you run into trouble during the race, move to one side if you can so you can receive help without causing a pile-up.By remembering these few simple rules and ways of conducting yourself, you'll be helping to make the world of triathlon a happier place
Winter brings icy roads and even icier open waters to the UK, which means triathlon is really only suited to our self-styled summer. But that doesn't mean your competitive juices have to dry up when the cold settles in - the UK hosts a growing
made by newcomers to triathlon.Don't forget your helmetRead your race pack when you receive it. If you are taking your bike to the transition area the night before the race, remember to take your helmet. The rules in your race pack will state that you
of the smaller competitions before the main event so that you feel confident you'll be taking in the right stuff on race day. The buildup to these smaller races would also be a good time to practise carbohydrate loading. You do not want to be experimenting too
. It's a great course, always has a competitive field, and gives me a great buzz to be racing in front of an enthusiastic home crowd." Tim Don, the World Triathlon Champion in 2006The VitruvianWHEN September WHERE Rutland, LeicestershireDISTANCE 1900m
Once upon a time long-distance triathlon was seen as something of a grail, holy or unholy, depending on how you felt about a 140-mile race. It was the preserve of the experienced, the specialists and, maybe, the slightly unhinged. Not any more
against your skin on race day - and it should not be a new sensation."You wouldn't use a mountain bike to train for a road race and the same rule applies to your triathlon preparations," says Dan Halksworth, a former Commonwealth Games swimmer who is now a
of 'me-time' to focus on the race ahead. I also warm up with a swim - it's important to be ready for the fast start."Hollie Avil, European and World Junior Triathlon Champion and Corus Elite Ambassador"I tackle the warm up in reverse order by going from
Man Triathlon and her local Southwater Relay. "I ride the route beforehand if I can," she says. "I've driven courses before, just to get an idea of what I'm in for. It helps me to know what's around the next corner. I swim regularly in the lake I'll be racing
