Cunnama, Swallow leave teamTBB

Athletes thank coach Brett Sutton

Published: November 15, 2013 at 3:08 pm

Long-distance pros James Cunnama and Jodie Swallow confirmed today they are not renewing their contracts with teamTBB for 2014, after more than three years there.

The athletes have also decided not to continue their coaching relationship with Brett Sutton, the controversial co-founder of teamTBB who recently announced his intention to leave after seven years at the helm.

Cunnama, 30, joined teamTBB in 2009, soon after beginning his triathlon career. The South African's recent achievements include placing fourth at the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii last month.

Swallow, 32, joined teamTBB in 2010 and is firmly established as one of the top-performing British women on the long-distance circuit, winning Ironman Sweden this year in 8:54hrs.

Describing Cunnama as the best pro male athlete that teamTBB has produced to date, co-founder Alex Bok said he is "proud to call James and Jodie shining examples of the team's vision to provide hope and opportunity through sports”.

Cunnama and Swallow paid tribute to their coach Brett Sutton, with Swallow saying: "Brett is more than a chapter in my career, he is an essential character in the whole novel."

This is the second piece of teamTBB-related news today: their bike sponsor Cervélo has decided not to renew its partnership with the team for 2014 (more details here).