1. Super sprintThe shortest triathlon distance is all about speed, and brick sessions are important for building pace. "Recreate race conditions," says coach Simon Ward. "If you're doing the race in a pool you won't need a wetsuit, and you should

and enjoy a positive race experience.Whether you're tackling your first triathlon or you fifteenth, there's always something to learn, so read on and take the next step to triathlon success.In AdvancePreparation for a perfect race begins well in advance

potential in time for your races.For most of us, summer is a reminder of why we took up triathlons in the first place. Coach Dan Bullock (www.swimfortri.com) says, "It's just great to be outside. When the time comes to get away from the chlorine and straight

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

With three disciplines to consider, it's easy to make mistakes when you're eating and drinking during training and racing. That's the bad news. The good news is that it's easy to avoid triathlon's common nutritional pitfalls if you plan ahead

-neutral triathlon. Afterwards they commissioned a report on their efforts that said 95 per cent of the race's carbon imprint came from transport.Next time you're planning to race, ask yourself whether you could do an event close to home, cycle to the venue, use

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

3 triathlon coach (www.theendurancecoach.com). "But just a bit of playing around on a mountain bike can help you acquire the skills that will save five minutes in a race." It's not necessary to do a killer session every time you leave the house

. "Duathlons can be a good gauge of performance, and they can replace 'threshold' workouts with something more interesting" says PhysFarm Coach Dr Philip Skiba.Duathlon, which has national, European and world championship races, is governed by British Triathlon

This weekend brings more than 13,000 triathletes on a quest to swim, cycle and run around some of the capital's most iconic landmarks. The London Triathlon, an IMG Challenger World Event, returns for its 15th year and it continues to hold its status