Triathlon: How to Pass a Transit Zone Like a Pro

A transit zone is a key part of any triathlon competition. There two transit zones in triathlon and each of them represents a place where participants can change their swimming equipment to the cycling one after the swimming round, and change the cycling costume to the racing one after the bicycle stage.

The time spent in the transit zone is included into the total time. For this reason, they are sometimes called the fourth part of triathlon. Sometimes it takes more than month of training to reduce your record in swimming by 1 minute. To improve the time of passing a transit zone you only have to learn a few tips, practice them before the start and then out them to good use during the race.

All tips and recommendations can be divided into two groups according to the type of the transit. You should train these skills and use them in practice in the training camps before the start. 

Т1:

1. The wetsuit can be put off in 10 seconds. Develop the knack of fast undressing.
2. If you swim in the wetsuit, remove the upper part while running towards the transit zone.
3. If you take part in the start with transit bags, mark you bag with a bright sticky tape. You will notice it faster.
4. If you take part in a race without transit bags, leave all the equipment near the bike at the side opposite to the one where you will come from after the swimming stage. In such a manner, you will keep your running equipment dry while passing T1.
5. If T1 required using bags, think over the contents of your bag before the start. Imagine all the stages of your race in the chronological order to keep track of all the details in your mind.
6. Before the start while preparing your transit bag, roll up your socks in a special way to put them on and off faster during the race.
7. Fasten the belt with the number beforehand and put it on through the bottom.
8. Use a visor helmet instead of glasses.
9. Do not fix the gel at the bicycle frame. Why mess the aerodynamic qualities of a 3000-5000$ bike by the 2$ gel? Use a special bag.
10. Fasten the bike shoes to the pedals and learn how to put them on along the way. Polish this technique during your training and then use it at the races.
11. If you hand over your bike before the start, reduce the inflation pressure by 1-2 atm to avoid the “explosion” of tires because of the variances in temperature. On the day of the race just repressurize the tires.
12. Keep in mind the place of your bike. Find the markers inside and outside the transit to identify it easier. Before the race think over the routes around the transit zone.

Т2:

1. ​After the cycling stage, unsnap your shoes, take out your feet and put them on top. Before the stop-line, dismount a bicycle and run with the bike towards the transit barefoot.
2. Do not forget to put your bike into the right position yourself. Keep in mind the place where your bike stood and find the way around before the start.
3. You can fix your bike at the stand by the saddle or the handlebar.
4. Pre-lock the laces of your shoes with a special locking mechanism to prevent time loss on tying laces or use special rubber bands with locks.
5. If you need some food before the running stage, eat after the cycling round.

These tips will help you reduce time in the transit zone and improve your total results in triathlon.

To calculate the time of the distance you can use our online Triathlon Pace Calculator.