ESSENTIAL GEAR

Ten grand bikes and the latest cone-shaped helmer aren't essential for tri. The key is kit that'll get you through the race safely, comfortably and looking stylish for that finish line photo. dhb ambassador Emily Jevons has the lowdown

HELMET

It’s obvious, isn’t it? As you begin your triathlon journey, a simple road cycling helmet will suffice – such as the dhb R2.0 at £50. If you become more serious, you may decide to invest in something more aerodynamic. Whatever lid you choose, remember to pack it the night before because you certainly won’t be able to race without it.

SUNGLASSES, VISOR OR HAT

If you’ve struck lucky and booked the sunshine for your first triathlon, make sure you’re comfortable for the cycle and run legs – not squinting for two thirds of the race.

RUNNING TRAINERS

Use your training sessions to test your running shoes and make sure they’re comfortable and supportive. Specialist running shops will offer consultations to see if you need additional support by way of insoles, so if you’re not wholly comfortable, seek one out and listen to their recommendations.

SOCKS

Try not to do anything new on race day simply because you see other people doing it. If you see someone racing off from transition one and they’re not wearing socks while you always do, now’s not the time to change your mind!

RACE BELT

Race belts act as a number holder to ensure you don’t have to stick pins through your new tri-suit and will also have the ability to carry energy gels in the elasticated loops. dhb’s race belt will set you back £7 at full price. Make sure you have the number facing the back on the bike and the front on the run.

PUNCTURE-REPAIR KIT

No-one enjoys getting a puncture. But it’s even more frustrating on race day, so make sure you have the essentials on your bike to ensure you don’t have to cut your triathlon debut short

GOGGLES

A pair of goggles are essential for the swim for sun and eye protection, underwater visibility and sighting what direction you should be travelling. An open-water specific set are more mask-like and larger

than traditional pool goggles, but they’ll provide a wider range of vision, more protection, are less likely to mist up or come off if they’re nudged.

BIKE SHOES

A pair of trainers will be enough to get started. But soon you may want to invest in some cycling shoes or, better still, some specific to triathlon, such as dhb’s Trinity Tri Shoes. These have a Velcro fastening to help make you as fast as possible in transition. But make sure you’re confident clipping in and out using cleats before you use them on race day.

WETSUIT

In the colder climate of the UK and at beginner level, most events stipulate you use a wetsuit for the swim. The various types and thicknesses of neoprene often leave beginners confused, while prices can stretch well beyond £500. dhb offer an extremely popular entry-level range called Hydron, with sleeveless and long-sleeve options designed specifically for triathlon and priced around £100. Commonly referred to as a 3/2 suit, these are made up of a mixture of 2mm and 3mm neoprene panels – offering buoyancy, flexibility and warmth in key areas. Wetsuits should feel tight. But the more you train and race in it, the more natural it’ll feel. Just make sure you practice getting in and out of it quickly before race day!

BIKE

The most futuristic triathlon bikes will set you back a small fortune but, fear not, these aren’t compulsory. See overleaf on page 16 for the road bike lowdown.

TRI-SUIT

You’ll probably have embraced Lycra in your cycle training, so wearing a tri-suit for racing should be a natural progression. The major difference is the chamois pad, which’ll be thinner to ensure it doesn’t hamper your swim (when worn under a wetsuit) or run. You can buy an all-in-one tri-suit, or separate top and shorts called a two-piece as well. But make sure it’s quick-drying for obvious reasons after the swim. If you plan to race in the height of summer, check the UV protection, too.

dhb offer a wide range of tri-suits, from the entry-level Hydron and stylish women’s MODA collection right through to Aeron LAB. And leading British Ironman Joe Skipper is now on board to develop the range further for 2021.