Pro triathlete Alice Hector starts as the hot-favourite for this weekend’s iron-distance triathlon, The Bastion, set for the 13^th July 2014 at the iconic Hever Castle in Kent.

Hector returned to triathlon after a successful sabbatical from the sport where she focused instead on ultra-running – remaining undefeated during this period of her career. Now she is back to triathlon with some unfinished business, and has already shown what a talent she is by claiming two Scottish national titles and wins at the Israman and Lisboa triathlons.

We caught up with Alice ahead of The Bastion this weekend.

Hi Alice, it’s great to catch up with you again. How are your legs recovering from Ironman 70.3 Luxembourg? I understand you were an unfortunate DNF recently at Cholmondeley Castle Triathlon?

Yes it’s been two weeks since I raced Ironman 70.3 Luxembourg and I have now enjoyed a solid week of training. The running was reintroduced last of all, a few days ago, and now my legs feel 100% recovered.

I tried to race the Olympic distance at Cholmondeley Castle Triathlon the week after the 70.3 and I knew it was a risk as I was absolutely knackered A few athletes can bounce back within one week but I have always been a bit slower in my recovery and this was proved. Lesson learned! I was very sore and risking injury, so I had to stop on the run.

But you’re up and running again ahead of The Bastion triathlon. What is it about this race that has attracted you?

Well my original plans have been somewhat challenged due to a few logistical issues, so I was potentially seeking out a new plan of attack anyway for the remainder of the season. As a new pro I need experience and I need to earn some money wherever possible and this race came up on my radar last minute, but it does ticks all the boxes.

I’m fit, healthy and more-or-less ready anyway, so a payday race essentially on my doorstep needs to be supported by us, the local pros, if we want to see the event flourish and grow.

What has impressed you about the Castle Triathlon Series events?

The organisers can’t be more friendly and welcoming. The events are set in beautiful locations. The prize money is very respectable, and they cater for everyone, from children through to beginners and elites. They do it all and I am really impressed - it is just what domestic racing needs.

How important is it that events like this are in the calendar for you as a professional?

These events are our bread and butter really. We need to have options every month which don’t involve endless expensive travel and so the more events like this, the better!

What are your ambitions from this race and what are your plans for the rest of the season?

I would like to earn some pocket money and enjoy a strong, stress-free race. It’s been a while since I raced this long but I am more than confident about being equipped to race hard over the distance.

My plans involve a couple more long distance triathlons then a marathon at the end of September. I have half-an-eye on a certain marathon in 2018, so I just want to see where I’m at!

- Interview ends -

Designed by an ex-Royal Marine, each leg of The Bastion has been carefully planned to offer the ultimate challenge for both newcomers to long-distance triathlon and experienced long-course hands, ensuring that there will be plenty of drama played out over the day and across the 140.6 mile course.

With this stunning backdrop location, tough course and an unbelievable race package for all competitors, The Bastion is set to become a ‘must-do’ iron-distance triathlon.

The unique swim has been hailed by some competitors who have visited Hever Castle triathlon before as ‘the best open water swim ever experienced’. The 3.8 kilometre swim course leaves from the Italianate loggia taking competitors down the length of the main lake before passing the Japanese tea house and heading into the scenic river section.

The 180km three loop bike course represents arguably the toughest iron-distance route on offer in the UK, with around 2,000 metres of ascent covering ‘areas of outstanding beauty’ in the High Weald of Kent before passing through Hartfield and over the Ashdown Forest.

The four lap run route is mainly an off road trail run. It circumnavigates the two stunning estates of Hever and Chiddingstone Castles before an iconic finish in-front of the Hever Castle drawbridge that once gave passage to King Henry VIII into one of his Royal homes.

All entrants will fully earn their finishers medal, premium branded ruck-sack, branded sports body warmer, Speedo towel and Buff Original headwear. The recovery after this epic challenge begins immediately after with a complimentary hot meal and free sports massage, plus the rights to accurately claiming a place in history by having taken part in the first ever Bastion Triathlon at Hever Castle.

The race will can also claim to be offering one of the biggest prize purses in the UK, with the winners taking home £2,500 and the total prize purse amounting to £10,000. Further prizes will be for the top-3 male and female competitors in the 40+, 50+ and 60+ categories.

You can follow live coverage of the race via Twitter (@CastleTriathlon)and Facebook or by following the hashtag ‘#BastionTri2014’.

You can view a course preview video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auEA3KkV8Jc

Trading Places

Would you like to be a part of The Bastion? The Castle Triathlon Series offers a trading places scheme for anyone who volunteers as a marshal or works as part of the race team. whereby a free race is given in return for a day’s marshalling at any one of the Castle Triathlon Series events. The ‘free place’ can be used for any race distance, including one of The Gauntlet half-iron distance triathlons held around the country. You can register to volunteer here: http://www.castletriathlonseries.co.uk/take-part/volunteers