These are all of our coaches at Farnham Triathlon Club! The coaches take turns coaching our training sessions, which can be booked by clicking here.
Head Coach
Mark Zirbser
Coaching Qualifications
BTF Level 2 and 50% of the way through BTF High Performing Coach Programme
Why triathlon?
I get bored too quickly with a single discipline sport and simply love the mental and physical challenge of ultra distance multi-sport.
When did you start competing?
1988
Competition Results
I have done well over 100 triathlons, although I have never done a pool-based triathlon. My favourite is long course and this season will be my 20th Ironman distance race. I also love ultra running and have enjoyed great challenges such as Western States 100 miler and Dragon’s Back in Wales. I may not be fast, but I do have a huge wealth of learning from interesting challenges ranging from heat stroke to hypothermia and even arriving at races with missing parts of my bike. I once used a rock from the beach and some electrical tape to keep my seat in place at Ironman Portugal.
Favourite discipline to compete in?
I love all three!
Why coaching?
My favourite thing about coaching is helping people overcome the challenges to achieve their dreams and optimal performance. However, that doesn’t just mean fast Ironman triathletes chasing Hawaii. Some of my favourite coaching moments have been teaching someone how to ride a bike in a carpark who eventually competed at age group nationals in duathlon and supporting someone who was so scared of the open water they were in tears for the first couple of swims but managed to go on and do an Ironman.
Top Coaching Tip
Recovery is a training session – not laziness! Find the right balance of intensity and recovery – triathletes tend to go too hard or too easy and not factor in recovery properly.
Other hobbies?
Food and cooking – I have taken cooking classes in four different countries.
Desert Island Disc
A Mindfulness Meditation Soundtrack so that I could simply just be in the moment.
Something you always pack when competing?
More of a packing tip – I always take my pedals, shoes and helmet with me as cabin baggage – if everything else doesn’t I arrive I always figure I could borrow a bike and get on with it 😊
Shirley Wilkinson
Coaching Qualifications
BTF Triathlon Level 2, Indoor Cycling Instructor, Strength and Conditioning and currently completing Level 2 Diploma course
Why triathlon?
I wanted to try something different. Having played Netball all my life it was taking its toll on my knees and ankles. Running filled a gap for a while but I got bored with pavement pounding. I’d always been a good swimmer and had been coerced into trying a Sprint triathlon by a group of commuters on my regular train journey. I like the variety of training and camaraderie of triathlon and am constantly inspired by our club athletes and the variety of events we enter and travel to.
When did you start competing?
2015
Competition Results
AJ Bell Leeds World Triathlon Championship Series 2022 (Sunday) 1st in Age Group Northumberland Festival of Sport 2022 – 4th in Age Group (Qualified for Team GB) Windsor Sprint Tri 2018 – 9th in Age Group
Favourite discipline to compete in?
I chop and change depending on how my training is going but finishing is right up there 😊
Why did you choose coaching?
I had already been Club Secretary since 2018 and loved being part of the Club. When the club needed more coaches I volunteered to help the club primarily but as injuries become more frequent and lasting, it made sense. I was also heavily involved in the RAF Netball team for a few years so knew I would enjoy coaching.
Favourite discipline to coach?
Swimming, a deceptively technical sport where tiny little tweaks can make such an improvement.
Top Coaching Tip
Listen to your body a rest day means REST. Also remember nutrition and sleep also play a part in your performance. .
Other hobbies?
Taking part in Body Balance classes, Cooking, travelling, reading crime novels
Desert Island Disc
John Mayer – Belief
Something you always pack when competing?
Single hole punch for the race numbers. Talcum powder for inside cycle shoes and something warm to put on after racing.
😊
David Pinkney
Coaching Qualifications
BTF Triathlon Level 2
Why triathlon?
I was a club swimmer for many years and competed in many galas but I found I was becoming more competitive in longer races and less competitive in shorter races. I joined FTC to swim on Tuesdays in the Aldershot Garrison pool. After a few months, I was bitten by the triathlon bug and I bought a bike from a club member. I rediscovered my love of cycling and really enjoyed training on my bike. After years of pounding up and down swimming pools, buying a wetsuit and swimming in open water was a revelation. As well as competing in triathlons, mainly sprint distance, I started to swim in 3000 metre open water races. They were fun and I found I was competitive.
When did you start competing?
2004
Favourite discipline to compete in?
Swimming😊
Why did you choose coaching?
To give something back, I enjoy watching people improve.
Favourite discipline to coach?
Swimming
Top Coaching Tip
Train the mind as well as the body
Other hobbies?
Languages, travel, skiing, yoga, motor sport, writing software, cooking, mountain biking
Desert Island Disc
White Room – Cream
Something you always pack when competing?
Energy gels and chocolate
Haydn Jones
Coaching Qualifications
BTF Triathlon Level 2, ASA Teaching Aquatics Level 1.
Why triathlon?
I enjoyed multi sports at school: biathlon, triathlon and tetrathlon that were shorter versions of modern pentathlon. I then took up golf for 20 years, but by chance fell back into swimming in my late 30’s. I then started to compete in Masters swim events. A golfing colleague suggested I have a go at the Windsor triathlon in 2006 and so it began. I joined FTC soon after and regularly competed in club, national and qualifier events, although I would now say I am more of a dabbler on the competing side and certainly nothing longer than Standard distance.
When did you start competing?
2006
Competition Results
AJ Bell Leeds World Triathlon Championship Series 2022 (Sunday) 1st in Age Group Northumberland Festival of Sport 2022 – 4th in Age Group (Qualified for Team GB) Windsor Sprint Tri 2018 – 9th in Age Group
Favourite discipline to compete in?
