Article: Transitioning

Triathlon T1 & T2 Transitions

By Gina Greco LA Tri Race Start Captain and Anneka Sakovich, LA Tri T2 Captain

If you have never been involved in a triathlon before, the transitions can be
daunting and chaotic. But with planning and practice prior to race day, it is an
area where you can save a lot of time and ensure a smoother race. You train for
swimming, cycling, and running; it is just as important to train for the 4th
discipline - transitions.



By definition "transition" is the change between the three triathlon disciplines,
and the "transition area" is a fenced off area containing the bike racks. It is
where you place all your equipment before your race for changing over from
swimming to cycling and cycling to running. For many races there is a single
transition area. But for point-to-point races, such as the LA Triathlon, there are
two transition areas (TA) – T1 & T2.

Bike Prep
Before you put your bike into the transition area check it over and go for a short
ride. Are your tires pumped up? Wheels on securely? Brakes secure? Gears
working? Is it in a smaller gear to start cycling easier (especially if the course
starts up a hill)? Are the handle bars straight? Are the handle bar plugs in
(USAT requirement)? Is the seat the right height? Did anything get moved or
damaged getting to the race?

Many races require you have your bib or race issued wristband prior to entering
the TA. If possible, register the night before so you can go directly into the
transition area and choose your spot. The fewer obstacles you face that early in
the morning, the more time you have to clear your head and focus on racing.

Where you rack your bike should play a part in your race strategy. Generally for
shorter races there is no fixed position beyond your age grouping or wave #
where you have to put your bike in transition (Ironman events have fixed
assignments). The LA Tri’s T1 bike racks are numbered by Age Group or Wave
#, and first in gets the best spot within each grouping.

Although transition areas are typically designed so that nobody has a clear
advantage and everyone covers the same distance getting in and out, there are
two opposing alternatives as to the best bike position.

(1) Being as close as possible to the cycle exit/entry gate because it is easier
and quicker to run through transition without your bike than with it.

(2) Being as close as possible to the entry gate from the swim, making it
easier to find your bike when you are a little disoriented and out of breath
from the swim.

How you rack your bike comes into play too. Either hang the handlebar brake
levers over the bike rack bar or reverse the bike and hang the front of the seat
on the bar. Which ever you choose, you want to be in position so your bike is
headed towards the exit and you don’t have to turn it around when removing it
from the rack – just unhook your seat and roll forward.

Gear Prep
It is important to lay your gear out so it is organized and easily accessible. First,
lay a small towel or rug on the ground alongside your bike. This will:

- Lay claim to your area and others are less likely to accidentally knock
your gear out of the way as they will avoid stepping on your towel.

- Give you something to stand on and to dry your feet before putting your
shoes on

- Make it easier to find your gear in the transition area. (however, not an
option at LA ’s T2)

Arrange your gear on the towel in the order you will need them, (i.e.: at the
front will be the shoes (and socks) you will be using on the bike. If you are
going to wear a top or jacket on the bike, hang it on your handlebars or seat.

Have a small tub or squirt bottle of water to rinse your feet off. And have your
helmet upside down (with sunglasses inside) ready to put straight on your head
and do up before taking your bike from the rack. If you are using different
shoes and a cap for the run, place them towards the back of your towel ready to
slip on when you come in off the bike. Make sure your laces are loose enough
for your shoes to slip on easily. You can put Blister Shield or Body Glide on the
backs of your shoes to make them easier to put on.

Transition Savvy
Finally, check where the entry and exit gates are and practice walking from the
entries to your bike and from your bike to the exits. Also, find out where the
bike mount and dismount points are. You won't be able to ride in and out of the
transition area for safety reasons. Find out where to get on your bike and where
to get off on your return.

Please let your family and supporters know that the transition area will be
closed to everyone except competitors. That means no outside help in transition
from spectators, you must do the transitions on your own. This is for security
and safety to keep the area clear and free from congestion.

Other than that, the rules are minimal -- just common courtesy so you don't
hinder other competitors. It is mandatory that you fasten your helmet before
leaving the transition area and it must remain fastened until you return at the
end of the bicycle portion. Also do not get on your bike until you are past the
timing gates and are safely out on the road.

Leave your iPod at home or with a friend or family member once the race
starts. The majority of triathlons do not allow headphones during races for
safety. In the event that an athlete needs to be alerted of danger, headphones
make communication difficult and endanger not only the participant but also
those around the athlete. And though transition areas are for the most part
secure, any electronics you leave are at your own risk. Besides – don’t you want
to be able to hear your friends and family cheering you on?

Practice Practice
It is important to practice your transitions before the event. Lay the gear you
will use on a towel at home, go through putting it on and see if you have any
problems. You will most likely uncover problems and it is a lot better to deal
with them at home than on race day. Have a Race Day-Checklist. Use it to
remember what gear you need and fine-tune it to your specific needs.

Determine which order of putting things on works best for you and try different
ways of setting your gear out on your towel. When you feel you have it right,
have a timed transition practice, then try to beat the time. You'll be surprised
with a little practice how much you can improve!

Gina Greco
Good Swims
gmgreco@ca.rr.com
Anneka Sakovich
www.renegaderaceseries.com
Anneka@Make-U-Fit.net

All materials included in this article are Copyright © 2008 by Gina Greco. All rights
reserved. No portion of this article may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without
permission in writing from Gina Greco. For information, contact: Gina Greco at (310) 390-
5464, gmgreco@ca.rr.com.