Ambassador: Jack Durkacz
Instagram: @durkacz
Category: Road / Triathlete / Time Trial / Sportive
Road Bike: Merida Reacto 8000, Reynolds AR60 DB carbon, SRAM Force 48/35 - 10/30 (Quarq Power Meter). Great bike to have on the wall for a variety of riding across different terrains and Scottish weather. Triathlon / TT Bike: Argon 18 E-119 Tri + Disc (Argon 18 are available as special order at Northern Ride), Zipp 404 / 808 & Vision Metron Disc Wheel, SRAM Red 52/39 - 10/30 (Quarq Power Meter). The go fast bike, perfect for Ironman distance triathlon and time trials.
Biography: Growing up, my main sport was ice hockey, which I started playing at the age of six. However, after breaking my arm during a game, I was side-lined for several months. To stay fit, I took up running and began using a stationary bike while following GCN indoor cycling videos. That experience sparked an interest in cycling, around the same time, I decided that taking on a triathlon would be a great challenge, so I also started swimming. Just six months later, in 2021, I completed my first 70.3 distance triathlon at Aberfeldy. That same summer, I also tackled Ironman Bolton 70.3, and from there, I haven’t looked back.
In 2022, I went on to compete in several races, including a half-Ironman in France, Ironman Hamburg, and Outlaw Nottingham. Reflecting on where I started—learning to swim and riding my entry-level Boardman—I can see how far I’ve come. Now, I dedicate a significant amount of time to improving across all three disciplines of triathlon. This year, with coaching support from Total Endurance (based locally in Aberdeen), I completed three full Ironman-distance races: Frenchman, Outlaw, and Ironman Italy. My bike splits have been particularly strong this season, thanks to my Argon 18 E119. A highlight was coming 4th in my age group at Ironman Italy, which earned me a slot for the 2025 Ironman World Championships in Nice.
For me, the training process has always been the most enjoyable part of the sport. I love the challenge of improving in each discipline, so I maintain a consistent training schedule even during the winter/off-season. A typical week includes 6–7 swim sessions, 3–4 bike sessions, and 3–4 runs, along with some strength and conditioning work. As race season approaches, the volume increases, and the focus of sessions shifts, but the structure remains similar. Working with a coach has been invaluable for planning everything in TrainingPeaks, setting goals, and reviewing data. While I try to avoid indoor training when possible, Scottish weather often dictates otherwise—but having the Merida Reacto allows me to train outdoors on various terrain and in most conditions.
Outside of triathlon, I work as a subsea engineer, which is primarily office-based, though it occasionally involves working offshore on diving vessels. Fitting training around work means early mornings and evenings, and offshore assignments can be a challenge. Thankfully, most vessels and platforms are equipped with treadmills and Wattbikes, so I always pack my lycra and cycling shoes to stay on track.
Interesting experience: To fit 25-hour training weeks around my day job, I’ve been known to head out as early as 4 a.m., sometimes doing 90km on the TT bike and finishing my ride at the office. On one of these mornings, I was pushing the pace as I approached the Aberdeenshire town of Banchory. A car had been sitting behind me for about 10 minutes, despite having multiple opportunities to pass. I kept flicking my elbow to signal that he should overtake, but he stayed behind. When we reached the town, I finally realised why—blue lights flashed, and I was pulled over by the police. The policeman mentioned I was “fairly going” and then questioned why I was out cycling so early in the morning. Even road cyclists think triathletes are a bit odd, but I did my best to explain!
Aspirations: Looking ahead to next year, my race calendar includes Ironman Lanzarote in May, Outlaw Nottingham in July, and the Ironman World Championships in Nice in September. I’m also considering dipping my toes into local road racing and time trialing—excited to see how that unfolds!
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