Nathan Blake
Lead Coach – BTF Level 3
I have been a passionate cyclist since birth, took part in my first triathlon in 2005 and loved the sport ever since. Highlights of my career are; podium finishes at Forestman triathlon 2008 & 2009, Ironman 70.3 UK in 2016 & 2017, first place at Cotswold 226 in 2014 and 2016.
I’ve also represented Great Britain at 4x ITU Long Distance world championships (2012, 2013, 2017 & 2018) and the Ironman World Championship in 2016. I have over 20 long distance triathlon races behind me and many more ahead. I cherish the moments when I can swim, cycle or run which I slip into my daily routines. I’m a Dad, husband, IT delivery manager, triathlete and I run a small triathlon coaching business as well as coaching at this amazing club. My coaching philosophy is to support and encourage an active, healthy and energetic lifestyle, challenge yourself and have a laugh on the way. Set a goal and give it a whirl, if you don’t try you’ll never know. Now get out there and have a blast!
Nick Twist
BTF Level 2
Having been a member of the Club since January 2007 I decided, seven years later to try my hand at coaching. So in 2014 I qualified as a Level 1 Coach and the following year I gained my Level 2.
Triathlon has a way of drawing you in, particularly when you are a member of such a great club. I really believe the three disciplines of triathlon are a great way of getting/staying fit. For reasons unbeknown to me I spend a lot of time coaching the weekly track sessions which I really enjoy. I believe all the sessions are a great way for members to find out what they are really capable of. In 2016 I became a qualified Spinning Instructor and now use this to coach Static Bike sessions.
Sean Nicolle
BTF Level 2
Having been involved with triathlon and the OxfordTri club for nearly 30 years now it’s been a pleasure to be involved with coaching for the last 7 years. I hold a BTF Level 2 Diploma in triathlon coaching and love working on the technical aspects of swimming and running. I’m always happy to help a fellow athlete and encourage anyone to give triathlon a go, especially with the amazing support of the whole OxfordTri team.
Jane Bell
BTF Level 2
Hello fellow and budding triathletes. I started triathlon at Blenheim just like thousands of others and got the bug….15 years ago. I thought sprint was my distance ( World Champ X 2, silver and a couple of Bronze’s) but eventually realised the appeal of longer distance racing (silver at middle distance Europeans) and raced at world 70.3/half Iron Man champs. I didn’t start all this ‘till I was in my 40’s, when I couldn’t do front crawl and hadn’t ridden a bike since I was 10. I joined Ox Tri and that was it – so much support and enthusiasm from all. It shows it’s never too late to try a tri! Favourite discipline definitely swimming. See you at a session soon!
Jon Pugh
BTF Level 1
I’m a swimmer at heart but decided to swap the stink of chlorine for the freedom of the bike when I moved to Oxford in 2011. Fast forward a few years and my fiancée entered me in a sprint triathlon when I complained I was putting on weight. After “going long” at IM Wales in 2018, I’m now keen to train slightly less but instead help pass on the great spirit I’ve experienced through Oxford Tri. Ask me for pointers on your swimming and I’ll do my best to help!
Jon Marsden
I came to Triathlon in 2016 and complete my first middle distance in 2017, joining Ox Tri shortly after. Training with the club is good fun and has certainly increased the range of training I do and made it far more enjoyable.
Lefteris Tatakis
I love the variability of triathlon, and how there is always something to learn and challenge yourself with. From improving your run speed or swim form, learning to ride a road bike, or finishing a big race.
For me, triathlon is all about the process of improvement and the endorphin kick. I usually set a goal, just go for it and see if my body lets me do it. Sometimes it works out, sometimes I learn for next time.
I joined the club in 2017, a year after my first triathlon.
Over this time I have learned so much from the club sessions I have participated in. In 2021 I got my Level 1 coaching certification to learn even more! Currently, I am working towards my Level 2 certification.
I am always happy to help out, and if I don’t know the answer myself I will try to point you to the right person. Looking forward to seeing you at some future OxfordTri sessions!
John Durrant
BTF Level 1
I came to Triathlon late in my sporting career. I’d played Rugby for Chinnor RFC from the age of 16 to 46. I played and Captained in every team. However, during my 40’s my body was telling me to pack it in. In 2009 I signed up for the Thame Sprint Tri, I loved it but realised that swimming without goggles (Especially wearing contact lenses) wasn’t good, my old pig iron bike was horrid and I needed to vastly improve my distance running
In 2010 I joined Oxford Tri and began to learn the Triathlon skills from experienced people. Having always played team sports I wondered what the club would be like. Of course it was fantastic, everyone without exception was immensely positive and encouraging, the enthusiasm was contagious. I learnt so much in those early years. It’s been amazing, at 46 I could have hung up my boots and called it a day, got fat and followed sport on TV
Now it’s time for me to give back, I love helping people in our sport and seeing them develop, I’m really looking forward to the future years coaching