Optima Racing Team

banner

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR FREE TRIAL

Memberships

Memberships

Find out about our different memberships

Find out more

Training

Training

Find out about our training programmes and schedules for both adults and juniors

Find out more

Our story

Our story

Read about Optima’s history and our current teams and programmes

Find out more

COVID-19

COVID-19

See what we're doing to ensure we are following all government guidelines

Training Calendar

Our up to date calendar showing all sessions

Find out more

Join us

Join us

Think you’ve got what it takes? We have opportunities for all ages to join Optima

Find out more

About Optima Racing

Optima is a London based Triathlon Club and is seen as one of the most successful triathlon clubs in the UK. Our club caters for all abilities from beginner to professional and all ages from 8 through to 88! Our head coach, James Beckinsale is BTA L3 qualified with over 20+ years triathlon coaching experience. James is also the London Region Academy Coach.

Read more about Optima Racing

Home

Home

Latest news & articles

Christina’s take on Huntsman 70.3

Race Stories

Christina’s take on Huntsman 70.3

First 70.3 by Christina I booked the Huntsman 70.3 in New Forest early in the season to have something to…

A team hit out at Huntsman 70.3

Race Stories

A team hit out at Huntsman 70.3

First 70.3 race of the season for the team was the Huntsman middle distance race in the New Forest. Six…

First Tri – by Christina

Race Stories

First Tri – by Christina

If you were to pick a year for your first tri, most certainly you wouldn’t pick 2020… or would you?…

Social Media

Twitter

Tweets by OptimaTeam

Instagram

optimaracingteam

@gilliancsanders has officially touched down in To

@gilliancsanders has officially touched down in Tokyo🇯🇵 settled into the Olympic village she’s ready to race on Tuesday (Monday evening @ 10:30 BST!)🙌🏼👊🏻

From everyone at Optima Racing Team we wish you the best of luck & can’t wait to watch you race at your third Olympics Gill💥🌟

#olympics #tokyo2020 #team #triathlon #race #gotime

Wow, what a tough final few races for @gilliancsan

Wow, what a tough final few races for @gilliancsanders, right down to the wire for Olympic selection. But it’s offical, SHE’S DONE IT, qualification for her 3rd Olympic Games✅🤩 now for the last few weeks of hard work & prep💥

Well done Gill!!!!!🙌🏼⭐️🥳

#team #slb #olympics #tokyo2020 #triathlon #southafrica #3rdolympics #welldone

A few weeks ago @christina_kracht took to the road

A few weeks ago @christina_kracht took to the roads of the New Forest in her 70.3 debut at the Huntsman Triathlon💥⭐️

Head to the link in our bio to read how she got on💪🏼

#slb #team #racing #70.3 #hunstmantriathlon #debut

⭐️MEET THE TEAM: IT & MARKETING MANAGER, VESTA

⭐️MEET THE TEAM: IT & MARKETING MANAGER, VESTA ZEMAITE⭐️

For our final committee member today we are introducing our lovely IT & marketing manager Vesta Zemaite! Get to know Vesta below⬇️

How long have you been doing triathlon & how did you get into the sport?

I signed up for my first triathlon in 2013. I couldn’t swim, I didn’t have a bike and I could not run more than couple of km; so I thought that was a big enough challenge! I finished the race and I loved it. I did a couple of more short races before my first 70.3 in 2017, which took me over 7 hrs to complete (!).

When did you join Optima Racing Team & what is your favourite thing about the club?

I joined Optima in winter 2018. I love the fact that we are all individualistic, while at the same time, we are a proper team; meaning, everyone supports one another without being too intrusive or cocky! We have people from a first timer to an Olympian, training together in one environment with no ego attached, which I think is rather special.

What achievement in triathlon are you most proud of?

I think I am mostly proud of, what may seem as, the little things; such as nailing a hard run session on a frosty rainy track while the rest of the team are on camp in the sunny Spain; going out for a long bike ride with the team in the most rainy, windy and awful day; turning up for every early morning swim in the past 3 years despite finding myself on brink of losing motivation a number of times, and, most recently, getting myself on the bike while fighting the hypothermia having come out of a freezing lake swim!

What are your goals for this upcoming race season?

To complete my first Ironman in Gdynia, Poland.

What is a fun fact about yourself that other people might not know?

I was part of a 2 girl ‘rock band’ while in high school. We created our own songs and played at a few school events - I hope I never find those recordings!

⭐️MEET THE TEAM: SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER, JESS WE

⭐️MEET THE TEAM: SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER, JESS WENLOCK⭐️

Up next is our social media manager Jess Wenlock! Jess runs our social media accounts, get to know her (me😆) below⬇️

How long have you been doing triathlon & how did you get into the sport?

I have been doing triathlon since around the age of 10! I first got into the sport when a school friend of mine asked if I wanted to try the Thames turbo junior aquathlon🏊🏼‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️

When did you join Optima Racing Team & what is your favourite thing about the club?

