Tri-1st.co.uk - Swim Cycle Run

About Us

Over the years we have put together a vastly knowledgeable team that we're sure would be able to answer any of your questions. Why not test them out!

They have competed from sprint to Ironman distance triathlons to a very high standard. Our team also has a number of coaching and academic qualifications. The one thing they all have in common though is that no matter where they are now they all had to start somewhere. Triathlon can seem a very daunting and some say elitist sport but we all understand and can relate to someone who is just starting out. Hey even we still get nervous and worried a times and need advise! We aren't perfect but we will do our best to help. So no matter how silly you may feel the question is, just ask one of out team:

Damian "Damo" Littlewood - Store Manager/Partner

Originally from New Zealand, Damo started out in triathlon 8 years ago. Since then he has competed in just about every triathlon distance, from Ironman to sprint races. He has been under 09:30hrs for the Ironman distance, which qualified him for the 2010 World Championships in Kona, and is regularly placed inside the top 10 in Olympic/sprint competitions. In the past he has qualified for the Age Group World Champs for both New Zealand and Great Britain for the Oly distance Whilst in New Zealand he also competed in the infamous coast to coast which has all the disciplines of triathlon plus a kayak!

Damo's vast triathlon experience and product knowledge provides the back bone to the shop's specialism in triathlon. For anything Ironman related he'd be the first person to speak too though he's always willing to give advice, whether it's the right nutrition, how a wetsuit should fit or some just some pointers on getting through transition.

The main bulk if bike maintenance and servicing is done by Damian, you can be confident that the upmost care will be taken as he knows the importance of having your "pride and joy" in top condition for the next race.

• Bike - Cervelo P3/Shimano Durace or Moda Finale/Shimano Durace
• Favorite Race -
• Preferred Discipline -
• Wheels - Zipp 808
• Wetsuit - 2XU V:1
• Run Shoes - Newton Sir Isaac/Adidas Mana

Paul Robertshaw - Partner (Saturday Staff)

Paul has been competing/involved in the sport of triathlon for the past 15 years. He has seen it boom from its infancy into what it is today as one of the fastest growing sport around. With a number of visits to the Age Group World Champs he has had a lot of success at triathlon although originally he started out as a runner at the University of Birmingham with his PB for 10miles being 58mins. In his slightly younger days he could also be seen racing on the cross country circuit. This gives him a fountain of knowledge and also great number of stories from which to advise those starting out too those who are racing at a top level.

He is a level 3 BTF coach and also heads up Birmingham City councils bike awareness program. This is very useful as he can also advise on not just the triathlon/completion side but also those who wish to do the everyday ride to work for example.

Over the years he has built up a number of good links within the triathlon community and was one of the founding members of what is now one of the best well known clubs in the country, BRAT. So on the very rare occasion that Paul doesn't have the answer he can point you in the direction of someone that will.

Dave Garner - Shop Assistant (weekdays)

Dave works part time during the week with Demo. For the last 7 years he's been competing in triathlon at sprint to Half Ironman Distance. In 2005 he was the Age Group European champion in his category and has a number of national medals and top 10 finishes to his name.

With years of high level racing behind him he knows what will and will not work in order to go fast over the distance - if performance is the goal, Dave has the guidance you need!

With a Level 2 BTF qualification too his name and hundreds of hours of coaching to his name he'll for sure be able to help with any advise that you need be swim, bike, run.

• Seasons in triathlon - 7
• Preferred discipline - Bike
• Favourite Race - Bala Standard
• Bike - Cervelo P2/Shimano Ultegra
• Wheels - Easton EA90 TT
• Wetsuit - 2XU V:1
• Run Shoes - Adidas Sequence/Adidas Tempo

Russ Hall - Part Time (Saturday Staff)

Russ has been a runner and cyclist since he was 12 years old, competing in mountain bike races at a national level from the age of 14 before turning to duathlon in 2006 and eventually triathlon in 2009. Russ has competed in all distances for both duathlon and triathlon. His first triathlon was Ironman Switzerland, since then representing the GB age group team at the World Duathlon and Triathlon Championships.

Russ can't remember a time when he hasn't been around bikes of one kind or another, and has worked in a bike shop as part time staff all of his life. As a professional mechanical engineer through the week, he has a technical edge to his bike knowledge that is difficult to match. With writing training programmes for marathons and half marathons and is only too happy to help you get into the right running shoes for you.

Steve Faulkner - Part Time (Saturday Staff)

Steve has been a competing triathlete for several years, he has competed on the GB age group team and is regular at Olympic and sprint distance races. Steve is a level 2 triathlon coach, though he backs that up with a degree in sports science (he's now working toward a PhD in sports science), so he has a very well qualified knowledge of the human body when it's under pressure to perform.

As you can see he's a very good man to talk to about training and racing. Steve can talk you through how to build up to a big race, how to structure your training for a year and help you to identify why your triathlon season might not be working according to plan. When it comes to the right kit for you, Steve will give you very realistic help and advice about what to use - making sure that you are comfortable and efficient through your racing and training.