Bedford Harriers Triathlon and Multisport group offers a friendly and welcoming environment for all levels – from beginners training for their first triathlon through to experienced members, with some competing at European and World level in age group categories.

Couch-2-Sprint programme

The Club runs an annual Couch-2-Sprint training programme which aims to take introduce members to triathlon, culminating in competing in the Club Championship Sprint race. The start date is therefore determined by the chosen sprint triathlon race date to incorporate the 10-week training plan.  

The Couch-2-Sprint programme is led by qualified BTF coaches and includes:

• Introduction to open water swimming
• Bike handling skills, hill training and general rides
• Transition training – the 4^th discipline!
• Running at the Club’s evening sessions on Monday and Wednesday.

Swimming

Bedford Harriers offers coached pool-based swimming sessions to its members from Autumn to Spring. The exact details vary by season, depending on the availability of local pools.  These sessions are aimed at developing technique and stamina for members who can swim at least 100m freestyle continuously.

Cycling

While our Couch-2-Sprint programme includes a cycling element, we don’t currently have organised road rides. However, Bedford Harriers has an informal affiliation with iCycle, a friendly Bedford-based cycling club. Regular club rides take place throughout the week and are listed on their Events Calendar. Rides typically range from 25–75 miles at a variety of paces and can be on road or gravel.

Members interested in cycling can explore iCycle’s rides and trial membership options directly. They currently offer a three-month free trial.

In addition to iCycle, many of our members ride with other local cycling groups, including:

• Beds Road Cycle Club

  Based locally in Bedford, they organise regular time trials, weekly rides, and family events.

• Icknield Road Club

  Based in Ampthill, they organise social rides for all levels, as well as time trials and sportives.

• Zwift

  An online cycling platform that enables users to train, interact, and compete in a virtual environment. Many Bedford Harriers ‘ride together’ via Zwift on Tuesday evenings during the winter months. You will need a turbo trainer, a bike, and a Zwift account, which has a monthly charge.