The third edition of the London T100 Triathlon will see former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw doing his first ever triathlon.
He will race over the Olympic distance on Saturday morning from 08:40 local time, which means a 1.5km swim, a 40km bike and a 10km run.
Also in action is his BBC Strictly Come Dancing co-star and professional dancer Julian Caillon, with the pair of them raising money for the Kerslake-Robshaw Foundation.
The Sydney-born Australian met Robshaw on the set of the dancing show last year and they have now swapped sequins for trisuits and become training partners for the triathlon challenge.
Looking forward to the buzz
“I think what is so great about the T100 is the camaraderie, and that’s what you do miss when you retire,” said Robshaw.
“The competing, the crowds, the buzz, the excitement, but also the nerves. It is going to be tough, but I’ve enjoyed the challenge of the training and I’m looking forward to putting it all together on race day.
“I’ll be doing it to raise awareness and funds for the Kerslake-Robshaw Foundation, which me and my wife [soprano Camilla Kerslake] started about four or five years ago…to empower young lives through music and sport. So far, we’ve helped over 3,000 children and given out more than £300,000 in grants around the country.”
‘Triathlon is for everyone’
“Rugby versus dancing – it doesn’t get much more different, apart from the length of your shorts at times,” joked Australian Caillon.
“We’re so different, yet we’re trying to achieve the same goal. It doesn’t matter where you come from, or what background you have, triathlon is for everyone.
Caillon made his Strictly debut last year and is full of respect for what Robshaw and his wife Camilla have done with their charity for underprivileged children.
He explained: “When I first met Chris, what struck me was how nice and genuine he is; you can understand why he was such a great captain. He’s so encouraging and supportive.
“We hung out a lot during the series, and we both have that hunger and drive to compete, in a fun and supportive way.
“After a successful career, it’s easy to sit on your laurels and enjoy retirement, but Chris is actively out there trying to make a difference.”
And there’s at least one aspect of triathlon where Caillon is a natural: “I think all the quick changes in theatres between numbers have prepared me well. I’m actually pretty good in the transitions!”
