The name says it all; a true Triathlon Utopia. The facilities for swim, bike and run only surpassed by the hospitality and

generosity of Sam & Lee. 

Thank you so much for an amazing week and I'll be back for sure!

(As long as the larders can handle it).

John Franklin, Sheffield, UK. 2009

 

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 The set up is simply idyllic – a maze of deserted roads, a mass of lakes, miles and miles of trails and disused railway lines to run on, and the sun in the sky – need I say more?  If you know anyone looking for a training camp, they should really check it out.  It is a magical mix of hard – training and relaxation, and excellent value for money.

Tri-topia is set in the Loire Valley is run by Lee and Sam  who are a very enthusiastic young couple.  Lee is a serious triathlete and coupled with this is a great cook.  Sam runs the “farm” where they grow and rear organic produce which is transformed into a scrumptious, wholesome and healthy three course meal nightly. Sam bakes fresh bread and cakes daily, which is such a treat after a long ride. We really enjoyed our stay and are booked to go back, even Mr Rankin enjoyed himself!!!

Alison Rankin, Ulster 2010

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Having never won so much as a tombola at a local fete in the past I was dumbstruck to find I was the winner of the holiday to Tri-topia, France…. and what a prize.  I spent a week at this triathlon paradise and would recommend that you all pack your bags and follow. The idyllic setting coupled with two people who are passionate about the sport of triathlon and healthy outdoor living makes for a truly unique experience. 

Whether a beginner to triathlon, an Ironman pro or simply wanting to taste the healthy lifestyle that busy lives tend to forget exists, this place is guaranteed to refresh and inspire anyone. 

Set in the Brenne National Park amongst endless rivers, lakes and scenic cycle routes, the surroundings are perfect for enjoying miles of running, cycling and swimming from the doorstep. 

Owners Sam and Lee have worked tirelessly to transform several barns into beautiful rustic accommodation and are keen to feed their guests with an abundance of produce fresh from their small-holding.

Whatever your training needs from dipping your first toe in the open water swim experience to the challenge of ironman length bike rides, your training is guaranteed to be catered for in an individual and personal manner.  A tailor made training programme is offered to every guest or for those who just want to get on with their own programme in warm weather and beautiful surroundings, the choice is yours. A great week thanks to 220 and Tri-topia, a taste of the ‘good life’ with everything triathlon - perfect!

Ciara Murphy, winner of our 220 magazine competition.2009

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I went to Tri-Topia to learn about triathlon, gain some experience and self confidence to prepare for my first race and to meet people who share the same enthusiasm. It was my first triathlon holiday experience and it was just great!

Sam and Lee are truly an inspirational couple. Together  they show that triathlon is so much more than a race - it is a life-style. I have improved in each discipline, I got plenty of useful advice and had lots of fun … all this in the cosy family atmosphere of Sam and Lee's farmhouse in the beautiful surrounding of The Brenne National Park.

By the way, Lee is also wonderful cook! We were spoiled by his home cooked menus and delicious puddings :-).

I walked away eager to sign up for my first Olympic race and I was very proud when I crossed the finish line

(... taking part is winning ;-)

Thank you Tri-Topia!

 

Alena SKRBKOVÁ, Brussels, Belgium. 2009

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Since turning 40, some years ago now, both myself, and my wife Donna decided that getting fit and staying fit was a life priority.

Road running was soon joined by cycling. Both being poor swimmers, Tri seemed out of the question. Two years of many swim sessions, made triathlon achievable for us both.

We had seen ads for Triathlon Camps, but always felt this was for top performing pros and age-groupers. This year, our third

season of racing we felt we would give it a go at Tri-topia.

We then found ourselves booked for 7 days at the beginning of June 09. 

Tri-topia occupies a group of old stone barns tastefully modernised by the hard working and enthusiastic owners

Lee and Sam, and an army of helpfull and skilled friends and family.

Tri-topia can provide group sessions or individual coaching. Endless pool on site for coached swims, or convenient local

pools for drills. Or an incredible number of lakes locally for safe open water swims.

Cycling on the smooth road surface, through some stunning and peaceful villages, from Chateau to Chateau, in lovely

weather, and seeing maybe a dozen vehicles in 100km, for me makes it the ultimate cycling location.

Putting on the running shoes, and like the cycle routes, the run options are endless, safe and stunning, quiet country roads, or a labrynth of off-road trails.  

Having chosen to ride to a beautiful river bank swim location, Lee even followed in the truck as support and picnic provider.

Superb!!

All meals are provided by Tr-topia and eaten 'al fresco'. Great to just turn up for all meals prepared by Lee, who is a superb chef,

and a multiple accomplished Ironman finisher, cant remember ever having eaten better.

For a focused group of athletes, a triathlete wishing to combine a family break with some training, or simply wishing to train in a

stunning part of Europe, from our recent experience Tri-topia has it all.

On return we both felt we had not just had a great training holiday, but had become part of the Tri-topia family. We are already looking at dates for 2010.

 

Steve and Donna Elliott, Wessex Wizards Tri Club.2009

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Having searched the internet and magazines for possible triathlon holidays

that might suit my needs, i finally came across tri topia in the 220 magazine.

The rustic look of the farmhouse accomodation and friendly user friendly

website made me investigate further. Being a new comer to the sport i found

most adverts a little intimidating. Tri topia had a difference, the personal

touch that it oozed appealed greatly and the fact that the holiday was very

much suited and adjusted to what you wanted to achieve. I took the plunge

and after various emails to Sam i was booked onto the beginners/improvers

week in June. And what a week it was....... the training above all was

fantastic, you could do as little or as much as you wanted. The bike rides

were amazing, surrounded by beautiful countryside and hardly any cars

in sight for miles and miles. I hired a bike and had it fitted by the lovely

Duncan, the bike made by giant fitted me perfectly and i'm actually

investing in the same make as we speak as i was so impressed by the ride.

Great training including long rides out and plenty of hills if you wanted some

pain! The running was also fantastic whether you wanted an early morning

run out to start the day or just to work on different sessions to change your

training. I've always been into running but never had a coach and was a very

stale runner, although i still loved running i found that i was running miles on

miles but with very little improvement in minute milage pace... this is where

Lee and Duncan came into their own and their experience and help has vastly

improved my times already. New ideas such as stepping stones, interval training

and techniques on running has had a very positive effect (although Duncan's

stepping stones session is a killer in it's own right!!!!!!). The last of the disciplines

was the swim this is what i wanted to improve and work on the most, as to be fair

i looked like a fish out of water flapping about and not really knowing what i was

doing. Tri topia certainly changed this... although i'm still no Phelps i'm definately

not looking so silly in the pool and have even had some very positive feedback from

other swimmers on my technique! Lee has a great chap who helps with technique

called Graham who watches you swim and then slowly piece by piece changes

your technique to what now resembles a front crawl. So... the training all in all

was great but the food was also amazing!!!!!! got to admit i've been to many nice

hotels and eaten some lovely meals but the food at tri topia is by far better, fresh

organic quality food and above all very tasty! the accomodation also was lovely,

clean and cosy which is all you need after a long days training!!!!! In my personal

view tri topia is a fantastic training base, cosy living accomodation but what makes

the holiday is the friendly staff made up of Sam, Lee, Duncan and Chris they make

your week enjoyable, fun and i will definately be returning again to Tri-Topia.

 

Hayley Powell, Eastbourne, U.K.2009

 

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