Sandy Balls launches its new Triathlon Centre

Over 400 competitors swam, ran and cycled through the New Forest at the weekend for One Last Tri – the final triathlon at Sandy Balls Holiday centre this year.



The event marks the end of a hugely successful triathlon season for Sandy Balls which has attracted over 1,000 competitors. As the sport becomes a permanent fixture in the holiday centre’s calendar, Sandy Balls has launched the New Forest Triathlon Centre – The Hub.



A resource centre for local athletes, Sandy Balls guests and local residents, The Hub will become the regional base for athletes of every level wanting fitness assessments, training weekends, sports massage and advice and guidance about nutrition.



Jen Daykin, a member of the events team at Sandy Balls, said: “We have been working closely with Race New Forest for over a year to bring this scheme to fruition and I am delighted that the UK’s official triathlon sporting body has given its overwhelming support to the project.



“We really want to encourage local sportsmen and women to visit Sandy Balls and experience the new facilities and activities. The specialist fitness, nutrition and training resources that this new partnership can provide are, I believe, unrivalled and we are all excited about seeing the initiative take off.”



Sandy Balls has invested heavily in its sports, leisure and fitness facilities over the last two years and offers first-class facilities not just for its guests but also to local residents through its Leisure Club membership scheme.



The combination of a state-of-the-art gym, indoor pool manned by ASA qualified instructors and its qualification as a Trixter bike specialist venue will all contribute to the activities of The Hub.



Jem Lawson of Triathlon England added: “There are more than 350 tri sports clubs active in the UK and thousands more swimming, cycling and running clubs. The fabulous fact about the New Forest Triathlon Centre is that it will offer support to athletes of every discipline and ability.



“As we move toward London 2012, it’s great to see local partnerships delivering such innovative approaches to fitness and sporting events.”



Nick Baldwin from the Seychelles took first place in One Last Tri with a remarkable time of 4 hours 7 minutes and 52 seconds.



For more information about the events, visit www.racenewforest.co.uk.