Rules of the game
Rules Of The Sport
- After transitions are set up, the athletes head to the water - usually a lake, river or the sea - for the start of the race.
- The race is marked by a series of floating buoys. Depending on the type and size of the race, the athletes will either set off together in a "mass start" or in "waves" - groups usually organized by age and separated by a few minutes.
- After the swim, competitors run out of the water to the transition area, and mount their bikes. Helmets and cycling shoes are worn.
- A good swim will help ensure the competitor gains a strong lead amongst the first group of cyclists and the initial performance can weigh heavily in the final outcome of the race.
- The cycling leg, competitors dismount their bikes in the transition area and change into running shoes for the run, the final leg of the race.
Triathlons are timed in sections;
- from the start of the swim to the beginning of the first transition;
- from the beginning of the first transition to the end of the second transition;
- finally at the end of the run, at which time the triathlon is completed.