I joined the club back in 2016 when I wanted to race more seriously. I absolutely love the people in the club, the team environment is second to none and I have made some of my best friends there!

What achievement in triathlon are you most proud of?

Probably a top 10 finish in the British super series back in the day and a few endurance bike rides I have done.

What are your goals for this upcoming race season?

I’m currently recovering from a badly broken ankle back in January so this summer I just want to get myself back to some relative fitness and have fun.

What is a fun fact about yourself that other people might not know?

In 2014 I summited Mount Kilimanjaro🗻

⭐️MEET THE TEAM: COMMITTEE MEMBER, CHRISTINA K

⭐️MEET THE TEAM: COMMITTEE MEMBER, CHRISTINA KRACHTOUDI⭐️

Up next we have our wonderful committee member Christina Krachtoudi. Get to know Christina below⬇️

How long have you been doing triathlon & how did you get into the sport?

I started in fall 2019 basically from zero on the swim and road cycling 😊 I had heard an interview with Chrissie Wellington on a running podcast about a year before, then I read her book, and the rest was history!

When did you join Optima Racing Team & what is your favourite thing about the club?

I joined Optima pretty much at that time so kind of went all in! Training in a team environment has helped me improve far more than I would have done alone. The support and encouragement of my coach and teammates has been incredible, you really can’t fail if you have the right attitude. And we have lot of fun doing what we love together👯‍♂️

What achievement in triathlon are you most proud of?

Completing my first 70.3 with a huge smile last weekend has to be it! Although I have to mention I am really proud of being able to swim in lakes now as I had a childhood fear of dark water which I’ve now conquered💪🏼

What are your goals for this upcoming race season?

I have a long season planned ahead with two more 70.3s, in Austria and back home in Greece. I love exploring beautiful places combined with racing. Finishing these with a smile and improving some areas would be fantastic!

What is a fun fact about yourself that other people might not know?

I have actually been interviewed on UK national TV on an episode of ‘Monster Ships’, a documentary featuring one of the vessels I worked on when offshore in 2019🚢

⭐️MEET THE TEAM: CLUB SECRETARY, EWAN MITCHELL

⭐️MEET THE TEAM: CLUB SECRETARY, EWAN MITCHELL⭐️

Today it’s the turn of our club secretary Ewan Mitchell! Ewan keeps us all in order by ensuring things are organised in the committee and by providing some witty humour. Get to know Ewan below⬇️

How long have you been doing triathlon & how did you get into the sport?

I started in 2015 as there were a few guys from work doing one and it looked fun. I have been hooked ever since. First tri was Thorpe Park and the 1500m swim took me 39 mins, I was exhausted at the end and couldn’t tell which way was up.

When did you join Optima Racing Team & what is your favourite thing about the club?

I joined in late 2019 / early 2020. I love the team spirit and group training. Nothing better than completing a hard session with a good group. You get a massive sense of achievement after especially when its cold and wet out.

What achievement in triathlon are you most proud of?

I have qualified for the 70.3 Ironman AG world champs in New Zealand. It was supposed to be in 2020 but now I have it to look forward to in 2022.

What are your goals for this upcoming race season?

I would really like to go below 4:30 for a 70.3 and maybe see if I can get on a age group podium for a race.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself that someone might not know.

I played the flute at school (badly!), not an instrument that people would naturally associate with me!

⭐️MEET THE TEAM: SAFEGUARDING OFFICER, STEVE M

⭐️MEET THE TEAM: SAFEGUARDING OFFICER, STEVE MCCANN⭐️

Today we are introducing our safeguarding officer Steve McCann! Steve’s role involves ensuring everyone at the club is looked after. Get to know Steve below⬇️

How long have you been doing triathlon & how did you get into the sport?

I started in late 2015, having seen an event in the distance while out cycling. I was heading to my 50th birthday, and it looked like fun.

When did you join Optima Racing Team & what’s your favourite thing about the club?

I went for a trial, met some friendly people who looked much fitter than me...and the timetable suited me!

What achievement in triathlon are you most proud of?

Completing my first, and currently only, long course event at Challenge Roth is the obvious one. But really, it’s when I turn out in the rain when I don’t feel like doing it.

What are your goals for this upcoming race season?

Two halves and a full!

What is a fun fact about yourself that other people might not know?

I am trained in handling multi pitch helicopter handling sites! Never actually did it, and the qual expired about 30 years ago...

⭐️MEET THE TEAM: MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY, HOLLIE

⭐️MEET THE TEAM: MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY, HOLLIE HINDLEY⭐️

Today we are introducing our membership secretary and the second member of the Hindley family within the committee, Hollie Hindley! Get to know Hollie below⬇️

How long have you been doing triathlon & how did you get into the sport?

Since I was around 14, I started around 2011. I first got into the sport with an Optima Racing Team summer camp!

