Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

  • Absolutely. Many of our members come to us having never trained specifically for triathlon.  Some have a strong background in one sport, like swimming or running, and are looking to add the other disciplines. Others are entirely new to all three. Our sessions are structured to cater to a wide range of abilities and our coaches will meet you where you are at. If you're unsure whether you're ready, just get in touch and we'll have an honest conversation about what would suit you best.

  • We are based in Melbourne's inner south. Our swim sessions run at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC) in Albert Park. Run squad meets at the Tan (Royal Botanic Gardens). Bike and run sessions are held at Albert Park Lake. We have members from across the city who attend sessions. 

  • During school terms, our regular sessions are:

    • Monday 6am — Swimming at MSAC (Albert Park)

    • Tuesday 6pm — Running at the Tan

    • Wednesday 5:30am — Swimming at MSAC (Albert Park)

    • Thursday 4:15pm — Bike/Run at Albert Park

    • Friday 5:30am — Swimming at MSAC

    Junior-specific sessions are Monday 6am (swimming at MSAC) and Thursday 4:15pm (bike/run at Albert Park). Session times may change during school holidays.  Just get in touch or join our email list to stay across any updates.

  • Yes, and we encourage it. You are very welcome to bring yourself or your child along to a session to meet the coaches, the athletes and get a feel for the training environment before making any decision. We really believe that finding the right fit for you is important. Just get in touch with Sam or Chris beforehand so we know to expect you.

  • We work with young athletes from around age 11 upwards, through to 23.  We have a particular focus on the 15-19 age group as this is where there is a substantial drop off in sports participation and we aim to do our bit to help rectify that.  If your child is keen and has a reasonable base in at least one of the three disciplines, get in touch and we'll chat about whether the time is right.

  • Yes, this is a very common pathway into our junior program. Kids who have been competing in events like the 2XU Kids Tri series often have good raw ability across the disciplines but haven't had specific triathlon coaching. Our junior sessions focus heavily on tri-specific skills like transitions, mounting and dismounting the bike, running off the bike, which tend to make an immediate difference to race performance.

  • Very much so. We regularly welcome young athletes who have a strong background in one discipline and want to develop the others. A solid swimming or running base is a great foundation for triathlon.

  • Absolutely, and it's one of the most common reasons families find us. Swimming, biking and running are natural complements to almost any other sport.  Training across three disciplines builds fitness, athleticism and variety that feeds back into whatever their other sporting interests are. We regularly welcome young athletes who are looking for something different in the off-season, or who simply want to mix things up. Come along, try it and see how it fits.

  • Very much so. We regularly welcome young athletes with backgrounds in swimming, running, cycling, cross-country skiing, team sports and more. The fitness and competitive instincts they've built carry over well, and our junior sessions are structured to introduce tri-specific skills in a way that doesn't assume prior experience. If your kids are active and open to something new, they'll find their feet quickly.

  • A clinic is a great introduction and a natural stepping stone to joining our regular program. If your child enjoyed it and wants to keep developing, the next step is usually our Casual Sessions Membership, which gives them access to weekly coached sessions across swimming, biking and running. Get in touch and we'll help figure out the right fit based on where they're at.

  • Both, and that's why we love it.  There is something for everyone.  Many of our members ( both juniors and adults) are drawn as much to the culture and community of swimming, biking and running as they are to racing. It's a sport you can build a lifestyle around, train alongside your kids or your partner, and do well into older age. Whether your goal is podiums or just showing up and being part of something, we feel there can be a place for you at MTA.

  • Yes. Our Casual Sessions Membership is designed for exactly this.  We aim to create a supportive and positive environment for junior athletes who want to train, improve their fitness and be part of a great group, without any obligation to race or follow a performance pathway.

Programs & Coaching

  • Yes. Our Performance Mentoring program is available to athletes anywhere in Victoria and beyond. It is delivered online with a dedicated mentor coach and is particularly well suited to athletes working toward state or national level goals such as State Team selection. If you're based regionally and are keen to make progress with your swim, bike and run, get in touch and we'll talk through what a program could look like for you.

  • We offer three levels. Casual Group Sessions ($79/month) give you access to four weekly squad sessions, which is ideal if you want community, structure and coach guidance without a fully personalised program. Our Personalised Coaching Standard Package ($199) is a tailored weekly training program and regular coach communication, for athletes who want more individual focus or can't always make group sessions. The Premium Package ($279) combines daily coach communication, a fully personalised program and full group session access. Get in touch for current pricing on our personalised packages.

  • Performance Coaching is for junior athletes aiming to compete at state and national level, including the Victorian Schools Triathlon Championships and to be part of the National Pathway Network. Athletes receive their own dedicated coach, unlimited attendance at weekly sessions, a personalised training program, race day support, and access to our squad in both Melbourne and Switzerland, including the opportunity to apply for our altitude training camp.

  • Performance Mentoring is designed for junior athletes interested in the performance pathway who can't attend in-person squad sessions. It is delivered mostly online with a dedicated mentor coach, and includes training oversight, race day planning, skills gap analysis and access to our online athlete community. It's a great stepping stone toward full squad involvement and is also available to athletes based outside Melbourne.

  • es. We work with adult age-group athletes at all levels, from those completing their first sprint triathlon through to Ironman competitors. In fact Momentum started in 2015 as an Age Group focused club, so Age Group athletes have been the foundation of the early years.  If you're an adult looking to get to the next level, whether that's a first race finish, a PB, or a more consistent, structured approach to training, get in touch and we'll figure out the right fit together.

  • We love that our young athletes use their swim, run and bike fitness and skills to explore other opportunities, so yes we would love to help you prepare for endurance challenges like trail runs, bike races or open water swim events. If you have a specific event in mind, mention it when you get in touch and we'll talk through how we can help.

  • Yes. We run open water swim sessions over the summer months and triathlon season, typically at Port Melbourne. These are a great opportunity for athletes at all levels to build confidence and important skills in race conditions. We usually begin these in October before our Swim-Run event Series.  Join our email list to be notified of upcoming sessions.

Practical Questions

  • For swim sessions you'll need a swimsuit, goggles and a swim cap. For run and bike sessions, appropriate training gear and a roadworthy bike. You don't need a triathlon-specific bike to start.  Many of our members begin on a road or hybrid bike, and a good quality second-hand road bike is a perfectly fine starting point. Pool entry fees are included in your membership.

  • No. A good quality second-hand road bike is a perfectly fine starting point, and many of our junior athletes begin on mountain bikes or hybrid bikes. The most important thing is that the bike is roadworthy and a reasonable fit for your child. If you're unsure whether a bike is suitable, mention it when you get in touch and we'll give you an honest answer.

  • Yes. We have connections with a number of Melbourne schools and run programs that complement school-based sport and physical education. If your child is involved in a school running club or sports program and is interested in adding swimming, biking or running into their mix, they are very welcome to come along to our sessions. 

  • Yes. We work closely with the Victorian Institute of Sport, Aus Triathlon and have delivered junior training programs in partnership with Victorian State Pathways. We are also connected to three schools and Melbourne University. 

  • Yes. MTA is a community-driven, non-profit organisation. Fees from our adult coaching programs directly fund the development of our junior programs, helping young Melburnians access swimming, biking and running opportunities regardless of their background.

  • The best first step is to get in touch via our contact page. Chris and Sam will get back to you personally to understand where you're at and help figure out the best fit. You're also very welcome to come along to a session first. Just let us know you're coming.