Just imagine a world without aerodynamics - there would be no flight, cars would be square and humans would fall over in a gust of wind. Formula One races would take days. That got us thinking. Racing cars have evolved to optimise speed in every

Standfirst: What to do, what to takeAuthor:Pics:Issue date: May01 / xref Ultimate schedsKeywords:uan137--Before race day, you should have Tried your shoes and kit on a long run Found out how to get to the start 90 minutes before the gun goes Made a

race, whereas others prefer to pull on bike shorts and a shirt over their suits for the bike and run portions.Bike gloves (optional, but helpful for longer events such an Ironman event)Tool kit/spare tire: If you get a flat tyre during your warmup

- and Olympic-distance races as it familiarises the body with the bike-to-run changeover while you are working at a high intensity.This is a 90-minute bike interval and tempo run session with a high-speed transition. Set your running kit up as you would in a

compromising your performance. Jon Alexander explored these matters while he was training for Challenge Barcelona in 2009. His plan was to race while trying to minimise his carbon footprint. He says there are three main issues: kit, diet and transport. Where

the course to check it out.The Day BeforeSIGN INOnce you’ve registered and collected your race numbers (usually one or two for you, plus numbered stickers for your bike, front of your helmet and kit bag), ask the officials any questions and find out

can easily save 30 seconds on those who are shabby because they simply haven't practised." Time saved: 30 seconds2. Know your kitDon't leave anything to chance. There's plenty you can do before race day arrives to make sure you optimise your chances

important thing to remember is to relax. You’ll get round, and you’ll look back on it and be proud, so don’t fret. Prepare all your race kit early (see ‘Now where did I put it?’, right). If you have your number already, pin it to the front of your race T

’t reflect my overall fitness. I mean, there wasn’t a lot I could do about it. I made lists, too – travel plans (with large amounts of built-in disaster time), race-day kit lists, bad-weather emergency kit lists, baggage-bus kit lists, pre-race snacks lists

will increase pace, leading to a flat-out race."Finally no one likes to be hit by - how to put this? - fast-moving nasal material, so if you need to clear your nose, make sure you don't do so into a strong wind.Going soloIf a faster rider comes past, let him