When did you join Optima Racing Team & what is your favourite thing about the club?

I joined Optima a little while after that summer camp in 2011/12. My favourite thing about Optima is the fun we have when training together.

What achievement in triathlon are you most proud of?

I am most proud of running a 50k ultra and multi-day bike rides I have done, like London to Lands End.

What are your goals for this upcoming race season?

This summer my goal is to enjoy racing and work towards a longer adventure type race at the end of the season.

What is a fun fact about yourself that other people might not know?

I have broken my wrist 3 times, once when cycling!

⭐️MEET THE TEAM: CLUB TREASURER, ANDY HINDLEY⭐️

Up next we have our lovely club treasurer Andy Hindley. Andy is in charge of everything finance at the club💰Get to know Andy below⬇️

How long have you been doing triathlon & how did you get into the sport?

About 15 years. Failed entry to London Marathon meant I needed a new challenge and so I entered the Windsor Tri.

When did you join Optima Racing Team & what is your favourite thing about the club?

I exercised on my own for years and 'got by'. Then my eldest girl joined Optima and I followed as there was no sense in sitting on the poolside, so I joined in. Training as a team is 100% better that going alone. You are inspired, motivated by and learn from others in the group.

What achievement in triathlon are you most proud of?

I did Ironman Austria in 2019 with a training buddy and it was a great thing to do. Very satisfying as I can now say I have done an Ironman when somebody asks. I won't be getting an IM tattoo.

What are your goals for this upcoming race season?

Im currently recovering from a broken shoulder so my swim needs a lot of work. I've entered The ROC in North Wales and it is my motivation for the season.

What is a fun fact about yourself that other people might not know?

I once lost the hire cars keys on a training swim in Sicily. The spare keys were in Rome!

⭐️MEET THE TEAM: HEAD @optimatristars COACH, M

⭐️MEET THE TEAM: HEAD @optimatristars COACH, MARK KLEIN⭐️

Up next is our wonderful tristars head coach Mark Klein! Mark is a BTF level 2 qualified triathlon coach and has built our junior section up from the ground💪🏼 Get to know Mark below⬇️

How long have you been doing triathlon & how did you get into the sport?

I think it was around 2010 and probably because I got injured playing football or something like that. I thought being a mediocre swimmer, cyclist and runner would result in a decent triathlete but I remain in that mediocre category!

When did you join Optima Racing Team & what is your favourite thing about the club?

2017 when I initially enquired about my son joining the club. I jumped in the pool the week after him starting and the rest is history! My favourite thing about the club is the breadth on offer - ages of 7-70, kids to parents, first timers to Olympians, casual to elite performers. Only your mindset will limit you. The coaching and advice across the whole club is first rate.

What achievement in triathlon are you most proud of?

Probably introducing a large number of kids to triathlon through my work leading the TriStars as well as at a number of local schools. From a personal perspective, completing every triathlon distance as well as experiencing some iconic events (Alpe d’Huez long course, Ottillo SwimRun, Alcatraz Tri, Celtman, Frankfurt Ironman)

What are your goals for this upcoming race season?

I’m temporarily retired from triathlon races as coaching and being a taxi for the kids is more of a priority at the moment.

What is a fun fact about yourself that other people might not know?

I was once the 10th best gymnast in the UK in my age group as a kid and can still do a backflip which seems to impress the kids 😀

⭐️MEET THE TEAM: CLUB CHAIRMAN, JAMES MARLER⭐️

Up next is our fabulous club chair James Marler. James has been our chair for 11 years now & is also a qualified BTF level 1 triathlon coach, often assisting with our @optimatristars. Get to know James below⬇️

How long have you been doing triathlon & how did you get into the sport?

I started to train for my Triathlon in 2005. My first race was the Dublin Olympic distance Tri of that year.
I first heard about triathlon when I saw a notice in the Chiswick Riverside Club which advertised an open Tri session hosted by James Beckinsale. After being told I was a crap swimmer I was hooked🎣

When did you join Optima Racing Team & what is your favourite thing about the club?

I joined Optima in 2005 and became Club Chairman in 2010. What I like most about the team is that you can set out some ambitious targets and there’s always someone who can help you exceed those targets.

What achievement in triathlon are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of completing Ironman Austria in 2013🇦🇹

What are your goals for the upcoming race season?

After an extended recess from racing due to injuries and COVID im simply looking to complete one race this year with the idea of a full sprint and Olympic programme next year. I’m also planning to study to become a level two coach.

What is a fun fact about yourself that other people might not know?

I was brought up in a small village in North Buckinghamshire where my late father ran one of the largest private zoos in England🦁

Load More… Follow on Instagram

Our sponsors

Optima Racing is proud to work with a number of organisations who continue to support us.

To find out about our sponsorship opportunities please contact our club secretary.

Yonda

Oryon Connect

Zone 3

Navarino Associates Ltd

Incipio