Ex-England captain and Strictly star teaming as much as tackle triathlon

Julian Caillon and Chris Robshaw are set to tackle the T100 Triathlon in London

Known for being tidy with his feet, Strictly Come Dancing pro Julian Caillon is getting ready to tackle the London T100 Triathlon in the London Docklands alongside an icon of English rugby.

The Sydney-born Australian met Chris Robshaw on the set of the dancing show last year and have become training partners as the two raise money for the Kerslake-Robshaw Foundation.

The 30-year-old Aussie talked about what makes his partnership with the former England captain so strong. Caillon said: “Rugby versus dancing – it doesn’t get much more different, apart from the length of your shorts at times!

“We’re so different, yet we’re trying to achieve the same goal. It doesn’t matter where you come from, or what background you have, triathlon is for everyone.

“In a world where everything seems to encourage us to be indoors or, as we lose connection with the natural world and other people, it is invaluable to have a sport that has a community that encourages us to speak to each other while promoting a healthy lifestyle.

“I think all the quick changes in theatres between numbers have prepared me well. I’m actually pretty good in the transitions!”

Caillon made his Strictly debut last year and he revealed his respect for Robshaw and his wife Camilla Kerslake, for their work opening up sport and music for underprivileged children.

“When I first met Chris, what struck me was how nice and genuine he is; you can understand why he was such a great captain. He’s so encouraging and supportive,” the 30-year-old pro dancer said.

“We hung out a lot during the series, and we both have that hunger and drive to compete, in a fun and supportive way.

“The work that Chris and Camilla [Kerslake] have done has been incredible and the funds they have raised have been just sensational.

“After a successful career, it’s easy to sit on your laurels and enjoy retirement, but Chris is actively out there trying to make a difference.”

Caillon has a globetrotting training regime, which has taken him all the way to Colombia with his fiancée Sofia, who will also compete in the event.

He spoke about how triathlon has become a key part of their relationship and he reminisced, cringing at times, on the first steps of his triathlon journey in his home city before moving to West London.

“I packed my bag for a wedding with my suit and nice shoes, and then I’ve got a helmet, cleats, cycling gear, speedos, paddles, fins, the whole lot,” he joked.

“Once my fiancée and I discovered triathlon training about three years ago, it’s become such an integral part of our lifestyle that even if we’re on holiday, we still try and find a way to go for a run, swim or bike ride in the morning to set our day up.

“We were living in Sydney at the time, when a couple of friends were signing up for just a sprint triathlon, and I thought it could be fun.

“It’s quite funny when I look back at myself, cycling with sneakers on a bike I bought for a hundred dollars.

“As an Australian, we love anything that’s outdoors. You get to meet people whilst exercising, and any sport that involves caffeine and a significant number of pastries, I’ll always be up for.”

Robshaw added: “I think what is so great about the T100 is the camaraderie, and that’s what you do miss when you retire.

“The competing, the crowds, the buzz, the excitement, but also the nerves. The nerves of getting ready to dive into the Docklands and start swimming.

“It is going to be tough, but then you want to get out and hopefully get everything on or my shoes on, at the right time and in the right place and all this kind of stuff.”

Chris Robshaw and Julian Caillon will join 5,300 amateurs swimming, riding, and running around the capital for the third London T100 Triathlon on 25-26 July.

The weekend also features British Olympic stars, including Alex Yee, Beth Potter, and Georgia Taylor-Brown racing in the World Triathlon Championship Series (WTCS).

The elite women go at 2:30pm and the elite men at 4:15pm, with live coverage on the BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website and app, and Red Button in the UK.

You can support Julian and Chris through this link: https://www.justgiving.com/page/chrisr-julianc