By Marc McGowan
PAKENHAM triathlete Nick Conway resumed training this week ahead of his professional racing debut in Texas on 28 June.
The 24-year-old spent much of the summer in meetings finalising the development of the Casey-Cardinia Triathlon Squad.
Conway, who is head coach and president of the club, chaired the squad’s inaugural meeting at Narre Warren’s Casey ARC last week
The five-time national underage champion is thrilled about the interest in the new club and is also enthused about his own thriving career after earning his international professional licence last month.
The race in Texas is part of the American Ironman 70.3 Series.
“Getting my international pro licence is a massive honour because now I can go and race anywhere worldwide professionally,” Conway said.
“Usually you have to wait until you’re 25 and then apply and win world champs and that kind of stuff.”
Conway has few expectations for his first year as a professional and admits he will be on a steep learning curve.
“It’s going to be tough and I know I’m going to learn a lot – put it that way,” he said.
“I’m not expecting any big podium, top-10 performances. If they come I’ll be over the moon, but the first few years are just a learning experience.”
Conway’s triathletes will train at several venues, including Casey ARC, Lysterfield Lake, Casey Fields and Pakenham Little Athletics Centre.
Two of those athletes, Geordie Fyfe and Graeme Hoskings, will contest the Triathlon World Championships on the Gold Coast from 9 to 13 September.
But Conway was also keen to point out that it is a participation-focused club.
“We want to provide experience for the youth of our area in a growing sport that develops health, confidence and persistence,” he said.
“This is about getting people into sport, especially youths, and dispelling the myths about triathlons that you have to be ridiculously fit to do them.”