I think I know the answer to this question. I’m a reasonably competent triathlete, staying with friends over Xmas and there happens to be a local sprint triathlon. It’s a tiny country town in the middle of nowhere, I’m most likely going to win with my $7k bike, disc and 808 up against mostly people on MTBs and old road bikes. Would love to do it as the swim is in a beautiful bay and the bike goes along the coast, but I’m going to look like a retard on an expensive bike aren’t I. I suppose either do it on a MTB or shitty bike or spectate with a few beers?
Take an old MTB and put beer in your bottle 
It is Xmas
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If you’re doing it just to do it and have fun, ride what you like, and what’s convenient.
If you’re doing it to win, use your best equipment.
Are you fine with turning up on a MTB and getting beaten? Good - ride what you like.
I did a race in the town where my parents live. It was my first year in triathlon and wasnt fast or anything (still not fast), but coming from a bigger city, I was certainly more involved in the sport already when compared to 99% of that town. I wasnt expectin a win, but thought I’d be one of the only ones with an actual tri bike, etc… To my surprise, there were a lot of people there. Yes, the town was small, but people travelled from 2 hours away. It was the only race in the region that weekend. The race was small, but there were a few fast people who showed up and a good bit of regular triathletes. I actually cant recall a single MTB and expected lots. Now there were more road bikes than im used to seeing. Guess the point is dont be surprised, unless you’ve spectated in the past and already know.
I think you should ride your Tri bike, possibly decorate it, go Santa Fast put a Santa outfit on for the run, (possibly bike) as best you can. Afterwards, walk back on the run course with candy for kids and other athletes. Don’t forget the big Ho, Ho, Ho’s. You could a cheap Walmart helmet and decorate it for the race. Then all you need is a red coat and beard.
Assume nothing… race what you normally use and what will be, will be. You never know who/what will show up at an event.
Assume nothing… race what you normally use and what will be, will be. You never know who/what will show up at an event.
^This!
- dont assume anything
- if you’re going to race, race to win
- maybe dont use the super-dorky aero helmet if there isnt much actual competition.
- dont under-estimate your competition
- triathletes look like retards (as you put it) anyway, so you might as well win the damn thing if you can.
…Meanwhile Mark Allen notices there’s a little local tri in his wife’s hometown where they’re spending the holidays and thinks, “What the heck, might a be fun way to burn off those vegan, solstice cookies…”
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I wouldn’t assume that you could win. In my area, there’s a local 10 miler. In 2017, I came second without any previous ideas of how I might do. Last year, I start to get it into my head that I could possibly win the stupid thing - I check the list of registered names and no previous winner of the past few years is registered. So far so good…
The race starts, and this one guy waltzes by me like I’m standing still. I came 2nd again, and he beats my by a full 5 minutes over 10 miles. I check Strava the next day and the guy had set up his run like was a workout: “3mi easy, 3mi med, 4mi hard” - I don’t think he even broke a sweat.
Moral of the story: no matter how much you think you’re going to crush the local race, there’s always some other guy who is going to crush it more.
Go look at last year’s results. If they’re flying then show up with your Tri bike. If you could crawl faster than that, then just have fun. Also, is it USAT certified? You wouldn’t want a low score showing up on your rankings. lol
Mate - haha you’d be surprised.
I was in a “small town local sprint race” that has a good tri scene. I am on a $5000 bike.
This how this unfolded…
Picture me - in a DeSoto suit, shoes match my bike, aero-ish helmet with visor, cranking a solid 24mph. A guy in bright yellow 3 inch split running shorts, mustache, 1980 something cross country tank top, shin high white socks with some dirty white Nike’s, foot cages, what looked like his sons skate helmet, a steel road bike - BLOWS by me. Like 28mph+. Absolutely demolishes my spirit.
Saw him after the race - said he finished the 5k in 16:xx. He ran cross country in highschool and college. Got into cycling in college as well. Moved to Europe with his wife. Did all the high altitude running and cycling with some club there. He was back visiting his parents because his son was graduating college a few hours away. He had no gear so used his old bike from college that was at his parents house - and his youngest sons old skate helmet and a pair of shoes he found in the garage.
He was like 6’4 and built like a gazelle that did hammy/quad exercises. He was chiseled like a greek statue. Probably lost some aero with the 1980’s mustache but damn. People aspire to be like Frodo or Gomez - no. This guy is my hero hahaha
So ya just never know. Im not “fast” in slowtwitch standards - but it was a long way down from my high horse that day haha
I will be there…
…I am going to smash you.
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Your attitude will primarily determine whether others consider you a retard, not the bike that you are riding. Have fun!
Your seat is too high.
Do the race with your expensive gear, expect the locals to appreciate you supporting their race, and don’t expect to win. You will probably be surprised how many fast people show up.
Some fast dood named Lionel Sanders routinely does our local small town race, and other local pros have also participated in the past.
I think you’d show them sportsmanship respect by giving all you have during the race: your best bike and your best condition.
Pierre de Coubertin would approve.
You just have to wear a tutu and santa hat in the swim and on the run…
You forgot to tell us how your relay team did.
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You forgot to tell us how your relay team did.
Sorry to offend. I forget that some people are easily offended. I will edit it. Let me know if there’s more you’d like me to change.