Biking

Many triathletes come from cycling. Technically it's the least demanding part of triathlon, but that doesn't mean we can skip it. It takes time and practice to develop an efficient and economical riding technique. How the bike leg is raced also differs a lot between short and long triathlon.

Unlike swimming, cycling has one big plus: its technique can be caught up even at a later age.

For simplicity, cycling technique splits into two parts: pedalling technique itself, which has a major impact on performance, and bike handling, dealing with different situations in different conditions.

Basic skills include pedalling technique and cadence, riding on the flat and out of the saddle, braking, cornering, climbing, descending, gear selection and eating while riding. In a group it's also about drafting in different wind directions and taking turns. In triathlon, add riding on aero bars and mounting and dismounting, including getting in and out of your shoes on the move.

Mastering all this takes practice, so we organise bike rides together where we learn it. For beginners a classic road bike with drop bars is enough, even for short races. For middle- and long-distance races, where drafting isn't allowed, you may use clip-on aero bars or a dedicated time-trial bike. For variety, a mountain bike is great too: it's also used for off-road triathlon.