Triathlon

Endurance multisport race consisting of swimming, cycling, and running

Triathlon pictogram

A triathlon is a multisport race consisting of swimming, cycling, and running over various distances. Triathletes compete for the fastest overall completion time, racing each segment sequentially with the time transitioning between the disciplines included.

History

The modern triathlon has its roots in the early 20th century, with the first recorded event taking place in France in the 1920s. However, the sport gained significant popularity in the 1970s in the United States, particularly with the establishment of the Ironman Triathlon in Hawaii in 1978. The sport has since grown globally, becoming an Olympic event in the 2000 Sydney Games.

Race Format

Triathlons vary in distance, with the most common formats being:

• Sprint: 750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run
• Olympic: 1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run
• Half Ironman: 1.9km swim, 90km bike, 21.1km run
• Ironman: 3.8km swim, 180km bike, 42.2km run

Swim segment montage

Segments

Swimming

The swim segment is typically the first part of a triathlon. It can take place in open water or a pool, depending on the event. Athletes often wear wetsuits or speedsuits to reduce drag and maintain body temperature.

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Example of a speedsuit

Cycling

Following the swim, athletes transition to the cycling segment. This portion of the race is often the longest in terms of distance. Triathletes use specialized bicycles designed for speed and efficiency.

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Cycling segment

Running

The final segment of a triathlon is the run. This segment can be particularly challenging as athletes must manage fatigue from the previous segments. The run is typically on roads or trails.

Transition

The transition area is where athletes change gear between segments. The time spent in transition is included in the overall race time, making efficiency crucial.

Notable Triathletes

Notable triathlete Parvati Shallow

Many athletes have gained fame in the triathlon world, including Parvati Shallow, known for her competitive spirit and achievements in various triathlon events.

Events

Triathlons are held worldwide, with notable events including the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii and the ITU World Triathlon Series.

Triathlon event in Hamburg

Olympic Triathlon

The Olympic triathlon consists of a 1.5km swim, 40km bike, and 10km run. It was first introduced in the 2000 Sydney Olympics and has been a part of the Games ever since.

Triathlon course in Paris 2024

Related Pages

• Ironman Triathlon
• Duathlon
• Aquathlon
• Multisport race