Chairman, Chris Leech 

• Endurance Athlete
• Age Group Qualifier - Represented Great Britain

I come from a background of running, only as a means of keeping fit to play hockey. When I gave up hockey due to injuries piling up on top of injuries, I took up running seriously in order to run the London Marathon to raise money for The Spinal Injuries Association. Whilst running the dirt half as a warm up race, I came upon a lady running along wearing a LB Tri club top, we got talking and the rest is history. I like the really long stuff, so long as it involves as little swimming as possible, and enjoy trying to get members to run as efficiently as possible as whatever your distance, Triathlon is an endurance sport.

Clubs don't run themselves, they all need volunteers to serve on committee so things get organised for the benefit of the club as a whole. No committee, no club! The chairman is mainly a coordinating role, making sure other committee members have the resources they need to perform their duties, meshing with the secretary and treasurer to ensure communications to members is functioning and finances are in order and ensuring that committee meetings are run smoothly and tasks are performed correctly.

Head Coach and Deputy Chair, Paul Williamson

• Founder Club Member since 2011
• Level 2 Diploma Triathlon Coach
• Event Level Running Coach
• Age Group Qualifier - Represented Great Britain

My introduction to triathlon came in 2011 when I came across an advert to help create a triathlon club in Leighton Buzzard. I was one of 4 founding members but knew very little about triathlon at that time. I soon learnt from the experienced other members and have now competed in many triathlons and other multisport events, including International Age Group events in Duathlon and Aquathlon, representing Great Britain.

I am passionate about continuous improvement, but most importantly enjoying the sport and camaraderie of triathlon.

Diane Sandover (Iron Gran)

• Founder Club Member since 2011
• Qualified Coach since 2015
• Specialist Disciplines: Swim Drills and Technique
• One of LBTri's Official 'Hot Lap' Time Keeper 

I started this triathlon lark back in 2001, with a novice sprint, and remember gazing in awe at others who were competing in the sprint distance. However, I quickly got hooked and progressed steadily to complete four full Ironman races between 2008 and 2011 in my 50s.

I now concentrate on coaching swim training all year round, open water swim training during the summer months and transition training sessions in the spring. And I still compete in triathlons…

Colin Bradley

• Level 3 Coach (High Performing Coaching Programme)
• Specialist Disciplines: Swim technique and analysis
• Age Group Qualifier - Represented Great Britain

My first triathlon race was in the late 1990’s (London triathlon – sprint distance), immediately got hooked. A few seasons of ‘fun’ racing (not really racing, more participating), then got a bit more serious. My first longer race was the first IM-branded race in the UK – Half Ironman Llanberis in 2000 (I think). A few full Ironman races during the noughties, combined with starting my coaching journey in about 2005, rounding off the decade with a few representations for GBR at World and European Champs (always front of the back pack; never setting the world on fire!)

I got a bit more serious with my coaching in the early 2010’s. I now focus on 1-2-1 coaching (runners, duathletes, triathletes) at all levels from Iron-people, first timers, international age-groupers (including an European Champ!), national podium placers, and tomorrow’s next Brownlees at regional youth level. Also, weekly group club coaching. Racing consists nowadays of SwimRun. All in all, quite an eclectic triathlon career which I hope to continue for as long as the mind and body permits.

Club Captain,  Andrew Keen

• Member Since 2014
• Qualified as Coach 2022

I was only ever going to do 1 triathlon...

In 2014 I decided to do a charity Triathlon at RAF Halton in aid of Ian Rennie hospice who had supported our family and joined LB Tri Club.I have gone onto compete in countless triathlons including 4 Ironmans and multi sport events, if I was asked to name my favourite event it would have to be Swimrun Coniston.

I have also been an active member of the club committee and organise the club race series.

Jo Parker

• Age Group Qualifier - Represented Great Britain
• Specialises in bike handling skills

I was persuaded to try my first triathlon at the age of 46 way back in 2000 by a work colleague. I'd always hated sport at school - mainly because I was rubbish at it - but I ran out of excuses and had a go. That really did change my life. I wasn't last (quite) and all the marshalls cheered me on so I did some more races the following year and bought a road bike as my dutch shopping bike really didn't cut the mustard (although I had taken the basket and the bike stand off). I learned to swim crawl and gradually started getting faster. Fast forward 20 years, several World and European championships and bits of me starting to wear out (I put it down to all the clubbing in my youth!) I decided I should put something back into the sport and train as a coach. Cycling has always been 'my thing' so as well as triathlon qualifications I have a level 2 British Cycling coach qualification and love to encourage those who find the bike leg a bit nerve wracking. Having stuck to Sprint and Olympic distance until now my challenge in 2024 is to complete a half iron man (Ironman 70.3) at the age of 70.3. Jo's Mile-a-Year Challenge.

Brian Wright

• Specialist Disciplines: All Aspects of Cycling: Bike Skills, Training, Bike Maintenance
• Age Group Qualifier - Represented Great Britain

Originally a mountain biker, I fell into multi sport in 2010 participating in my first off road duathlon in Thetford Forrest.

Just over a year later a Triathlon Club started in Leighton Buzzard and I was hooked. Whilst I could swim, I was by no means a competitive swimmer but the great coaching at LBTri Club prepared me for my first season of competition.

It wasn’t long before I got involved in organising club rides which then developed into coaching. I am British Cycling Level 2 and British Triathlon level 2 diploma coach which means I am qualified for 1-2-1 coaching.

My coaching philosophy is to really know the athletes I work with to truly tailor their training to harmonise their race ambitions with life and work commitments. My training philosophy is to be the best I can to achieve things I never thought I could... and to love the adventure along the way.

Marianne Aitken

• Qualified as Coach 2023
• Good For Age Qualifier for Abbots World Marathon Majors

Having ran some marathons, including qualifying for the Abbot World Marathon Majors numerous times, I wanted to challenge myself further so I joined LBTri in 2014 and did my first triathlon (and placed second female). Ever since, I've focused on making my swim and bike ability the same as my running. 

40+ marathons later and 2 full-distance triathlons - to list a few achievements. I hope to share my knowledge, strengthen your abilities, and keep you on track, whilst having fun of course. 

2024 and onwards' biggest and best adventure - I trade my running shoes for baby booties. I am looking forward to embracing the journey...

Carmel Gosbee

• Certified Reformer and Pilates Instructor

I'm passionate about a healthy and fit lifestyle, which must include lots of fun. I consider myself to be very lucky and fortunate to be able to live a physical life. I consider everything we do and enjoy, to be a celebration of life. It is with this sentiment in mind, that made Ironman Copenhagen, a wonderful celebration!

I am a Certified Reformer and Pilates Instructor (Essential to Advanced). I, with my husband, Dave, run The Sports Therapy Room, Clinical and Sports Therapy. Previously, I was a Primary Class Teacher and did actually teach a couple of TRI club members!