Welcome!

Welcome to Mike Fraysse Sports' website for our 2009 Argentina Training Camp Vacation.

Since 1983, we have been running triathlon camps that give our clients an unparalleled experience, combining Olympic-caliber coaching with world-class facilities in a fun and exciting warm weather vacation spot.

Escape the harsh winter this February and travel to Mar del Plata, Argentina, for a training camp vacation and the experience of a lifetime!

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Train in one of South America's hottest vacation spots, race in an internationally-sanctioned half Ironman (optional), partake in a traditional Argentinean BBQ, witness a spectacular tango show, go sight-seeing in Buenos Aires, and much more!

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To discover more, please use the menu at right to navigate the pages.

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Triathlon Training Camp

For all levels and abilities of triathletes, from sprint on up to Ironman competitors. Recreational and age group "weekend warriors" will raise their fitness level and increase skills to gain further enjoyment from the sport of triathlon. Racers will work with coaches to improve all aspects of their training and skills to see improved results and faster PRs.

We will be utilizing a vast array of world-class, private training facilities (see seperate page for details) all located within several blocks of the hotel, under the full-time supervision of many of the biggest names in the triathlon world.

Barbara Buenahora, Latin America's #1 Pro Ironman Triathlete, as well as Juan Mutti, 3-time Argentina National Ironman Champion, will join us at workouts and meals to work 1-on-1 with each athlete in addition to coaches to help you achieve your goals.

Half Ironman Mar del Plata

In addition to triathlon training, participants will have the option to take part in Half-Ironman Mar del Plata, an official internationally-sanctioned Ironman Triathlon that takes place on Sunday, March (giving you a full 9 days preparation leading into the event).

For those who choose to compete, the experience is unlike any other. All of Mar del Plata shuts down to give racers complete use of major city and surrounding countryside streets. Tens of thousands of spectators turn out to cheer you on every step of the way. The race begins with a swim through the Atlantic Ocean starting on the beach alongside Casino Central, the world's largest casino. The bike portion travels along the coast, using Mar del Plata's most prominent streets where spectators pack 3-deep along the curb. The run brings you through the heart of the city, where, cheered on by thousands you will finish just before the beach and be crowned an International Ironman Finisher and be eligible for Age Group awards as well.

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Later in the day after the race we will travel to the awards presentation, followed by a special Argentinean barbeque later that evening where you will be able to sample all of Argentina's world-famous meats.

Trip to Buenos Aires

On Monday, March 2, we will depart Mar del Plata after breakfast and travel north to Buenos Aires. There we will visit a traditional Argentinean tango show, and afterwards dine out at one of Buenos Aires' most exclusive restaurants.

The next day after breakfast we will take part in a guided tour of Buenos Aires. We will visit all of the most historic sites in the city, including the famous La Recoleta Cemetery, the ancient Palermo Viejo district, Plaza del Mayo's magnificent architecture, Palermo's massive botanical gardens, and much more.

You will also have the opportunity to go shopping in Buenos Aires' well-known shopping district, before departing back to the USA in the evening.

The Perfect Vacation Getaway

After training, experience the endless exciting possibilities of Argentina’s attractions. Bask in the sun at our private beach resort just a few blocks from the hotel, or play the odds at Casino Central, the largest casino in the world, just a short walk down the street.

Avid golfers can tee off at the 4 clubs and 5 courses located less than 20 minutes away.

Go horseback riding, jet skiing, or wind surfing, rent a canoe or kayak, stroll through a park, or attend one of many pro sports events, all located within walking distance of the hotel.

Tired from a long day in the saddle? Put your feet up at one of the cafés on just about every corner and enjoy a cup of Argentina’s famous coffee with a pastry.

Shopping: Many camp attendees bring their non-cycling spouses and friends to take in the unbelievable shopping scene. More than a dozen malls within a 15 minute walk feature everything from European designer brands, hand-crafted leather products, beautiful antiques, fine jewelry and much more all at a fraction of the cost in America!

Coaching Staff and Experience

Never before has a training camp brought together so many years of elite caliber experience for your benefit. Our staff has an unmatched combined coaching experience of more than 500 years that has resulted in 13 Tour de France victories, 14 Olympic Gold Medals, 129 National Championship Titles, and 32 World Championship Titles. Working together with you on a 1-on-1 basis we will unleash your potential and give you everything you need to reach your goals!

Coaching Staff

Mike Fraysse: 1976 and 1984 US Olympic Team Manager, 14-time World Championships Coach, former coach of Greg Lemond and Lance Armstrong (left, with Olympic Gold Medalist Marty Nothstein just after winning 2 World Titles in Italy)

Kevin Koskella: World-renowned triathlon swim coach for TriSwimCoach. Regular contributor to Inside Triathlon and Men's Health Magazine, former NCAA All-American swimmer.

