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

? Amazingly, triathlon is often considered an 'extreme' sport. However, there are a number of travel and sport insurance companies, including Dogtag, Snowcard, Insure and Go, and JS Insurance, that will cater to your specific needs. Do your researchIf you

, old satan was in a very bad mood that day.This incredibly tough triathlon - which was moved from its September date to make way for the 2012 Olympics sailing test events - is one that earns you brownie points for life if you make it to the finish

Sunday 10-minute warm-up jog; Super-sprint triathlon; 10-minute warm-down and stretch

Two down, one to go. By the time you reach the run leg of a triathlon, your focus may be simply on finishing, but you can have loftier aims. Here are some tricks and tips to speed you through the final tri sport, as well as ways to improve your

Q. What exactly is the difference between a triathlon bike and a road bike?A. There are several visible and important differences between a purpose-built tri bike and a road bike. These differences allow a triathlete to function in the most

that focusing on cycling can provide the biggest improvement in your race times.Although a triathlon involves three sports, the greatest proportion of time during a race is spent on the bike section. During a sprint- or Olympic-distance race you may spend around

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

identifies tangible achievements as those things that you have accomplished and that meant something to you - such as completing a triathlon under difficult circumstances, receiving a promotion, delivering a great presentation or meeting a particularly tight

Whether you're tripped up in transition, or you struggle with the swim, everyone has different weaknesses and strengths when it comes to triathlons. That's part of the appeal - and the challenge - of a multi-sport event. To help make that leap