I am getting into tri, and haven’t really talked to my coach yet about how transitions work, but I wanted to ask here too…
What do you wear for each of the stages… Like, do you where a wetsuit and then bike with that on??? Or change, but wouldn’t that take time?
Thanks!
swim in a wetsuit, wearing your biking gear (helmet and shoes included), then ride with the same attire, then run on your cycling shoes (just be careful while cornering, those cleats don’t have much traction)
all kidding (honestly, just friendly ribbing) aside, there are some great references here and elsewhere online that answer this question. you came to the right place.
the advice i have is this: swim in your tri-suit (basically a thigh-length swimsuit (like speedos, not baggy) with a thin butt-pad for the bike), with the wetsuit over it. at T1, strip off the wetsuit, put on a jersey and your numbers, put on your helmet, put on your shoes, walk with your bike to the “mount line”, and start pedaling. alternately, some people leave their shoes clipped into the pedals, they ride barefoot on the shoes and then put their feet into the shoes while at speed - this is risky, don’t do it without a lot of practice.
at T2, dismount at the dismount line, walk the bike to the rack, rack the bike, take off your bike shoes, put on your sneakers, THEN take off your helmet, start running.
if you’re new to tri, then you’re (probably) not going to be up there with the go-fast guys just yet. don’t worry, there’ll be plenty of time for that later in your career. remember to drink and eat, take your time at transitions, and always have fun.
Hey Newbie!!!
Try to find pix, or go to races, (or watch on TV), and check out how people set up and carry out their transitions. Seeing it done should help you plan how you’ll do it.
The more organized you are, the smoother it’ll go. And go over it mentally, visualize, many times before race day. Be prepared.
*most importantly - Have fun!!!
Moose, I’d also suggest checking this site:
www.beginnertriathlete.com
Great newbie info, free training log, and training tips.
Swim with your tri-jersey, under your wetsuit. Saves a step.
hey thanks for all the tips… I’ve done some reading and already have it pretty clear… What do you guys think of the desoto biking/running tops with the pockets on the sites, to be work under a wetsuit??
DeSoto is great. And, at some point it’s likely that you will want something with pockets whether it’s a cycling jersey or a tri singlet.
-jeff
Here’s what I’ve done:
Swim with the tri shorts and jersey under the wetsuit. At T1, the wetsuit comes off (duh!) and the helmet, g;asses, and bike shoes go on. Most races don’t require the paper number until the run. At T2, helmet comes off and bike shoes are swapped for running shoes. Grab the nunber (on a number belt) and start running. Put the number belt on while you’re running, number in the back (unless you’re required to have it on the front for the whole run). In the last half-mile, turn the number around so they can see it at the finish.
Note, this is for sprint and Oly distances. For longer races, you’ll want your nutrition in your jersey pockets, so you may want to put the jersey on in T1. This can be a chore on wet skin… Just a warning.
You got a good summary from vidaeboa, but I’d like to add a clarification. You must walk (or run) your bike just PAST the “mount” line before mounting in, and you must dismount it BEFORE you cross the “dismount” line.