About Brisbane Triathlon Squad

VISION

To be the triathlon squad of choice for multisport athletes in Brisbane.

MISSION STATEMENT

To offer a training environment for triathletes of all abilities that is welcoming, encouraging and supportive.  With our expert coaching we offer specific training for all distances and abilities especially beginner triathletes through our 6 week beginner courses right through to our very successful Ironman and half ironman programs.

ABOUT US

Brisbane Triathlon Squad or BTS was formed in mid-2007 and since then has grown to over 250 members. In the past three years we have introduced many athletes to the sport of triathlon through numerous successful beginner courses. This is a reflection of how triathlon is one of the fastest growing sports in the world coupled with the great lifestyle offered living in South East Queensland.

At BTS we offer a program that caters for all abilities. This ranges from athletes competing at World Championships and Ironman events to those that enjoy improving their times, completing an event and socialising with friends.

We offer a flexible training program at BTS. For those new to triathlons we have 5 sessions per week that are specifically for beginner to intermediate level athletes. We also offer a reduced training fee of $90 per month for those that just wish to attend the beginner sessions.

Overall there are 18 sessions per week to choose from. This allows us to cater for a wide range of athletes with fees for unlimited training per month $120.

HOW TO GET STARTED

The best place to start is to come along to our Tuesday morning run session at Herston. Both Mark and Suzanne coach this session which is run in two groups so you will find people of similar ability no matter what your background is. At the Tuesday session you will have the opportunity to meet other squad members as well as chat to our easily identifiable squad ambassadors that are always only too happy to help out.

For more information or if you are unable to make the Tuesday morning session just send us through an email and we'll help to get you started.

Read what our athletes have to say - Testimonials

To find out more about what BTS has to offer please contact us.  

About Our Coaches

Our team of friendly coaches are available to assist all of our athletes with their personal goals. They all have years of experience in triathlon as well as balancing the demands of training with family, work and other commitments.

Head Coach | Mark Turner

Level 2 Triathlon
Level 2 Running
Cert IV in Fitness

As an athlete Mark comes from a background of over 20 years competing in endurance sports. He did his first triathlon in the late 1980’s before turning his attention to running where he went on to represent Queensland in cross country running. After many years running he later became a boundary umpire in the national AFL competition, umpiring matches around Australia at the elite level for 7 years. Throughout  this time Mark continued to compete in triathlons and after retiring from umpiring in 2004, he has  further developed his triathlon experience competing in events from sprint through to Ironman.

During his time as an athlete Mark has overcome many challenges and now draws on this experience to assist the athletes he coaches. In 2008 he completed 3 Ironman Triathlons in 3 days to raise money for charity in the event known as the Tour de Tri. In 2009 he was also one of the athletes selected to represent Australia at the World Triathlon Championships on the Gold Coast.

As a coach Mark first started coaching athletes in his role as a Physical Education Instructor at the Queensland Police Academy from 1996-2001. During that time he has had the following coaching experiences:

1. Built and developed his own swim school in 2002 -2006 where he had over 600 students per week from babies through to adults.
2. Fitness and conditioning coach for AFL Queensland Umpires from 2004-2006.
3. Head cross country and track and field coach for Brisbane Girls Grammar for 2007-2009.
4. Head coach of Brisbane Triathlon Squad 2007- present. During that time has coached athletes to World Championship selection including Kona, Long Course and standard distance.
5. Coaching provider for the Bridge to Brisbane Fun Run 2009/2010.

 Mark is level 2 triathlon coach and level 1 distance run coach with a Certificate IV in Fitness.

Coach | Suzanne McCarthy

Suzanne comes from a varied sporting background and turned her attention to triathlon over five years ago. Since then she has been represented New Zealand at the Age Group World Championships and completed three Ironman events in New Zealand, Port Macquarie and Western Australia.

Suzanne has worked with many of the BTS beginner squads and enjoys coaching those new to triathlon. Like many in the BTS squad, Suzanne balances training with work, family and other commitments. All coaches at BTS understand the difficulties for Age Group athletes to maintain a work/life/training balance and are all available to assist or provide advice where possible.

Coach | Ray Pogi

Brad comes from a strong swimming background and has a wealth of knowledge to pass on to those new to swimming and triathlons. Over the past few years Brad has enjoyed competing in Ironman distance triathlons and has produced some great results racing in New Zealand and Western Australia.

Matt has been involved in triathlon for over 14 years. He started triathlon as an age group athlete and after being a National champion in 2000 for age group turned to racing elite level.

In 2005 Matt gave up a full time plumbing trade and turned professional. He raced the ITU World Cup series and was a scholarship holder with the Australian Institue of sport for 4 years.

Matt represented Australia at the World Championships as an elite male team member 3 times and in 2008 was part of the Olympic campaign for Australia but narrowly missed out on selection in the team. Matt retired from elite competition after the World Champs in Vancouver 2008.

Matt now own’s and operates Avanti Plus, the Valley. He specialises in working with the faster athletes in our squad to help take them to the next level.

Coach | Tim Osborne

Level 1 Triathlon
Level 2 (Track and Field) Middle Distance
B.Tech.Ed.

Tim is a qualified teacher at St Paul’s School on Brisbane’s north side. Along with his triathlon and track & field coaching, he also has extensive coaching experience in the areas of soccer and cricket. Tim has a passion for longer distance triathlons (HIM and IM) and enjoys using his experience and expertise to assist other athletes with their training and reaching their goals.

Tim is currently planning another assault on long distance events throughout Australia, including the 24hr solo Tour de Tri, half Ironman and Ironman events.

Coach | John Agyik

John has been competing in triathlon and multi-sport races for over 10 years and is one of Queensland's top age group athletes. He coaches a range of sessions and enjoys working with BTS athletes to help them achieve their goals.

John is very experienced at balancing full-time work, coaching, training and family commitments and is always available to provide advice on how to juggle the demands of being an age-group triathlete.

Coach | Bronwyn Platz

Level 1 Triathlon Coach
BA
BEd
Associate Diploma Outdoor Education BCAE

Bronwyn came from a swim coaching background but got the triathlon bug in 1994. She is a qualified teacher at Gregory Terrace Boys School in Brisbane and specialises in working with beginner triathletes. She plays a leading role in the BTS beginner triathlon courses.

Coach | Robson Bond

Robson has been competing in triathlons and running events for over 25 years and coaching for a large proportion of this time. He is the owner of specialist running shop, Active Stride at Southbank and is always keen for a chat or to provide advice and guidance.