What do you wear to compete in a triathlon?

Question

Do you change in between stages, or what?

Answer 1

Most triathletes wear spandex shorts and a jersey made of moisture wicking material. The material dries quickly and is ideal for aerodynamics and muscle compression. Tri shorts are different than cycling shorts because the chamois pad is smaller and lower profile to reduce the chance of chafing and increase comfort while running. It still offers a good protection to the tender regions but is not as substantial.

Depending on the race and the kind of swimming you are doing (if it is cold temperature water) a wetsuit may be preferable or even required. Most triathletes become pretty good about getting the wetsuit off after the swim (often there are helpers to assist in getting the d**n thing off). Under the wetsuit is the short and jersey combo I mentioned before. Since time is so valuable, there's usually no changing beyond getting the wetsuit off. A good number of very competitive racers even have their cycling shoes already clipped into their pedals to cut down on time spent in transition.

Answer 2

In addition to the shorts look for a tank top that has some stretch and is close fitting. It will fit under your wetsuit if you need to wear one and wont flap around when you are biking and running. If the tri is longer than a sprint, have someone apply some good quality waterproof sunscreen to your neck shoulders and arms 30 mins before the race. Some will wash off but enough will stay on to protect you. If you are prone to chafing "down there" have stick or tube of anti friction stuff ready at T1 to apply quickly and reduce friction. On longer races, some guys also apply bandaids or stickies over their nipples if they like a slightly loose shirt to prevent chafing.  Don't forget your swim cap and goggles in the car before the race!

Answer 3

It definitely depends on the conditions, but usually you don't want to waste a lot of time changing in transition. I would definitely focus on wearing one thing for all 3 events unless conditions call for a wetsuit, and then you just wear your tri-suit or tri-shorts under the wetsuit.

Answer 4

we don't usually change unless you do a really long distance one like iron man if your doing olympic distance a tri suit should be enough