To do a triathlon you really only need yourself and a bike right? Ok, so you do need a bit more gear, but you don't have to rush out and buy loads of new stuff if you're new to triathlon just start with the basics:
What to Wear
The ideal gear to wear in a triathlon is a one-piece lycra outfit called a "tri-suit". These are suitable for both men and women and are designed to be worn for the entire race duration thus minimising transition time. The top half of the tri-suit usually has good chest and shoulder coverage with no sleeves and for women this means a regular sports bra can be comfortably worn underneath. A small padding in the crotch area gives just enough comfort when on the bike, without excess bulk or water absorbtion (from the swim) to interfere with running, which is the problem when wearing regular bike niks. Alternatively, you can wear a two-piece tri-suit, however this can expose skin and therefore become a sunburn hazzard. A
well designed tri-suit will have a pocket (usually in the rear panel) to hold a sports gels, which are normally taken on the run.
Swim Gear
At most races you will be provided with a swim cap as part of your race kit. If you are given one you must wear it for safety and identification. Caps are usually colour-coded to distinguish your start group (wave start). Of course, you will also need a pair of goggles. Wetsuits are always optional, however all races will provide guidelines as to if they are allowed or not on the day. The wetsuit ruling is determined by the race director in accordance with the Triathlon Australia Wetsuit Determination policy. (See our article -
Triathlon Wetsuits, for more information).
Bike Gear
For any triathlon you will need a bike. What bike you choose to ride is up to you and you will see all sorts on the day. Helmets are mandatory and must be approved to Australian standards. Helmets are usually checked at bike check-in and you'll usually be asked to wear it so they can check that buckles are correctly adjusted and the fit is firm. You may choose to wear your running shoes on the bike, or if your bike is fitted with clip-on pedals then you will have special bike shoes with clets that you will need to put on after the swim before you take your bike out of transition. Socks are optional. Sunglasses are a good idea to reduce the effects of glare but also give some protection from
debris that can flick up from wheels of passing riders.
Run Gear
If you are using clip-on pedals on your bike then you'll need to also have a pair of running shoes and socks to change into at the T2 transition. Forget shoe laces and get a pair of elastic laces especially for race day to ensure you can quickly slip your foot into the shoes. (Never train in elastic laces, as they do not provide adquate support. Save them for race day only). Socks are optional. A visor or cap is highly recommended to give you some protection from the sun and keep any stray hair out of your face. Sunnies are optional.
Sports Nutrition
Your choice of bars/gels, electrolyte sports drink and water. See our Nutrition topic for more indepth articles on
sports nutrition.
Transition Area
This is where you rack your bike and layout your gear and is arguably the most tactical part of doing a triathlon. Because the time to transitation between the stages is counted in your overall result, this is where some basic organisation can either gain or lose you some valuable race time. It is advisable to do everything you can to make the transition effective so consider using a distinctive coloured towel to layout your shoes, helmet etc so that when you come in from the swim to find your bike you have some visual aid to quickly locate your spot. Of course, you also stand on your towel to dry off your feet after the swim before putting on your shoes. Most
events will not allow bags to be left in the transition area and you have a specific time limit before the race in which to set out your gear then vacate. A separate bag compound is usually provided for competitors.
Race Number
As part of your race kit you'll be provided with a race number and pins. You can pin the race number to your trisuit or you can purchase a race belt that has toggles to hold the race number through eyelets - if you are intending to race frequently these are a must-have. It is not mandatory to wear the race number during the swim, so triathletes often layout their race belt in their bike helmet, or on the bars of their bike in such a way that it won't blow away in the wind (!) before they get into T1. The race belt is elastic and can be quickly stepped into and pulled up to the waist.