Our Coaches

Welcome to the Bicester Triathlon Coaches page, your one-stop destination to meet our exceptional team of dedicated coaches.

With a wealth of experience and an unyielding passion for the sport, they are committed to helping every athlete, from first-timers to seasoned triathletes, unlock their full potential.

Our coaches boast an impressive mix of qualifications, race achievements, and coaching accolades, all to ensure you receive the highest quality training experience. So, get ready to dive in, as we introduce you to the driving forces behind the Bicester Triathlon Club and your success in this thrilling multisport adventure!
Your Friendly Head Coach

Mick Thorne

BTF L3 HPCP Grad
I started my Tri coaching journey at the clubs creation in 2012 when I gained my BTF L2 in anticipation of the founding of the club. I already had qualifications in gym and circuit instruction, I was the lead coach through our founding years where I gained much experience working with novice
triathletes. Maintaining my interest in coaching novices in 2015 I took the step of setting up a Junior section to the club. In 2018 I graduated the first BTF High Performing Coach Programme, L3 course. I am a BTF qualified Strength and Conditioning Coach, an ASA L2 Swimming Teacher, an ASA Open Water Coach and a L1 Training Peaks accredited coach.

I continue to lead the coaching team at Bicester Triathlon Club where we are following a course of action to bring our older junior athletes into more training events with our adult section and create a pathway to a lifelong interest in Triathlon at whatever level an athlete pursues.
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Coach

Paul Jones

BTF L2
I started my coaching journey as a Mountain leader and Rock climbing coach, this followed for a few years as a L1 Football coach. Triathlon kicked off for me as a parent helper, BTF L1 coach and last year as a BTF L2 coach.

I currently represent Bicester AC in the V50 section for x/c and road racing.
I enjoy passing on knowledge and writing sessions which are challenging and engaging for all concerned.
Coach

Andy Sparkes

BTF L2 Diploma
A Triathlete since 1989 and has represented the Great Britain Age Group team at the World Championship Sprint Triathlon Finals, June 2022. A qualified British Triathlon Federation Diploma 2.1 Coach, qualified in High Intensity Interval Training Science and Application, with an interest in doing more for less including Nutrition and Hydration strategy as I work with Athletes to train smarter and not harder. My goal and business model is the be the best coach that I can be, a coach that I never had and never could afford when younger. It means they I must continue to learn and evolve along with my Athletes. #NeverStopLearning
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Coach

Sue Leigh-Howarth

BTF L2 Diploma Coach
Hi I am Sue Leigh-Howarth I began my Triathlon journey in 2019 when I had the crazy idea of going to a week’s triathlon camp in Lanzarote. I have participated in sport all of my life and hold a level 3 certificate in personal training and a level 2 diploma in triathlon coaching. I enjoy helping athletes achieve their goals, whilst balancing their training with their busy lives.

Finding the balance, and being consistent, is the key which is why I design my training plans with a realistic approach. I am always happy to help a fellow athlete and encourage anyone to give triathlon a go especially with the amazing support of Bicester Triathlon Club
Coach

Claire Styles

BTF L1
Claire is a Level 1 Triathlon Coach and Level 2 Swimming Teacher.  Claire started as a parent helper assisting the coaches.  Claire has been coaching at the club since 2017 and went on to do her Level 1 Swim Teaching Assistant in 2019 and in 2022 (a little longer than planned, due to Covid) achieved her Level 2 Swimming Teacher.  

Claire has two boys, Thomas and Edward who both race triathlon. Claire’s passion and focus is swimming and voluntarily coaches between 3-4 times a week depending on the time of year.Claire enjoys running (slowly), cold water swimming and most importantly supporting her children and other athletes at events.
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Coach

Ken Baldwin

BTF L1
Introducing Ken Baldwin, an enthusiastic and driven individual who has found his calling as a triathlon coach. Having obtained his coaching qualification in May 2022, Ken discovered a profound motivation rooted in his children's positive experiences as part of the Bicester Triathlon Club.

Witnessing the transformative power of triathlons on his own kids' lives, Ken felt compelled to extend this opportunity to other children, igniting their passion for the sport.Ken brings a wealth of personal expertise, he  embodies the spirit of adventure and growth, guiding aspiring young athletes to overcome obstacles and discover their own potential.

Duke of Edinburgh Helpers

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Coach

Thomas Auty

Coming soon....
Swimming & Poolside Helper

Katie Lamont

Katie is a volunteer swim helper currently working towards her Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award.  For her volunteering element Katie has chosen swimming as her new skill to improve her technique.  Katie particularly enjoys working with the younger children in the group and learning new skills at every session. Katie also enjoys swimming as this complements her own passion of climbing.   As an avid climber Katie is aiming to complete her Level 4 NICAS qualification this year.  She then aims to complete Level 5 NICAS to combine her skills, with the opportunity to teach and coach new climbers.
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Swimming & Poolside Helper

Evie Jasper

I joined Bicester Triathlon Club Juniors when I was 7 years old, I really look forward to coming to my weekly training sessions and have made some good friends. The coaches are really dedicated and encourage everyone to reach their potential. I am currently volunteering for my Bronze DofE and have been assisting poolside with Wednesday night swimming which includes writing and delivering the sets, which has really helped build my confidence.

Parent Helpers

Parent Helper

Hayley Brown

As a Parent Helper for Bicester Triathlon Club Juniors, I enjoy volunteering to assist the coaches. It is well known that physical activity is good for our health, and especially for children.  The children enjoy the planned activities, whilst receiving the best tuition and making new and good friends.  It is very rewarding especially when they finally believe they can do a drill in the pool or scoot mount on their bikes, and they do it repeatedly with a big smile and enthusiasm.  Children are much more enthusiastic to undertake any activity if the parents take an interest too, and by helping in some capacity, it is also a way to ‘give a little back’ to the club where others are willing to devote their time and enthusiasm to benefit the children.   It is a privilege to be involved in BTCJ.
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