Train where the GB elite squad trains
Two training camps a year in Vilamoura, Portugal
November 2026 and April 2027 — booking now
"Will I be able to keep up?"
Yes. Six athletes, two coaches — nobody gets left behind because there’s nowhere to be left. Ride groups for every level. Swim feedback that’s yours, not shouted at a lane. Complete beginners have thrived on this camp; so have podium chasers. It’s coaching, not a selection event.
Where is it?
Vilamoura, on Portugal’s Algarve. The pool is the Municipal Pool of Quarteira, five minutes’ walk from Vilamoura Marina — the same pool the British Triathlon elite squad uses for their camps. A running track two minutes away, quiet roads in every direction, and warm sun while Britain’s drizzling.
You book your own flights and accommodation — cheap and cheerful into Faro, and we’ll point you at the good options. Bikes hire locally from about €80, from a supplier we’ve used for years.
"Will I be able to keep up?"
Yes. Six athletes, two coaches — nobody gets left behind because there’s nowhere to be left. Ride groups for every level. Swim feedback that’s yours, not shouted at a lane. Complete beginners have thrived on this camp; so have podium chasers. It’s coaching, not a selection event.
Where is it?
Vilamoura, on Portugal’s Algarve. The pool is the Municipal Pool of Quarteira, five minutes’ walk from Vilamoura Marina — the same pool the British Triathlon elite squad uses for their camps. A running track two minutes away, quiet roads in every direction, and warm sun while Britain’s drizzling.
You book your own flights and accommodation — cheap and cheerful into Faro, and we’ll point you at the good options. Bikes hire locally from about €80, from a supplier we’ve used for years.
All abilities welcome — here’s what a camp day looks like:
- Coached pool sessions with personally tailored 1-2-1 feedback
- Progressive cycling sessions with experienced coaches
- Ride Groups for all ability levels
- Run sessions to improve technique, endurance and speed
- Brick sessions – bike/run
- Transition training
- Advice on training plans and coaching
Sessions done by lunchtime — afternoons are yours: beach, golf, pool, nap. We’re not monsters. And there’s always an honest conversation about your training over coffee and cake at Mourapão.
Autumn Tune Up
Vilamoura, Portugal — 5–8 November 2026-
£100 deposit; remainder due by 3rd September 2026
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Coached pool sessions with personally tailored 1-2-1 feedback
-
Progressive cycling sessions with experienced coaches
-
Ride Groups for all ability levels
-
Run sessions to improve technique, endurance and speed
-
Brick sessions – bike/run
-
Advice on training plans and coaching
-
5th-8th November 2026
what previous participants have to say...
Dawn
Attended Swim Retreat in February 2023
Fiona
Attended Swim Retreat in February 2023
Ollie is a great coach to work with. He is very attentive and responsive - I enjoy the training sessions he schedules for me, and have seen the results in terms of race performance. This season so far I have had 2 podium finishes out of 2 races - which is a huge improvement from my 'middle of the pack' results.
I have just returned home from Jacqui and Ollie's Vilamoura Camp in Portugal. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am at the very stages of triathlon (not done an event yet). Really I was looking for a week where I could just do my activities without having to juggle everything else I have to do - it was perfect. The coaches skilfully nudged me in the right direction with areas of technique and my swimming in particular has come on no end. I have already committed to next year!
the finer details:
The pool we train at is the Municipal Pool of Quarteira, five minutes’ walk from Vilamoura Marina — the same pool the British Triathlon elite squad uses for their camps. You could be in the lane next to them.
The track is two minutes away, and the honest conversations about your training happen over coffee and cake at Mourapão — fantastic coffee, even better cakes.
Bikes hire locally from about €80, from a supplier we’ve used for years. And the pool itself is set up for proper lane swimming — you’ll get the best out of every session.
the finer details:
Autumn mini camp: £225 coaching-only. £100 deposit holds your place; balance by 3 September 2026. Spring full week (12–17 April 2027): £550 coaching-only, up to ten athletes.
Any questions, email info@animisracing.com — a real person reads it, usually over a brew.
Both coaches are fully qualified and insured, and with six athletes to two coaches you’ll never be a face at the back. Mornings are for training. Afternoons are for the beach, the golf course, or a nap by the pool. Evenings are for dinner at the marina and putting the world to rights.
Ready to book your spot:
Or drop your details below and ask us anything about the camps. No question’s too daft.