Swimming😊
Why did you choose coaching?
I enjoy seeing people improve.
Favourite discipline to coach?
Swimming
Top Coaching Tip
Don’t drop that elbow to get the best swim catch.
Other hobbies?
Golf, conservation volunteering, kayaking and reading.
Desert Island Disc
Blue Monday, New Order
Something you always pack when competing?
Toe covers for your bike shoes – cold toes on an early morning bike section are painful! BTF race card too.
😊
Hendrik De Villiers
Coaching Qualifications
BTF Triathlon Level 2, LTS (Learn to Swim) Indoor Cycling Instructor.
Why triathlon?
Getting bored at one. Very good cross training and when you injured for one, you can probably still do one of the others. Bonus is the beautiful and interesting places you might see around the world and making friends all over.
When did you start competing?
1999
Competition Results
South African Commonwealth Games and Olympic Team member.
5 x National and Continental Champion
- World Triathlon (ITU) World Cups (1st 2007 and 3rd 2008) and multiple top 10’s.
- London Triathlon Champion 2006.
- 70.3 – Top 10 Pro
My former athletes’ results: Olympic Distance, World Championship Gold and Bronze, 70.3, and full Ironman All-World Athlete top 5% – some racing pro today and excelling.
Favourite discipline to compete in?
Sprint or Olympic
Why did you choose coaching?
Giving back to the sport I got so much out of. Being experienced and enjoying it helps, so is leading a healthy life, very beneficial. I generally find the sports crowd more friendly and happier and better to be around.
Favourite discipline to coach?
I like the variation, but probably open water swimming, hands-on in the water. Joining in on a coffee ride just as good.
Top Coaching Tip
Go on fun and feeling before you get serious and bogged up in the tech stuff. Don’t be too much of a macho and suffer in silence – get a niggle sorted before it becomes an injury – be sensible.
Other hobbies?
Golf, Gardening Cooking
Desert Island Disc
Blue Monday, New Order
Something you always pack when competing?
Basic race essentials in hand luggage when traveling. Bike tool and basic spare parts and a foot pump. wallet and ID, hydration and snacks.
😊
Jonathan Porter
Coaching Qualifications
BTF Triathlon Level 2 Diploma
Why triathlon?
Looking for a different challenge – and got talked into giving it a go by a neighbour (Sophie Gasson – you have a lot to be responsible for!)
When did you start competing?
About 10-12yrs ago – started by giving Crondall Tri a go.
Favourite discipline to compete in?
Running – it means that a triathlon is nearly over…
Why did you choose coaching?
Started off helping out with the Youth section because my children were training and I had to be there. But then got interested in coaching – and here we are.
Favourite discipline to coach?
Swimming. Often athletes joining the club are not that confident swimmers or haven’t swum for a long time. It’s rewarding to see them grow in confidence and relatively minor suggestions can make a big difference.
Top Coaching Tip
“Perfect Practice makes Perfect”. That is, you need to switch on and think about what you’re doing when you are practicing to make sure you’re doing it correctly.
Other hobbies?
Cricket (watching and playing), travelling.
Desert Island Disc
“Walking on Sunshine” – Katerina and the Waves.
Something you always pack when competing?
My lucky race belt
Dominic Brooks
Coaching Qualifications
BTF Foundation Level
Why triathlon?
Having had to give up rugby in my late teens due to problems with concussion I was encouraged by a colleague at my first job to give triathlon a go. Will continue to compete as long as I enjoy it.
When did you start competing?
Competed for 4/5 years in the 90’s. Had a break for 7/8 years and returned to the sport in 2005.
Competition Results
2nd GB AG Sprint Championships 2015. AG Standard Distance World Championships in London 2013, Rotterdam 2017 and Malaga 2024
Favourite discipline to compete in?
Bike
Why did you choose coaching?
I have enjoyed being a member of FTC for the last 15 years and wanted to be able to help out/spread the coaching load on occasion.
Favourite discipline to coach?
Cycling – I expect!
Top Coaching Tip
Keep concentrating on the bike leg. It’s very easy to just “drift along”!
Other hobbies?
Rugby Union (Watching), cycling time trials, eating and drinking.
Desert Island Disc
Won’t Get Fooled Again – The Who.
Something you always pack when competing?
Emergency loo roll.
Ruth Jones
Coaching Qualifications
Level 3 Personal Trainer, Level 3 GP Referral, Level 4 Low Back Pain Specialist, Working towards BTF Level 2 Group Coach
Why triathlon?
I started out with running at the age of 11 but over the years I have had lots of injuries resulting in me starting to cross train so I decided to have a go at duathlons at first and then triathlons. I am a Technical Official so like to see the sport from all sides
When did you start competing?
1991 in running and 2016 in Duathlon & triathlon
Competition Results
3rd in AG @ European Standard Duathlon Championships 2023, Represented GB in AG 14 times since 2017. Middlesex and Hampshire Athletics medalist. Competed for Hampshire in XC. Numerous British Masters Athletics and Road running medals.
Favourite discipline to compete in?
Running
Why did you choose coaching?
I like to see others progress and achieve their goals. I also like to give back to sport and without volunteers giving their time up there would be no one to help others achieve.
Favourite discipline to coach?
Any
Top Coaching Tip
Preparation for performance is key to achieving. Listen to your body and rest as needed. Training and racing should be fun!
Other hobbies?
My allotment, Craft, watching any sport (not really football), Cycling Time Trials, Technical Officiating in Triathlon.
Desert Island Disc
Westlife – Greatest Hits (I love a boy band)
Something you always pack when competing?
Toilet roll, Marker pen and Hole punch, Pack everything as hand luggage when travelling and an airTag on my bike and in my luggage so I know where it is.