Don’t leave faster triathlon transitions to chance. The time you spend in transition could make or break your race. And faster transitions can save you minutes in a race. Following these tips for faster swim-to-bike transitions during your triathlon will help you have a smooth and speedy T1.
The first thing you should do for a faster transition is to walk the transition area before the race; Understand the layout, know where the entrance and exit are, and remember where your bike is. Use landmarks to remember all locations. This will save time and confusion during the race.
Also, if you can do something on the move, it will be faster than remaining still and doing it at your transition area.
Exiting the Water:
– Near the end of the swim, start kicking a little more to get blood into your legs and prepare them for the bike.
– Don’t run out of the water too soon. Running in shallow water takes more energy and is slower than swimming in shallow water. Swim as far as you can or at least until your hands start hitting the bottom, then get up and start walking or running.
– When you’re ready to exit the water, slowly stand up and walk. Start jogging when you feel balanced and oriented. While running out of the water, keep your knees high. Don’t take straight steps through the water, but rather slightly out and over to clear the water better.
Removing Your Wetsuit:
– While running to T1 and after unzipping your wetsuit, take off your cap & goggles. Keep them in one hand while you peel off your wetsuit down to your hips and leave them behind in the sleeve.
– Alternatively, you can leave your cap on, bring your goggles up to your forehead and leave them there until your remove your wetsuit and are at your transition area.
– If you’re doing an Ironman, wetsuit strippers will be there to help you remove your wetsuit. Follow their instructions for the quickest removal. If you don’t follow their instructions, it will lead to a slower and more chaotic wetsuit removal. Generally, the process is letting them unzip your suit, peeling it down past your hips, sitting or laying down (don’t sit down too early, wait for them), and then let them peel the suit off your legs. They’ll then help you up and hand you your wetsuit.
In Transition:
– Never sit down in transition: it’s slower, you could get in someone else’s way, or you could cramp up.
– The only exception to this is if you’re doing an Ironman. Change tents will have folding chairs and volunteers to help you if needed.
– Before leaving transition, avoid disqualification by making sure your helmet is on and buckled. Your helmet should be the first thing on and the last thing off.
– When you’re ready to leave transition, quickly walk or jog your bike to the transition exit. Only go as fast as you can control the bike. Losing control of your bike or slipping in transition will waste more time and could interfere with other athletes.
Getting On The Bike:
– Learn how to do a flying mount; it will be the quickest way to get on your bike. DO NOT attempt this on race day if you’re not comfortable or ready for it. On race day, get on and off your bike the best way you know how to. The more comfortable you are with a technique, the faster it will be.
– Once you’re on the bike, keep it on an easy gear as you settle into a pace. Going too hard or fast now will cost you speed later in the bike leg.
Bonus Tip:
– Use an anti chafing product for easier wetsuit removal. Besides applying it to areas to avoid chafing, like the back of your neck, apply it to your ankles, wrists, and anywhere else that will help it slide off easily.
Become a member of Club Rise Endurance today and get access to all of our partner discounts, including helmets, goggles, sunglasses, power meters, and wetsuits.
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