SWIM TO BIKE (T1)

16

In wetsuit races, before you exit the water pull the neck of your suit forward to get some water down the front. It makes the suit come off more easily.

17

When organising your kit in transition, it’s important that it doesn’t get in the way. Try to place bike shoes (if not attached), helmet and additional bike kit on the side where you approach first from the swim. This will help avoid any unforced errors that could slow us down.

18

Practise and visualise the transition until the point that your movements are automated. Know where to run up, where your transition bag is, what’s in the bag and the order you’re doing the necessary tasks.

19

If you’re doing a race with bags for each discipline, such as Ironman, put your helmet in your bike bag as you can put it on when running to your bike.

20

Aim to strategically angle the front wheel to point in the direction of the transition flow. It’s not uncommon for the wheel to veer off course when we frantically grab the bike. Having the front wheel placed in the correct direction will reduce unnecessary bike manoeuvring and eliminate delays.

21

Keep it simple! I recommend having a minimalist approach to transition. Have as few things and tasks as possible. Many people put way too many things in their transition bags ‘just in case’. Personally, I believe that’s not a wise strategy as it leaves you having to make decisions while in transition when your mental capacity is already maxed out.

22

Practise getting on the bike while running. The ‘postman’s scoot’ is the best way for me. Put your left foot on your left pedal and then swing the right leg over (making sure you clear the rear bottle cage or you’ll end up on your ass!).