. At Ironman New Zealand in 1997, men expended, on average, 10,036 calories and consumed 3,940. Women burned 9,253 calories and consumed 3,115.Aim to take in around 250 calories an hour from food, and roughly the same from sports drinks. Studies suggest

Gore Bike Wear Concept Gilet, £169.99Gore comes up trumps again with this lightweight, flexible and breathable gilet. Nothing has been left to chance, from the ergonomically shaped, fleece-trimmed collar to the adjustable hem with its covered cord

In the kit-crazed world of triathlon, we are sometimes judged by our fashion sense as well as our sporting ability, often by the more elite (and more than a little vain) among us. But many style rules exist for a purpose - not only do they prevent

tri companies put together a package of tri essentials - which includes a top-quality bike - that can save you a lot of money.SBR Sports is offering an £829 starter package, comprising a Trek 1.2 Road Bike (£550), Orca Equip Trithalon Wetsuit (£150

This section is adapted from the book, Triathlon Training in Four Hours a Week: From Beginner to Finish Line in Just Six Weeks, by Eric HarrPreparationDirections to the event: I cannot tell you how many times I tried to find my way to a triathlon

cleats (the bit on the bottom of the shoe that clips in) cost at least £15.Essential?You can cycle in trainers, but you'll find life easier with bike shoes and clipless pedals. Your bike times should come down with no extra effort.The alternativeIf you

-release lever and break, and you're ready to go.On the roadAvoidance tacticsThe single best way to avoid a flat is to inspect your tyres regularly for cuts (if you can push your fingernail into a cut, it's time for a new tyre) and to pump the tubes to 100 or 110

On the final day of the Tour de France 20 years ago, something extraordinary happened. The race leader was Frenchman Laurent Fignon, who had a 50-second lead going into the final stage. A 24.5K time trial from Versailles to Paris would decide

into their body."Regular mental training is as important as physical training. Set aside 10-15 minutes a day and find a quiet place where you can relax. The aim is to try to settle into a state where the conscious mind switches off, which allows you to think

the lifeguards cause to fret. Speedo's soft Aquatic Mitts (£13.00, www.speedo.com) are one example. Made of neoprene, they are durable, hold their shape and dry quickly (although you shouldn't leave them languishing in the bottom of your bag). Choose the correct