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Optima
racing Team

Proven pathways.

Serious coaching.

Enduring performance.

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Optima is designed for athletes who value improving their performance and making progress.

The perfect environment for those seeking structure, accountability, and constructive feedback, and who are willing to dedicate themselves to the journey.

If your goal is to reach your full potential as an endurance athlete, Optima is the right place for you.

Membership
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Triathlon participants exiting the water onto the shore, wearing wetsuits and swim caps, with a large orange buoy in the water and a dock in the background.
A male triathlete in a red and black suit running on a paved road near a body of water, with spectators and volunteers in the background, some sitting in chairs and others standing, during a race.
Swimmers in a swimming pool, wearing red caps with white text, during a training session or race. One swimmer is resting at the edge of the pool, while others are in the water near the lane dividers.

Optima Racing Team was established in 2000 by James Beckinsale

Who founded the club to create an environment tailored to the individual needs of athletes. Since its inception, the club has demonstrated consistent growth, notably with the introduction of a junior section in 2005

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Coach James Beckinsale in a red and black sports shirt standing in an indoor sports facility, looking at his smartphone.

Head Coach James Beckinsale has worked with athletes at various levels

The effectiveness of our coaching methodology is reflected in the achievements of both senior and junior members at regional, national, and international levels. Head Coach James Beckinsale has worked with athletes at various levels, including Olympians and age group champions. His approach focuses on supporting and coaching all aspects of an athlete's development.

Membership
Group of Optima Racing athletes participating in a biking event on a bridge near a body of water, with trees in the background and a partly cloudy sky.

Optima Racing Team stands out as a vibrant community

Beyond its proven coaching credentials and impressive legacy, Optima Racing Team stands out as a vibrant community where camaraderie and motivation thrive. Members benefit not only from expertly structured training sessions but also from the encouragement and friendship of fellow athletes.

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Swimmers in a pool wearing red swim caps with the Optima Racing team logo, sitting and standing by the poolside during practice or a meet, with water bottles and equipment on the deck.

The club’s commitment to inclusivity means that every athlete is welcomed and supported

The club’s commitment to inclusivity means that every athlete, whether aiming for the podium or tackling their first event is welcomed and supported, fostering confidence and self-belief. Regular social gatherings and training camps add to the club’s unique atmosphere, offering opportunities for members to learn, grow, and celebrate their progress together.

Cyclists resting under a red Optima Racing tent beside a body of water, with bikes, backpacks, and chairs scattered around, and a group of people standing and chatting in the background.

A member of the British Triathlon community

Optima Racing Team is a member of the British Triathlon Federation and new and existing club members are encouraged to join their relevant Home Nation Association to take advantage of the benefits that membership offers.

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A male cyclist wearing a white helmet and cycling gear riding a mountain bike outdoors.
A person wearing a red and white cycling suit and a white helmet rides a black time-trial bicycle on a paved road with a rocky landscape and ocean in the background.
Female athlete in a green swim cap and racing suit sitting on a blue mat at a triathlon event, with other athletes standing nearby.

Performance at a glance

25+ Years
Elite and high-performance triathlon coaching

3 Olympic Cycles
Gillian Sanders, after only 18months as a full-time athlete, was selected to race at London 2012 then two more Olympics & Commonwealth Games (1 x silver medal) with numerous WTS top 5's & 10's

National Pathway Athletes
Luke Penny - Ellie Walton - Rory Atkins - Anthony Haynes - Archie St Auburn - Sophia Saller (Ger U23 World Champ) - Freya Thompson (2018/ 19) - Izzy Atkins - Betsy Griffiths (2024/ 25) - Kathryne Yeo (SIG) - Zoe Hughes (IRL), Tom Mythen (2025)

Kona Qualifiers
Stephanie McClean - Karen Axelsdottir (9.24) - Tim Bishop x 4 (8.47 at 47) - Paul Burton 3 x - Ollie Hewitt - Christian Krachtoudi (2025) and qualified for 2026 Lisa Shi and Rhiannon Northeast

Age Group World & European Qualifications & Champions

The same performance mindset is also abundant in our age group athletes who push, are pushed and mutally support the elite squad athletes

Proven Progression
Athletes improving year-on-year through structured training & loving the process

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Membership
An elderly woman running outdoors, wearing sunglasses, a white athletic shirt, and black shorts, with green foliage in the background.
Three female athletes running on a road race course lined with green cones, with a palm tree and blue sky in the background.
  • A cyclist in a racing suit and helmet riding a specialized time-trial bike with a aerodynamic rear wheel, in black and white.
  • A woman in a white racing jersey with red, black, and pink camouflage-patterned sleeves, holding a victor's banner above her head after completing an Ironman triathlon. She is smiling, wearing sunglasses, and has a race bib numbered 1339 with her name Rachel. The background shows a crowd of spectators and a building.
  • A woman in red athletic gear and a red helmet running beside a black bike on a paved path near a body of water during a triathlon event.
  • Female athlete running outdoors with hair flowing, wearing a white and pink Optima Racing Team shirt and a red cap.
  • A woman running along a waterfront promenade during a race, wearing sports gear, sunglasses, and a race bib number 1063. Several other runners and spectators are visible in the background, along with lampposts and cloudy sky.
  • Female athlete crossing the finish line at the Ironman 70.3 race in Aix-en-Provence. She is wearing sunglasses, a race bib, athletic gear, and smiling, with a crowd cheering behind her, under a display sign with race details.
  • A female athlete running outdoors on a gravel track, wearing a red and black sports uniform with 'Hugh GBR' printed on it, sunglasses, and red running shoes. She is surrounded by a green metal fence and a grassy field.