THE JBR Tri Club took their training up several gears during a specially arranged camp in Cyprus.

A group of 12 triathletes from the Rochford based club spent a week in the sunshine.

But it was far from a holiday as coach Jon Brown put them through their paces as they cycled more than 600km, ran 20km, swam between eight to 10km and climbed more than 25,0000 foot.

“It was a chance for our club members to get a get a taste of what it’s like to be a pro triathlete and everyone got through a lot of hard work while we were out there,” explained Brown.

“The week was fully planned and delivered by myself so all the athletes had to do was turn up to complete the varying sessions.

“Every day we did an early morning swim with a long bike ride of at least 80km followed by varying runs according to each athlete’s ability.”

The club, which was formed in February 2015, made a similar visit last year.

But the latest trip proved to be even more popular ahead of the start of the new triathlon season.

“We have members training for different events and different distances so it was good to get out and get some quality work done,” said Brown.

“The week was all about getting a chance to lay down the final foundations before the main triathlon season starts and that’s exactly what happened.

“It was good to go over as everyone helps each other through the tough times and being in a group obviously makes it more fun.

“I’m sure everyone took a lot from it and will be feeling much stronger in all three disciplines which is what we were aiming for.”

And Brown, whose club holds at least three training sessions every week, has already started planning next year’s trip.

“We will be going again next year and I’m looking at one or two new things to add in,” said Brown.

“We want to cater for even more people and abilities and that’s what we will be looking to do.”