.

'I would like to express my deepest and most sincere gratitude to you for the outstanding training you provided. As a triathlon coach, I found the training not only beneficial but truly enriching. What I appreciated most was that it was fully practical—not just theoretical—which made it even more impactful and relevant to my needs.' - Lahcen Ounacher (MAR)

'Huge thanks to our course directors Vicent Beltran, Roberto Cejuela and Hector Arevalo for organising such an engaging, interesting, and fun weekend. Now it's time to reflect, get a system in place, and start testing athletes.' - Donncha Long (IRL)

Building on this success, World Triathlon Development plans to expand the Testing & Benchmarking Clinic series to new global locations, further elevating coaching standards worldwide through shared expertise and innovation.