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OSS swim week in France
Saturday 25th September 2010

Improve your technique and fitness while exploring the great open water locations of the Brenne National Park - one of Europe's most important wetland areas in France.

Tri-Topia are a swimming and coaching company that offer week long trips, and are reserving all places on one of their trips for OSS members. Our fitness course manager Louise Crathorne has tried out the trip and gives the thumbs up to the food, coaching and area, so we are happy to offer this trip to members.

Tri-Topia offer a fully catered stay, leaving you to relax and enjoy the surroundings. There will be swim fitness sessions in the morning and the opportunity to relax and enjoy some wild swimming in the afternoons.

The fitness sessions will be run by Lee Thomas and Graham Harris. Lee has been taking part in triathlon for years and is a BTA coach. Graham holds (Masters) 18 x GB National titles, multiple silver and bronze medallist at European and World Championships, 2001 GB & European Masters Record Holder (50m & 100m backstroke).

All pool swims on these clinics will be based at Grahams private 20m heated outdoor pool, at his residence just five minutes away from Tri-topia. Throughout the week there will be video analysis and one-to-one coaching, in the endless pool at Tri-Topia (a great tool in perfecting your technique) with plenty of time over evening meals to talk over the day's events.

Trips to the river and lakes mean you can practise your technique in open water, with sighting techniques, or just have a relaxing swim followed by a picnic or BBQ.

Tri-Topia is in its second year and is run by enthusiastic British couple Sam and Lee Thomas. Your accommodation in the sleepy hamlet of La Vallée in the heart of rural France, will be in their newly renovated farmhouse comprising of four comfortable bedrooms, each with en-suite shower rooms. The gite sleeps 14 people so whether you're one, two or many it's a great way to meet like-minded people in a brilliant location.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The price is £500 per person and covers transfers, all food and drink for the week (three courses and unlimited wine is included with the evening meal) spacious accommodation, coaching and full use of facilities.

HOW DO I GET THERE?
Plane: Tri-topia is situated between airports LIMOGES and POITIERS (40 min drive). The two main operators are Ryan Air and Flybe. With daily flights from most airports in the UK. The flight takes about one hour. For more information on flights times and scheduled routes please visit their websites. Car hire is available from the airports for more independence or take advantage of a free pick up from Lee.

Car: Travelling by car from the ferry ports of Calais and of those in St Malo takes around six hours. The roads in France are not congested, well signposted and easy to follow.

Train: The French network is considered to be one of the best in the world. With reliable, frequent and comfortable trains it's a great way to see the country. Take the Eurostar and get to Paris in just under two hours. The TGV service from Paris Montparnasse to Poitiers is very quick and comfortable. The Man in Seat 61 can be useful when planning your journey.

WHEREABOUTS?
Ingrandes, 36300, France... Find us on Google.

WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO?
Cycling: There are so many roads in France with very few cars to fill them, it's a cyclists dream. We cannot emphasise enough how quiet the roads are, making them safe for cycles with the family. Cycle through the Brenne National park with its quaint villages and stop for coffee or lunch. The whole area is of stunning beauty which makes a long hard cycle all the more enjoyable. You can hire bikes for €35 per week, or €10 per day.

Also... canoeing, rock climbing, horse riding, fishing, to name but a few.

I'M INTRIGUED? I WANT TO BOOK...
For more enquiries please contact Louise.

TRIED AND TESTED
For reviews see Tri247, Trip Advisor and also this month's edition of 220 magazine.

Louise Crathorne, OSS Member and Swim Fitness Course Manager, went to Tri-Topia in April: Great setting, great food, great (friendly) hosts, great training, and a lot of laughing :-) Plus a stack of excellent locations for outdoor swimming that just have to be explored. I highly recommend Tri-Topia you won't be disappointed.

NB: Registration for this course is via Louise Crathorne not via this site

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