Triathlon transitions have similar effects to the feeling of knowing you have to take the last exit after 10 miles to reach work on time but forgetting to turn when the exit arrives. Stress, anger, disappointment, and panic levels go through the roof as you reroute and drive around like a headless chicken. Most newbie triathletes don’t know how to transition in a triathlon and experience similar feelings.
The two transitions during a triathlon (swim-cycle and cycle-run) are key moments during the event. Excelling at them doesn’t mean necessarily mean you’ll win, but you will save precious time by preparation and organization.
In this post, we’ll share the different steps involved during triathlon transitions and some overall transition tips.
Let’s get started!
What is a Transition in a Triathlon?
A triathlon has two phases that get triathletes from one sport to the next. The first switch from swimming to cycling, usually done in a marked or enclosed physical space. The second triathlon transition is where you park your bike to start the final section of the event, the run leg. No one is allowed in these transition spaces apart from the referees and the athletes.
Even though there’s not much space due to the stampede of triathletes, you will still have a tight yet dedicated space marked out with your race number. While learning how to transition in a triathlon, you must also learn about the transition area. Transition areas differ depending on the event size and can be anything from tennis courts to acres of fenced-off areas.
Rules of Transition
Triathlon transitions are governed by three strict rules:
- You must follow the correct traffic flow direction to avoid traffic jams.
- You cannot ride your bike in the transition area. You are allowed to run alongside and have your helmet on with the buckles on at all times in the transition area.
- When you’re leaving the transition area, there is a line on the ground to indicate that you’re not allowed to sit on your cycle. The referees will be there in both transition areas to caution you while you get on and off your bike.
Triathlon Transition 1 – (Swim-Cycle)
This is the first triathlon transition you’ll go through during the race. When you’re about to exit the water after swimming, think about your cycle’s physical location. Once you reach it, you’ll have limited time to remove your wetsuit, put on your shoes and helmet, as well as your race number. Avoid speaking with others and conserve your breath for the rest of the activity.
How to transition in a Triathlon – Swim to Cycle
The following are 8 steps to transition from swimming to cycling during a triathlon:
- Exit the water (pool, lake, or ocean).
- Remove your cap and goggles.
- Run or sprint walk to the transition area. The terrain could be sand, artificial turf, road, hills, or a mix of all these.
- Find your transition spot and place your cap and goggles near the bike.
- Change clothes, if required (most athletes swim in singlets, triathlon suits, and bathing suits. You can not swim with bare torsos, meaning you’ll have to wear something to cover your stomach and chest.
- Put on your helmet and shoes before touching your bike.
- Unrack the bike and run or walk alongside it to the transition exit.
- Mount the bike at the mount line and begin cycling.
Triathlon Transition 2 – (Cycle-Run)
After completing the cycling portion of the race, it’s time for the second triathlon transition (cycling-running). In most events, this transition takes place in the same spot as transition 1. When you reach this point, you’ll be extremely tired, so you must organize your things as much as possible to save energy for the final section.
In the first transition, your bike marked your gear spot. However, this isn’t the case in the second transition, so you should know exactly where your designated area is before the race. Gear down your bike to slow your cycling pace and prepare for the pace of the run.
How to transition in a Triathlon – Cycle to Run
The following are 6 steps to transition from cycling to running during a triathlon:
- Dismount bike at the dismount line, not before.
- Walk or run alongside your bike to your transition spot.
- Don’t remove your helmet before racking your bike.
- Take off the helmet and change shoes if necessary.
- Put on a hat if necessary. Recommended for hot and sunny days.
- Run out of transition to start the last section of the triathlon.
Overall Transition Tips
The following are 3 useful tips that can help triathletes transition smoothly in a race:
1. Practice
The more you practice, the better you’ll get at triathlon transitions. Begin practicing with removing your swimsuit, which is the most time-consuming activity during transition 1. Then practice removing your swim cap and goggles, and putting your socks and shoes on different terrain and wet conditions.
2. Space Preparation
Knowing the exact location of everything you need during transitions is important, but so is organizing your space. Unlace your shoes and lay them out, and if you choose to wear socks, unroll them and keep them in your shoes. However, many triathletes avoid wearing socks to save time. If you need to eat, carry nutrition packs to your bike, so you have fuel available when you need it during a race.
3. Know the Rules and Look around
Knowing the rules of the event can ease your mind on the day, possibly resulting into faster finish times. You want to avoid violations and waste time during the race and transitions. You can talk to the referees about rules you’re not sure of. Also, walkthrough and examine your transition area to familiarize yourself with your spot. This will help you mentally picture it when you exit the water or get off your bike.
Our Final Thoughts
Undeniably, triathlons are notoriously time-intensive, and excelling at the transitions requires training and practice. Consider triathlon transitions as the fourth event of the race. Learning how to transition in a triathlon smoothly will create a more stress-free and enjoyable experience for the entire race.
Your first transition might not be perfect, and that’s okay. With more practice and experience, transitions will become faster and smoother. However, you must remember the basics, such as the transition area, rules of the event, and your race equipment.
