The squad will be divided into elite and development groups this week as part of a program designed to produce nationally-competitive triathletes from Tasmania.

They carried out a series of skills and fitness routines at Riverside on Sunday after competing in Bridport on Saturday on top of training separately between eight and 12 times per week.

Fairbrother squad junior development officer Gabe Dennison said the aim was to get as many young Tasmanian triathletes at the required level to compete in the national series on the Sunshine Coast in May.

“Most will train between nine and 12 times a week – they definitely put in the work to get results,” he said.

“The ultimate aim is to get more kids into the sport.

“It’s different. There’s a lot of variety and you can always find something you like. I’ve managed to travel all over Australia competing.”

The Fairbrother Squad includes athletes aged 13 to 18 from all across Tasmania.

Athletes are identified for the squad based on their success in individual running, swimming and cycling events before being trained specifically for triathlon.

The elite squad will compete in the Triathlon Tasmania state series and Australian junior triathlon events.

The junior squad will compete at club level with the potential to improve to a national standard.

The current squad has the second-highest membership since it was formed more than 10 years ago.

It is named in recognition of Royce Fairbrother, a life member of Triathlon Tasmania, who provides ongoing support to junior triathlon competitors.