Everything You Need To Know About Triathlon Racing | The Essential Triathlon Rule Book!

Do you know your triathlon rules? With three different disciplines and two transitions, there is certainly a lot to learn! It won’t be a surprise that the rulebook has a lot to it, so today we’ll outline everything you need to know to get from start to finish without falling foul of the referees.

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[gtn]

Have you ever been caught out by any of these rules? 📕

[atlosass]

This really makes me excited to get back racing again! My first tri in nearly 2 years is scheduled for June!!

[iggalan]

Something very important is whether you can use a triathlon bike or a bike with aero bars on or not. If it’s non drafting you can use triathlon bikes and bars, if drafting is allowed then no attachments. Check that the bar has both ends properly covered, check the brakes, check that nothing is sticking out and check the tires. There is always a briefing some time before the race, attend and ask any questions, don’t be afraid to ask anything, really some people is afraid to ask “trivial” questions and then you are unsure during you whole race about that.

[DdlyTidsy]

Got my first triathalon this weekend! A bit nervous, thanks for the run down, didn’t understanding the drafting point until this video

[matthewbaynham]

I haven't race for just over 25 years. However when I did race I did read the rule book from cover to cover and I didn't know of anyone else in my club who did that.

One thing that I didn't see in the rules was how to cross the finish line.

In a running event runners will have their time measured from their chest, in a cycling event the time is measured from the front wheel, and swimming events it depends on the stroke. However the Triathlon rule book did not specify.

I never had a close finish but if there is ever a photo finish then (unless the rules have changed in the last 25 years) just reach out your arm in front of you as you cross the line. If the rule book doesn't specify which part of your body then the race organisers can't just take a rule from the International Athletics Federation and use that.

[coachjohn]

I will be passing this video on to my athletes. Really valuable information.

[ngdawgs]

Thank you for this video!! Y’all always have great content 🤙🏽. Doing my first Tri tomorrow, and I’ll be applying everything I’ve learned on your channel 💪🏽.

[Gormador]

Haven't been able to go for a swim since early October in France. First race may be in the cards later this year but I am not holding my breath.
Thank you Heather for the informative video, anyway!

[pinjaliina]

I've never been penalised for any rule violations, but on my second tri race (and you could say the first real one) I was so nervous that on the last (draft legal) bike lap I forgot that I wasn't in a bike race, so I sprinted towards the dismount line like crazy and only at the 11th moment realised that I have to stop and dismount before the line. Too late to get my feet out of my shoes anymore, I then had to run to the bike rack with my cycling shoes on, which was frankly worse than running in high heels. It was a hot and sunny day, and after my crazy bike leg I totally bonked on the run and had to walk, even though it was only a sprint distance race.

In draft legal races it's important to remember that your bar ends need to be plugged. If you're missing a plug, it's not always easy to find a replacement one quickly; not all bike shops carry them, or you might need to buy new bar tapes to get new plugs as well. Also, if you're new to the sport, it's probably an age group race, and if it's draft legal, no clip on aerobars are allowed, not even any short ones.

[SBoots]

Here in Manitoba I am doing a virtual triathlon because of the Covid restrictions. This means I'll race with no referees or other people. Hope I don't get into any bad habits. Just not the same but it is something for now. Kudos to my wife for handing me water at water stations and for being the safety boat out in water.

[TheBritishActingCoach]

Aha definitely needed this before my first!

[levbobrov]

Wow, the rule about not having anything that stands out is quite surprising. I've relied on counting in my first couple of races, but was just thinking about marking my spot with a pink bow or something.

[oldmandice]

Been racing for 3 years, completed over 15 triathlons, not a single one was wet suit legal. Also, I believe Form goggles, and the like, are legal now.

[mindably]

I’m really surprised there was no mention of where you have to be wearing your race number! From what I understand the number Has to be on your back for the bike ride and on your front for the run. This is why a race belt is good . I’m going into my first triathlon and this is some thing I did not know!

[GavinHarte]

As far as I’m aware a swim metronome is allowed. I’ve swum with a tempo trainer before. Essentially no different from your power meter or watch. A tool to help you pace but gives you no unfair speed advantage

[DrPnkj]

Can we use camel back, water/hydration during Ironman?
While on bike ride or running?

[neillloyd]

One thing that could have been more fully explained is the rules when being overtaken on the bike ie you cant accelerate to stay with the overtaker. It becomes your responsibility to ensure you drop back 10 or 12 m whichever applies

[jack]

Haha! 14° is the warmest the water ever gets here in Ireland.

[handicapcrippin]

I have 2 questions if anyone could answer? First can you swim in just a speedo? Also are you allowed to change into and out of bike shorts at transitions?

[laurg]

Thank god I checked this BEFORE my event, I would have been disqualified for sure!