Luxembourg's May roller blades and surf live saves her way to fitness

There are few greater contrasts than traveling from Luxembourg to New Zealand. The European country is tiny (just 82km long by 57km wide), landlocked and has little or no historical links to New Zealand in the South Pacific.

But Elizabeth May, the world’s 13th ranked triathlete has chosen to spend her European winter training in new Zealand, a decision no doubt influenced considerably by her partner, New Zealand triathlete Clark Ellice.

That training programme has already seen May take part in just about every event available at the recent Port of Tauranga Half Ironman festival – everything that is apart from the Half Ironman itself. May took part in the Splash and Dash, the 5k Bolt Run, the Ocean Swim and a few other events, all part of a training camp as she puts her base work down for a big 2009.

Her first race of the year will come this weekend in Wanaka at the Contact Tri Series where she will compete against New Zealand’s Nicky Samuels over sprint distance in the Contact Cup race.

May has loved every minute of her summer so far.

“I am enjoying my first summer of training here in New Zealand so much, the weather is wonderful, the country is beautiful and the people are so friendly. Wanaka will be my first race but I am not tapering for this. I am in my base phase of training and putting in some long sessions.”

Typically May would cross country ski her way to fitness during her winter months and has found a similar sport while here in New Zealand.

“Normally about now I am cross country skiing instead of biking which is great for strength and endurance but there is no cross country skiing here. But I have found roller skiing instead and have been doing this in place of bike riding.”

May has taken her love of cross training even further, taking to a summer pastime to further improve her fitness and in particular swimming.

“I have tried life saving for the first time. This has been great training for my ocean swimming and is good for building strength. I have been training with the East End club in New Plymouth; this has been a great experience for me.”

So while May has not yet focused on her sharpness or race work, she admits to being very fit and strong for this time of the year.

“I’m sure it is down to the great summer of training and the variety of my training but I am in very good shape for me at this time of the year so Friday will be interesting.”

Elizabeth May
25 years old
2008 World Rank: 13
2008 Highlights: 3 World Cup top tens
Represented Luxembourg at the Beijing Olympic Games