Sooner or later, all triathletes hit the deck, and the result, more often than not, is road rash. Thankfully, such abrasions usually require only basic care, but it must be the right care. Dr Helen Iams has worked as Medical Director for races such as the US Pro Criterium Champio...

Congratulations to Donald Smith of Bangor, County Down, who has won our competition for a race place at this year’s Ironman Lanzarote on May 19.Thanks to our friends at Sports Tours International – and, in his words, “an understanding wife” – Donald will be heading to the island ...

Every day you are bombarded with images of food, facts about food and outright lies about food, and this constant barrage has to compete with what you already think you know about food. Sometimes you just want a few simple questions answered. So that's what we've done. With the r...

Sombrio Forensic gloves, £26These super-thin gloves are a great all-rounder and they're perfect for the transition from autumn to winter. They might be aimed at mountain-bike riders but they're great for triathletes, too. The tough, hardwearing double-layer leather palm feels gre...

Proper fit is a mustYour helmet should neither dig into your scalp nor flop around your head. The more snug the fit, the better chance your lid has of staying put on your head when you don't stay put on your bike.To ensure proper adjustment, start with the interior pads. Most are...

Boardman Road RaceThis entry-level race bike looks better than it has a right to at this price. Standout features are the Shimano Sora shifter/brake units, while the 18-speed gearing delivers reliable shifting performance and complements the FSA Vero compact chainset, allowing yo...

The Knack Of The SnackFor all sorts of reasons - scientific research, improved transport, refrigeration, additives, greed - we are taunted and tempted day and night by fatty, sugary, visually enticing foods and drinks. They're everywhere and they can be hard to resist, but if you...

The cycling gods via Genesis Bikes have answered my prayers. This week I took delivery of my new and frankly beautiful Genesis Equilibrium 10.The Equilibrum 10 was Genesis' top-of-the-range road bike in 2010. This great all-rounder proves steel still has plenty to offer and it ...

Well this week was almost a complete write-off. After catching a debilitating strain of man flu, I've been bed-ridden and missed work for three days straight. I diligently followed the 'neck rule'; any ailment that affects you below the neck (chesty coughs, injuries, stomach pain...

I started training for my 750m swim leg with a dangerous level of confidence. I had weekly swimming lessons throughout my childhood, topped off with lifesaving training (mostly swimming around in pyjamas staging elaborate 'rescues' of my clubmates). The legacy of this is that I h...