Barbara Buenahora: #1 ranked Latin American Ironman triathlete, 9-time Argentina Champion, winner of 2003 Ironman Brazil (photo at right)

Dr. Juan Mutti: 3-time Argentina Ironman Champion, owner and chief sports medicine physician at world-renowned Sports Institute (picture left)

Juan Curuchet: 2008 Beijing Olympic Gold Medal Winner, 2004 Elite Track World Champion

Jiri Manus: Olympic and World Championships Medalist, Winner of the Peace Race and Milk Race, 20 years as Coaching Director of USA Cycling

Phil Stephens: ISU Track Certification Instructor, Pan Am Champion, world-renowned bike fit specialist with Bike Fit Systems, LLC.

Betsy Davis: 19-time US National Champion, 300+ career victories, former US National Team coach

Joe Saling: 17-time US National Champion, multiple Masters Pan-Am Champion, Head Coach of the Walden School of Cycling

Locations and Accommodations

Our tried and tested venue from the last 6 years, Mar del Plata is known as the "Riviera" of South America. One of the most popular resort cities in South America, Mar del Plata is a summer wonderland that is actively increasing its reputation as the sports capital of South America. Mar del Plata has hosted such events as the annual Mar del Plata Marathon, the internationally-sanctioned Half-Ironman Mar del Plata, as well as the 1995 Pan Am Games, 2005 FIBA Youth World Championships, 1978 FIFA World Cup, and 2001 FIFA Youth World Championships.
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As a result, Mar del Plata is an incredibly sports-friendly city that is absolutely perfect for our training camps. A beautiful location right on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Mar del Plata is in the height of summer during February and March, making it the perfect place to escape the frigid winter snows of the northern hemisphere.

Our accomodations in Mar del Plata are at the 5-Star Hotel 13 de Julio. Much more than just a hotel, 13 de Julio features an Internet Cafe with Wi-Fi connection, Bar, Dance Floor, Game Room, and spacious Lobby. Rooms are equipped with Private Bath, Central Heating, Environmental Music, Cable TV, and Telephone with NDD and IDD capabilities. Suites are also available and feature wide kitchen and dining room, living room, meeting area, 3 spacious bedrooms, individual cold/heat air conditioning, and jacuzzi.

Facilities

Our training camps in Argentina offer unmatched world-class and private facilities, all located within mere blocks of the hotel.

•250m Velodrome (sight of 1995 Pan Am Games)

•Private Beach for open water swim training and transition practice

•Private 333m Velodrome

• Private 50m and 25m Swimming Pools

• Gym

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• Private Road Circuit Criterium Course for training and competition

• 2.5km Auto Track for road drills and workouts

•Sports Science Clinic (see Sports Medicine Testing on the menu for details)

• Cross-country Running Course

Sports Medicine Testing

Sports medicine testing will be carried out at the world-renowned ASAL Sports Medicine Facility in Mar del Plata. ASAL stands for "All Sports All Levels," and was created by Dr. Juan Mutti, a certified sports medicine physician and professional Ironman triathlete. Having won 3 Ironman National Titles and recorded podiums and top placings at races in more than 40 countries, Juan brings his unmatched experience at the top level of professional endurance sports to his facility.

Tests range from Anthropometric body composition analyses to threshold tests to underwater swim-stroke analyses, and much more, all utilizing the most sophisticated cutting-edge technology available.

In addition, ASAL features a full gym with free weights, circuit machines, aerobic machines, a spin room, treadmills, sauna, and steam room.

Bike Fit Services

96% of the population has a misaligned bike fit. World-renowned bike fit and cleat positioning specialist Phil Stephens of Bike Fit Systems, LLC. will be on hand in Argentina to perform custom bike fits for all attendees. Phil will solve all your problems to increase your comfort and performance on the bike!

Visit http://www.bikefit.com/ for more information on all of their services!

Special Group and Club Discounts

For clubs or groups of 5 or more, special discounts and rates are available. Please contact us for pricing.

Bring your friends and team members and save!

Prices and Dates

The triathlon camp runs 11 days, from February 20 - March 3. Departure from the US is on Friday evening, February 20, with arrival in Buenos Aires on the 21st. Return from Buenos Aires is on Tuesday evening, March 3, with arrival in the US on the morning of the 4th.

However if you would like to arrive later or need to leave earlier, arrangements can be made (for example if you want to fly out Sunday night rather than Tuesday).

The price for each camp is $1995, which covers lodging, meals, coaching, use of training facilities, use of private beach resort, airport pick up and drop off and all internal transportation within Argentina, bike fit analysis, sports medicine testing, complete team training kit, special BBQ and awards dinner, tango show, sightseeing in Buenos Aires, and a special dinner in Buenos Aires. Single rooms are available for an additional $300 for the entire stay. Price does not include airfare.

Special pricing for juniors and U-23s, thanks to the generosity of one of our sponsors! Please contact us for details.

Big discounts are also available for clubs or groups of 5 or more! Please contact us for details.