So it’s your first triathlon event? You’ve done all the training – well done – now you just need to make sure you have all the gear. Here’s a checklist and a few tips from the team at Top Brand Cycles, who have done everything from Enticer to Ironman events.
Psssst: If you’d like some general info about how to get everything set-up and prepare on race day, see Graham Pemberton’s article here.
Pre-race
- Get your bike checked and/or serviced (your bike should be serviced about every six months)
- Do a tyre/tube check the day before, looking out for any wire/glass/thorns or large cuts
- Drink plenty of water two to three days before the event to get hydrated
- Get everything ready the day before so you are not rushing
- Make sure your Garmin or bike computers are charged
- Check tyre pressure that morning
Swim
- Swim or tri suit
- Wetsuit
- 2x goggles (one spare)
- Swim cap
- Transition towel (choose one you can easily identify)
- Plastic bags (these are incredibly helpful for slipping into your wetsuit! Place your foot into the bag and slide your foot through the suit then pull the bag out the bottom)
- Baby oil, Vaseline or similar lubricant to help remove your wetsuit and prevent rubbing or chaffing, especially around your neck
- Ear and nose plugs if required
Bike
- Well-maintained bike and helmet that meets Australian Standards (check the sticker inside)
- Bike shoes or runners
- Socks
- Sunglasses
- Cycling gloves
- Tool bag with spare tubes, levers, CO2, multi-tool
- 2x water bottles
- Bike computer
- Electrical tape (to fasten gels or the repair kit to your bike)
- Floor pump (leave this in your car just in case)
Run
- Running shoes with elastic laces
- Socks
- Hat/visor
- Sunglasses (second clean pair if required)
- Spare bottle (have a quick drink before you start your run)
Post-race
- Clean, dry clothing and shoes
- Recovery nutrition (see Sports Dietitican Caitlin Braddick’s article for race and recovery nutrition)
Misc
- Stickers, wrist and timing band
- Race belt (if wearing a race number)
- Nutrition and fluid
- Training device (e.g. Garmin, Timex) and heart rate monitor/strap
- Chamois cream
- Lip balm
- Talcum powder (for shoes)
- Band-aids
- Sunscreen
- Aeroguard (if racing off-road)
- Spare pair of shoes to wear before the race (your runners will be in transition)
- Bag for wet gear
- Cash/credit card
Triathlon Tips
- Kick those legs hard in the last 50m to 100m of the swim — this gets the blood pumping in your legs again so you don’t struggle to run up the beach.
- Spin your legs a little faster in the last 1km to 2km of the ride — this will make transitioning into the run leg a lot easier.
- Nutrition – Eat before you’re hungry and drink before you’re thirsty
- Have fun guys: It’s a great day out!
