December, Season, Plans. The End of the Year – Exciting Times Ahead

Published by

finlay_goodman

on

31st Dec 2025

Heading into 2026 I’ve got some big things planned already but that wouldn’t be possible without my season this year. My blog My Most Successful Season yet – a timeline looks back on my triathlon season mainly, but that hasn’t been the only thing going on.

This year has been pretty mixed with probably my best year of growth – including GB representation, racing European Champs, a second consecutive world medal at XTERRA World Champs, debut European Junior Cup, multiple national series podiums and a win at the GBR European Champs qualifier, yet I feel really set on creating more opportunities and performing in 2026, feeling that I haven’t been able to deliver my potential properly yet, which I’ve had and have waiting now, which is maybe a good thing. However that doesn’t mean this year wasn’t successful – far from it.

This year has been a major and pivotal step in helping me perform and achieve my goals in sport and competing in elite international competition. I feel this year has been really essential. It’s a bit cliché to say I’ve learnt and can learn a lot but I’ve been quite reflective on this season, especially with more experience at the highest level of triathlon I can compete in now.

Around about October, I was selected onto the British Triathlon Academy too. With just 10 athletes and 3 other boys, this is the new British Triathlon National Talent Squad for British youth and junior athletes, so is small, but is focused on developing the top athletes in the UK now, for the pathway to an Olympic podium.

I’ve already had two camps. The first one a brief introductory camp in Loughborough in November, and the most recent, in Loughborough again, just before Christmas for testing focus.

With swim, bike and run testing, I’ve gained some new and great insight and being in a concentrated and professional environment with support team, staff and a small group of athletes, is something I wouldn’t have without my performance and season this year and is really beneficial.

A few figures and progress from the December camp included dropping 1.2s over 50m in the pool from a month ago, and power zones from the bike, plus lactate across both the bike and run for lactate thresholds. From the camp things are looking in good shape and I’m excited to use my reflections for the opportunities 2026 has to offer.

Ahead of the new year my first bigger race is the European Junior Cup in Quarteira, in Portugal at the end of March over sprint distance. I’m looking forward to racing in arguably the most stacked European Cup of the season, and being able to race amongst some of the highest quality competition in Europe, and the world.

As well as that I have some exciting things I’m set on doing later in the year.

Before I leave, and sign out my year in sport, aiming to create something positive in life with it, I’ve compiled some pictures from the year below.