This weekend, the spotlight shifts to Parliament Hill as Hugo Milner, a hopeful contender for the Olympic triathlon, takes on the London International Cross Country. Despite his dedication to swim-bike-run ambitions, Milner contemplates the prospect of competing in the World Cross Country Championships in Belgrade later this year.
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With a rigorous training regimen that includes a two-hour swim at 5:30 am, a 90-minute bike session, and a leisurely 10-kilometer run, the 25-year-old athlete from Derby AC follows a strict schedule. Unlike his prior program, which permitted Fridays off, the standard now includes five-hour training days. Milner acknowledges the shift, stating, “Five-hour training days have become the norm.”
Milner, who clinched victory at the Liverpool Cross Challenge in November and achieved a commendable fourth place at the European Championships in Brussels, predominantly focuses on triathlons. However, he keeps the door open for participation in the World Cross Country Championships in Serbia on March 30.
Having already secured qualification for the World Cross team based on his impressive Brussels performance, Milner faces a scheduling conflict with a triathlon World Cup on the same day. Despite the challenge, he expresses his affinity for cross country and maintains flexibility in his decision-making process.
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The competition at Parliament Hill holds significant implications, with senior winners earning automatic selection for the World Cross in Serbia. Milner, having already qualified, remains cautious about finalizing his decision, stating, “I’ve not fully decided yet.”
In the fiercely competitive realm of Triathlon Olympic selection, where athletes like Alex Yee and Beth Potter have already secured spots for Paris, Milner, an alumnus of Harvard University, acknowledges the additional challenge of accumulating sufficient world ranking points for upcoming World Triathlon Championship Series events.
Photo by: Harvard Athletics
Reflecting on his journey, Milner admits, “No one would have thought I’d have been in this situation a few months ago.” Despite the odds, he showcased his prowess by winning a World Triathlon Cup race in Miyazaki.
With the triathlon cut-off for Olympic selection looming in May, Milner adopts a strategic approach to keep his running options open. He recognizes the formidable track qualifying marks but believes that with the right training techniques, achieving them is within reach.
As he prepares for Parliament Hill this weekend and gears up for his first triathlon race of the year on February 23, Milner underscores the importance of focusing on his capabilities and steering clear of injuries. His personal bests in the 5000m and 10,000m events are poised for revision, underscoring his unwavering dedication and determination on the journey toward Olympic glory.
