Alan Doney Athlete Ambassador

Alan first discovered multi-sport a couple of decades ago and now is a strong Ironman athlete. He talks to Sundried about training and racing.

Have you always been into sport?

I have always been into sport as a child from school age.

How did you first get into triathlon?

I wanted a change from running and started duathlon in the 90s, I didn't start triathlon until 2011 and after two short races, I jumped into Ironman.

What’s been your best race to date?

I have many favourite races but draft-legal duathlon events are great with Oulton Park circuit being a good, hard course!

And your proudest achievement?

I also have many achievements but my age group place in the GB team for this years World Duathlon Championships was my proudest at age 51.

Have you ever had any racing disasters/your toughest race yet?

A racing disaster was notable in the 90s, when my handlebars went sideways at a 45 degree angle. I finished the cycle, with some strange looks from the public with 'sideways bars' and ended up finishing 4th!

My toughest race to date was the Enduroman Ironman 2011 event in The New Forest with gale force rain and cold. The mud was very deep on the off-road marathon, which was constantly up and down. I finished with severe leg cramps in 7th place and had 5 punctures on the bike!

How do you overcome setbacks?

I try to think in a positive way and prepare for each race, I am then more prepared for any setbacks.

What advice do you wish you'd been given before you started competing?

My advice to newcomers would be to do the best you can and not worry about where you finish in an event.

What are your goals for 2019?

My goals for 2019 are to achieve the best position I can in age group races or Championships. My best position so far was 6th in the European Qualifier in March 2019 at Bedford Autodrome duathlon.  My aim is to qualify for next year's European and World Multi-sport Championships. I would also like to complete a double Ironman event (two Ironman triathlons back to back) in 2019 or 2020.

Who do you take your inspiration from?

I take inspiration from the old 1980s 'Ironwar' between two triathlon legends Dave Scott and Mark Allen in the Kona Ironman Event in Hawaii.

What do you like about Sundried and what’s your favourite bit of our kit?

The ethics of recycling within the Sundried Brand is a brilliant idea and I look forward to wearing their men's performance trisuit.