We are now in the fourth year of the Triathlon Academy, launched in 2006 by IMG to offer people the opportunity to fulfill their triathlon ambitions.

This year over 400 first-time triathletes were invited to apply for the scheme with six selected for a final round of public voting. Now four have been chosen to represent the 220 Triathlon Academy in 2009.

The 2006, 2007 and 2008 classes achieved amazing results and with equipment, nutrition and Olympic-standard one-to-one coaching we hope that the four academy members of 2009 will flourish.

"220 Triathlon Magazine, media partner of The Mazda London Triathlon and The Mazda Blenheim Triathlon, is pleased to be the official partner of The Triathlon Academy. In our 20th year of providing essential training advice, world-class coaches and athletes, the latest gear reviews and race action to the UK triathlon community, this exciting initiative strengthens our successful relationship with triathlon in the UK and demonstrates our commitment to supporting the fastest growing multi-sport event in the world.

In our role as Academy sponsor, we will be supporting the members of the Academy all the way to the finish line as well as providing the triathlon community with updates on the Academy members’ progress through regular online blogs, top training advice from Academy coach Bill Black, course tips for the Blenheim and London races and much, much more. To keep up to speed with the Academy’s work and the athletes’ training visit www.220triathlon.com