Tri-Athletes

A triathlon is a multiple-stage competition involving the completion of three continuous and sequential endurance disciplines.  While many variations of the sport exist, triathlon, in its most popular form, involves swimming, cycling, and running in immediate succession over various distances.  Triathletes compete for fastest overall course completion time, including timed "transitions" between the individual swim, cycle, and run components.  The word "triathlon" is of Greek origin from τρεις or trei (three) and αθλος or athlos (contest).

Triathlon races vary in distance.  According to the International Triathlon Union, and USA Triathlon, the main international race distances are:

• Sprint Distance; 750 meter (.465 mi) swim, 20 kilometer (12.5 mi) bike, 5 kilometer (3.1 mi) run;
• Intermediate (or Standard) distance; commonly referred to as the "Olympic distance": 1.5 kilometer (.93 mi) swim, 40 kilometer (25 mi) bike, 10 kilometer (6.2 mi) run;
• Long Course; commonly referred to as 70.3 or the 'half-Ironman'; 1.9 kilometer (1.2 mi) swim, 90 kilometer (56 mi) bike, and a 21.1 kilometer (13.1 mi) run; and
• Ultra Distance; commonly referred to as 140.6 or the 'Ironman'; 3.8 kilometer (2.4 mi) swim, 180.2 kilometer (112 mi) bike, and a full marathon: 42.2 kilometer (26.2 mi) run.

The most recognized branded Ultra Distance is the Ironman triathlon.  Transition areas are positioned both between the swim and bike segments (T1), and between the bike and run segments (T2) and are where the switches from swimming to cycling and cycling to running occur.  These areas are used to store bicycles, performance apparel, and any other accessories needed for preparing for the next stage of the race.  The time spent in T1 and T2 is included in the overall time of the race.  Transitions areas can vary in size depending on the number of participants expected for the race.  In addition, these areas provide a social headquarters before the race.

The nature of the sport focuses on persistent and often periodized training in each of the three disciplines, as well as combination workouts and general strength conditioning.

While specific rules for triathlon can vary depending on the governing body (e.g. USA Triathlon, ITU), as well as for an individual race venue, there are some basic universal rules.  Traditionally, triathlon is an individual sport and each athlete is competing against the course and the clock for the best time.  As such, athletes are not allowed to receive assistance from anyone else outside the race, with the exception of race-sanctioned aid volunteers who distribute food and water on the course.

Triathlons are timed in five sequential sections:

• from the start of the swim to the beginning of the first transition (swim time);
• from the beginning of the first transition to the end of the first transition (T1 time);
• from the start of the cycling to the end of the cycling leg (cycling time);
• from the beginning of the second transition to the end of the second transition (T2 time);
• finally from the start of the run to the end of the run, at which time the triathlon is completed.

Results are usually posted on official websites and will show for each triathlete his/her swim time; cycle time (with transitions included); run time; and total time.  Some races also post transition times separately.

Other rules of triathlon vary from race to race and generally involve descriptions of allowable equipment (for example, wetsuits are allowed in USAT events in the swimming stage of some races when the water temperature is below 78.1 °F (25.6 °C)), and prohibitions against interference between athletes.  Additionally, the use of flippers or other swim propulsion and flotation aids are illegal in triathlon and can result in disqualification.

One important rule involving the cycle leg is that the competitor's helmet must be donned before the competitor mounts (or event takes possession of, in certain jurisdictions) the bike and must remain on until the competitor has dismounted; the competitor is not required to wear the helmet when not on the bicycle (e.g. while repairing a mechanical problem).  Failure to comply with this rule will result in disqualification. Additionally, while on the bike course, all bicycles shall be propelled only by human force and human power.  Other than pushing a bicycle, any propulsive action brought on by use of the hands is prohibited.  Should a competitor's bike malfunction they can proceed with the race as long as they are doing so with their bicycle in tow.  There are also strict rules regarding the 'bike mount' line.  Competitors may not begin riding their bicycle out of transition until they are over a clearly-marked line.  Mounting the bike prior to this may incur a penalty (example: a 15 second time penalty at the London 2012 Olympics was awarded to Jonathan Brownlee, a competitor from Great Britain, for mounting his bike too early.)

The key words - Swim!  Bike!  Run!