Race Day - Triathlon Transition 1 (T1), Swim to Bike
The first transition at a triathlon can be an interesting one for the first-timers. This is the longer of the two transitions for every triathlete, so don’t fret if you feel like you are taking alot of time. For many triathletes, the 1st transition (T1) takes twice as long as the second one does. Plus, if you are anything like a normal athlete, you might be winded or even dizzy coming out of the water. Here are a few of the things to keep in mind for T1 basic.
- Think about your transition ahead of time, as soon as you get to the race and setup your spot. Look to figure out where you will exit the water, where you will need to run, and how you will find your spot. Visualiztion works!
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Walk/jog up the beach/grass/pavement andover the time carpet and begin unzipping your wet-suit.
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If the terrain is rocky you will look for your slip-on shoes for your jog up to the transition. If you can’t find them, waste no time, suck it up and head up to the transition without them.
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If you can’t get the wetsuit off becuase you can’t reach the strap, ask a spectator or official to lend a hand. They will!
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You may feel a bit disoriented. That’s OK! Keep going! Find your bike.
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Look for the brightly colored item that you tied onto your bike.
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Take off your goggles and cap and place them on your towel.
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DO NOT GO INTO THE RESTROOM TO CHANGE; Do not put on underwear; Put your gear on over your suit. This advice is good for any triathlon shorter than an IronMan Distance Triathlon. If you were in an IronMan, you’d go into a changing facility.
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Put on your t-shirt/tank top with your bib number on it. OR you can ditch the shirt and use just your bike shorts (with your number on it)
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Rinse off your feet in the bucket.
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Put on your socks and clip-in cycling shoes or running sneakers.
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Put on your helmet.
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Put on your sun glasses.
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Make sure that your water bottle is on your bike.
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Walk/Jog your bike to the bike starting point.
Do not ride it in the transition area or you will be disqualified.
Related Articles
- Triathlon Transitions: How to set up a spot that works! – Your event is right around the corner and it’s time to set up your transition spot in the parking lot. If it’s your first mini-triathlon, this is a quick reference to setting up a spot that works!
- Race Day Check-list – Print off a list of what you’ll need to bring on the morning of your triathlon event.
- How to Document Your Triathlon
- Getting your Wetsuit Off during Transition 1 (T1) – Video
- Swim to Bike, T1 – For females – when you’re done w/ the swim, do you change to biking clothes?
- Clip-in Shoes or Running Shoes for the Bike
- Triathlon Transitions – For most novices, the focus of triathlon training is on strengthening your swimming, biking and running skills. But there is a fourth and vital element to the competition that can help you achieve your goals – the transition.
- Foot Wear for Tranisitions
- Seven Habits of Highly Effective Triathletes
- Supporting “The Two Girls” – A GREAT Bra for Well-Endowed Triathletes
- What to Wear for a Triathlon– Triathlon swuim, bike and run gear recommendations
- Benefits of a Tri Suit
- Best Triathlon Bike for a Beginner Triathlete
TriathaNewbie.com Recommended Resources:
- Race Day Intro
- Night Before the Triathlon
- The Morning of the Triathlon
- Triathlon Event Arrival
- Setting Up Your Triathlon Transition Spot
- Triathlon Start
- Triathlon Swim
- Triathlon Transition 1 (T1), Swim to Bike
- Triathlon Bike
- Triathlon Transition 2 (T2), Bike to Run
- Triathlon Run
- Triathlon Finish
- Post Race
- Post, Post Race
Triathlon Swim : – Get the low-down on gear and read tips for training and events.
Triathlon Bike: – Learn how to structure bike workouts, find safety tips and read recommendations on great bike gear.
Triathlon Run : – Get the ultimate skinny on running sneakers, running gear, safety tips and much more.
First-Time Triathlete Stories Sure to Inspire You!
Triathlon Training Resource and training guides
Average Triathlon Times – Guide to gauging times
“What to Wear for a Triathlon”
Mini-Triathlon FAQ-Quick Triathlon FAQs
Triathlon Distances Which distance is best for you?
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