Cameron Goes Long | Interview

Switching from short course to long course triathlon is a significant decision for any athlete. For Cameron Main, the move was driven by a mix of factors and we caught up with the Commonwealth Games 2022 athlete to find out what his next moves will be for the 2025 season and beyond.

Q: You’ve made the switch to long course now. Are you proud of your short course career and what was the main reason behind the switch?

A: My motivation has shifted. I want a new challenge, and I truly believe that with hard work, I can compete at the top level of long-distance racing over the next 10-15 years. I’m excited to develop and grow in this different format of the sport.

I’m very proud of what I have achieved in my short course career. Since starting triathlon in 2012, I’ve always dreamed of wearing a GB tri suit. Being able to race for Great Britain worldwide is a dream come true, something not many people get the chance to do.

My highlight was representing Scotland at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games. It was a moment I worked incredibly hard for, and having my family in the grandstand made it even more special. Other standout moments include winning the Melilla 2024 European Cup and finishing 5th at the Valencia 2023 World Cup.

Q: Some view the Olympics as the ultimate goal. Has your mindset shifted away from that?

A: It has been tough to let go of the Olympic dream, as every elite athlete aspires to it. However, I had to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. While qualifying for LA 2028 wasn’t impossible, I wasn’t willing to jeopardise my career for something that could ultimately be a negative experience in attempting to qualify due to various factors. Instead, my focus is now on becoming an Ironman 70.3 or Ironman World Champion.

Q: Is Loughborough still going to be your base, or do you have plans to relocate?

A: For now, yes. However, I plan to spend more time training abroad to maximise my ability to ride on the TT bike outside. Spending time in Australia, where my dad now lives, is something I will be doing more frequently in the future.

Loughborough is a fantastic training environment with excellent facilities, great running routes, and solid cycling options. The only downside is the weather for eight months of the year!

I’m currently in Perth for my first race of the season in Geelong on March 23rd. I’ll definitely use Australia as a winter training base more in the future.

Q: What does your 2025 long course race schedule look like?

A: My planned races for 2025 are:

• Ironman 70.3 Geelong – March 23rd
• Ironman 70.3 Venice-Jesolo – May 4th
• Ironman 70.3 Aix-en-Provence – May 18th
• Ironman 70.3 European Championships (Jönköping) – July 6th
• Triathlon Gérardmer XL – September 6th
• Ironman 70.3 Emilia Romagna – September 21st
• Ironman 70.3 World Championships (TBC) – November 9th
• Ironman Western Australia – December 7th

Q: Do you have any current sponsors or new sponsorships in the works?

A: I currently don’t have any sponsors, but I’m working to boost my profile this year and engage with potential brands. I’ve been fortunate to receive some support from a few brands, which helps a lot.

I’ve recently set up a YouTube channel called The Triathlon Diary alongside my partner Sophia Green (Commonwealth Games 2022 athlete). We are planning to bring you day-to-day lifestyle videos of what our lives look like. You can subscribe to follow along!

Q: How much have you focused on TT bike training this winter?

A: The TT bike has been my top priority since switching to long course. I’ve spent countless hours on Zwift, riding the TT bike for over 15 hours per week. I know the bike leg is my current weakness, and I’m determined to turn that into a strength through hard work.

Q: Do you have your sights set on the T100 or Ironman Pro Series?

A: This year, I’ll be focusing on four Ironman Pro Series races and aiming to qualify for the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Marbella. I won’t be targeting the overall Pro Series in 2025, as you need to complete at least three full Ironmans to be competitive at the top.

The T100 series is something I’d love to be involved in. It’s world-class racing with significant prize money and exposure—exactly what excites athletes and fans alike.