What is a triathlon?
A triathlon is a multisport event consisting of 3 elements:
- A swim
- A cycle ride
- A run
Each element follows the other without a pause other than to change into the necessary kit. The change from one discipline to the next is known as “transition” with t1 being the transition from swim to bike where you take off your wetsuit, don cycle helmet and shoes and jump on your bike, and t2 being the transition from bike to run where you swap to trainers.
The swim can either be in a local swimming pool, or a lake/river/reservoir, or even the sea. For openwater swims it is usual to wear a wetsuit (there are temperature rules which make the wearing of wetsuits compulsory below certain water temperatures).
There are 4 standard distances for triathlon listed below, but because events take place on public roads and are subject to local conditions, actual distances from race to race can vary quite considerably so it’s quite difficult to compare times meaningfully between different events. Note: the Ironman bike distance should read 180km, but hey, by that stage, who’s counting?
