Transitions - the 4th event
Transitions are the gear exchanges made when you go from the swim to the bike and the bike to the
run. Below is a photo of a typical transition area. It can be a busy and confusing place on race day.
This article will help you set up your gear and give you some tips on having successful transitions.
To begin, here are a few definitions that you need to understand before attempting your first race.
  • Transition Area: A fenced off area where you will place your bike and run gear prior to the start of the race. Many local races you will
    find your own place on the rack and other races will have assigned areas by race number.
  • T-1: The first transition when you come out of the water after the swim and get ready to get out on the bike.
  • T-2: The second transition where you drop off the bike and put on your running shoes.
Click here for a printable equipment list.
Transition Set up Examples:
Wet suit on
rack
Bike front wheel
Gear setup on towel
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Bike on rack
Run gear:
shoes, visor,
race belt w/
number
Bike gear: shoes, socks,
helmet (on handlebars)
Goggles &
race cap
Setting up your transition area is a matter of personal preference.  Most place their gear in the order they will use it with bike gear closest to
the front and run gear behind with water bottles and fuel (energy bars or gel) on the bike. Some athletes use a bag on their bike for their fuel
or tape their gel packs to the top tube As you can see from the above photos, you don't have a lot of room to work with so only bring what you
will need.  It never hurts to have some extra gear with a friend or in your car in case the weather changes.

Note: You cannot have anyone help you in the transition area or on the course so you must have everything you need with you or at
transition.

After your gear is set up, make sure and run through where your bike is when you come out of the water. Find the exit of the swim area and
walk or jog to find your bike. Do the same for where you enter transition with your bike. This is much more difficult then is sounds.  Try and
find a landmark that won't change like a building, port-a-let, flag, sign, etc. Also count the number of racks from the end to help you quickly
locate your gear.

T1: Swim to Bike:  This can often be the most difficult transition as you can get disoriented coming out of the water. As soon as you stand
up, take off your swim cap and goggles and carry them to transition. Once at transition, put on your helmet and buckle it! This is the most
common penalty and will result in disqualification. Then continue to put on your shoes, glasses, etc. and jog with your bike to the bike
mount line. You cannot ride your bike in the transition area. The mount line is where you can get on your bike once outside of the transition
area.














                   Swim Exit                                                                                                                Getting ready in T1

T2: Bike to Run: When you come back from the bike you will reach the dismount line. You must get off your bike before crossing this line or
you can be assessed a penalty. Once off the bike, jog back to your location in transition area, re-rack your bike, then take off your helmet and
bike shoes and switch to your running shoes.  You will need to put on your race belt and number if you don't already have it on already.  Run
to the run exit of the transition area and on to the race finish.