So Ben, how long have you been part of the Bayside Tri Club family, and what made you join?
I’m brand new! I live in Mordi and have been triathlon training for about 18 months. Up until now it’s been mostly solo training, but I decided it was time to find a like-minded crew and some coaching – to make it social, fun, and to help me achieve my goals.
First impressions – how’s it going so far?
Exactly what I was looking for! It’s great to open the group Facebook page and see local training sessions I can join. I’ve been enjoying meeting members in person, getting a coaching plan set up with Mercury Performance Coaching, and I’m really looking forward to racing with the club.
Speaking of races – your very first triathlon was…?
The full Ironman in Cairns this year! Straight in at the deep end.
Ha ha – well done (and a little crazy)! What other sporting achievements are you proud of?
Back in my Little Aths days I had some solid results in the 100m and 200m. More recently, I’ve completed five marathons and, of course, that first full Ironman.
What’s next on the calendar?
I just raced Sydney Marathon last weekend, so now it’s back to triathlon for summer with Melbourne 70.3. I’ll probably slot in some Olympic distance races in the 2XU Series (an all-out sprint scares me) and then Geelong 70.3 and focus on longer sessions for next year’s full Ironman (Cairns again).
Any other big race aspirations?
I love a destination race where I can tack on some travel and sightseeing. The Berlin Marathon (one of the Abbott World Majors) got me hooked, but after Cairns I’ve fully caught the triathlon bug. My next tri goal is to go from “just finishing” (12 hours 41 mins) to trying to qualify (at Cairns 2026) for the Ironman World Championship in my age group (30-34). I also want to become an Abbott Six Star finisher – with Sydney mara I’m on track to time-qualify for my next major.
Which of the Six Stars have you raced, and which ones are still to go?
Just Berlin so far! So, plenty to go (London, Chicago, Boston, NY and Tokyo)…
Some nice trips there!
Greatest rival?
Might sound cheesy but my previous self – I’m always striving to become a new best version of me!
Ever had a tri-related injury?
Yep – when I started tri training at the start of 2024, I ramped up too fast and injured my groin. I rested, stretched, swam…and it went away. Then it came back mid-way through my Berlin Marathon training block (I had been setting up strong to attempt my goal of a 3:30 mara). I was on a long run along Beach Road – got injured far from home and hobbled 8km back. I was devastated at the time but still completed the mara and had a great race trip.
Ouch. Glad you managed to still finish the mara though. Any race day disasters?
Hitting the wall at 30-32km in two Melbourne Marathons. Oh, and DNF’ing the Three Peaks Challenge… I blame the heat!
The heat and the massive hills you have to cycle up?!
But you did fantastically at Sydney Marathon last week – a new pb of 3:19:30, I hear? 😊
Yes, I’m very happy with sub 3:30 and a big PB! I had a great first half, but bad leg spasms at Centennial park, which lost me time for the second half.
Doh! What’s your post-race indulgence?
Cheeseburgers, a large milkshake, and hot chips.
I should think there are lots of calories to replace when you run that fast! If your bike could talk during a race, what would it say?
“I’m ready to retire after Melbourne 70.3!” My ‘Hi Visy Blitzer’ has suffered crashes and a DNF, as well as some triumphs like Around the Bay and finishing Cairns despite front derailleur and cone issues. Unfortunately, whilst I would happily retire it when I get my new TT, I don’t think it will be its last race…
One thing you’d ban from triathlon forever?
I’d ban headphones being banned! At least for the bike and run – a few good sets of techno or trance would be nice, is all I’m saying, especially when there is no crowd around cheering you on!
What’s something this sport has taught you that school or uni didn’t?
The power of consistency. I finished my Ironman because I showed up week after week and put in the hours.
Great attitude – that’s endurance triathlon for you.
What do you do when you’re not training or racing?
Cooking, learning German, watching my dog have zoomies on the beach, and re-watching my favourite movies for the millionth time.
And your favourite movies are?
LOTR, all Batman movies and Airplane!
And what pays the race entry fees?
I’m a solicitor in major projects. I’ve worked on renewable energy projects for a private contractor, and now I’m enjoying a new chapter in the government health sector.
Your greatest supporters?
My parents…and my dog.
Aww. Doggy's name?
‘Gandalf the grey wanderer keeper of the secrets’, when he is disturbing the peace, or Alfie for short!
Ah, LOTR, got it!
Karaoke night – what’s your pick?
I love trance, progressive, and techno, but they’re not exactly karaoke staples. I would say Abba Eagle (the long version) because it is just a vibe and you can’t go wrong.
Best advice you’ve ever received?
“You got this!” – a quote my parents gave me on a graduation photo for my undergraduate degrees which has stuck with me for everything.
Hidden talent?
Scaring local sea life on open water swims – there’s a friendly local manta ray and plenty of sting rays but when I go to say hi, they usually dart off ☹
And finally…anything else we should know?
I’m single – so if you know any available woman into triathlon or road running, destination races, beach life, a goofy bordoodle, and home-cooked meals…send them my way haha.
It’s a tri club, not a pick-up joint, Ben.
Oh wait, I met my fiancé here 😊
Great to have you in the club, and look forward to seeing what you can achieve…more sub 3.30 maras, Kona…Abbott Six Star…you certainly have some great goals!
