Lucky 7: Allen and Slack give top tips for TreX success

JINDABYNE, Australia - Feb. 25, 2016 - PRLog -- With more than 20 combined Xterra wins between them, as well as the 2016 Victorian TreX state title already on the top of this year’s palmarés, few athletes know more about off-road triathlon than Ben Allen (AUS) and Jacqui Slack (GBR).

The endurance sports power couple enter this weekend’s (27-28 February) Australian TreX Nationals as clear cut favourites to make it two TreX wins in a row for the 2015/16 season when they line up in the elite men’s and women’s start line on Saturday at Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa in the heart of the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales.

Aside from the elites, the race also serves as the only Australian qualification race for the 2016 ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships (18-20 November) for the under-23s, under-19s and paratriathletes, with up to six spots up for grabs to represent the nation in each elite category.

The race is open to all competitors aged 15 years and over, however, to be eligible for Australian Championship status and awards, competitors must be over 18 and be full financial members of Triathlon Australia (TA).

The X-Tri championship long course features a 1500m swim in the crisp, crystal waters of Lake Crackenback, followed by an awe-inspiring two-lap, 30km mountain bike course over a sculpted flowing single track. A challenging 10km trail run to the finish completes the third and final leg of the off-road triathlon.

Shorter distance races for juniors (10-15yrs) and Dirt Kids (7-10yrs) are also on offer, as well as a teaser (200m / 6km / 1km) for those interested in a beginner’s event.

In2Adventure caught up with the two TreX race ambassadors and founders of B&J Racing to pick their brain and get a few tips for success at this year’s Aussie nationals – and for any other upcoming off-road event such as the upcoming Queensland TreX Nationals (16-17 April) and the Worlds:

In2Adventure: What to do if you’re not confident on mountain bike course?

Allen and Slack: It's always a good option to ride the course beforehand so you know what to expect.  You can save a lot of time knowing where you can pass others, or sections where you may need to get off and run if necessary.  Riders generally ride a good line, so follow the tracks already laid out in the dirt. Always look 10 meters ahead so you know what’s coming, and try to relax and enjoy the trails, and try not to be too nervous or tense.

I2A: Enabling more experienced riders to pass…

A&S: The In2adventure Aussie Cross Tri champs is pretty much all single track which is fantastic, however you may need to pass slower riders or allow the faster riders to pass so everyone gets a fair race.  If you are coming up to pass someone give him or her a heads up and shout, “can I pass when you’re ready please?”  At a safe spot the front rider must move over to the left or the right to allow the faster rider to pass quickly but safely.

I2A: You must attend the race briefing…

A&S: Attending the race briefing is a must! It’s the athlete’s responsibility to know the rules and know the course.  We would hate for you to get a disqualification for not knowing the rules of the race. It’s the National Championships and rules are in place for a reason, so make sure you know them.

I2A: Your feet are going get wet and muddy – period!

A&S: That’s why we call it cross triathlon.  Of course you’re going to get a little wet and muddy – it’s all part of the adventure.  Socks for the run are a must, because the course has a water crossing every lap and socks will help to prevent your feet moving around in your shoes and getting blisters.

I2A: Race within your abilities…

A&S: Know your limits! It’s better to take corners or technical sections a little slower than to risk a crash, which may slow you down much longer than actually being more careful.

I2A: Don't go out too hard…

A&S: Don’t go out super hard or fast. Pace yourself, it’s a long race – two and a half hours for most people, so ensure to have enough energy left to cross the finish line with a smile.  Ensure you take on plenty of water and a little food. Anything over 90 minutes of exercise requires some sort of fuelling. We like to use gels as they are easy to digest and you can tape them to your handlebars, but a banana or some dried fruit is also great.

I2A:  30km on a mountain bike is very different to that on the road…

A&S: Mountain biking is very different to road cycling as you face many challenges – it maybe negotiating obstacles, attacking in and out of sharp corners or riding up and down steep climbs.  It’s important to be ready for anything as more can go wrong so be prepared for mechanicals or getting off your bike and running.