What happens if it rains during a triathlon

I am contemplating using my road bike with clip ons rather than my tribike for an upcoming race for which rain is forecast. The rationale is that I am a more confident rider in the rain on my road bike and therefore will need to slow down less - any thoughts on whether I should just suck it up and stick with the tribike?

Post 9 of 35 views. With rain usually comes wind and a tri bike beats a road bike. I also swear by Corsa Evo tires for racing but I would not use them again on wet roads. I'd spend some time searching for the best wet tires if this is an A race for you. Post 10 of 35 views. Beware of rubbing with wet shoes. I did a half Iron a few weeks ago in the rain without socks and rubbed a raw place above my heel.

There was a lot of blood, and it still hasn't healed. In the future I'll probably take the extra 10 seconds to throw on socks. Post 11 of 35 views. If you ride with an aero helmet with a visor, take off the visor and use glasses. You can take the glasses off if needed. As someone else mentioned, baby shampoo or Rain X on your sunglasses will help the fog and rain. Post 12 of 35 views. I just hope the rain won't slow me down any!

Post 13 of 35 views. Post 14 of 35 views. Post 15 of 35 views. Avoid riding over any painted road surfaces and watch out when you do. Civilize the mind, but make savage the body. Post 16 of 35 views. Post 17 of 35 views. Dry socks in a bag for ride, and another pair to put on before the run just in case. Body glide on any spots inside your shoes that you think might rube blisters. Have your visor in the bag as well. Maybe even a small hand towel in the bag to dry feet before putting on socks.

Of course if your worried about time then just race, but little things like this and what others mentioned can go a long way. Post 18 of 35 views. If you're unfamiliar with the course, avoid spots of standing water. Can't tell if it's a tiny 1 mm road depression or a 5 cm deep pothole. Post 19 of 35 views.

Also in general take running in and out of transition easier if muddy.. The good thing about rainy triathlons is less drafting on the bike since no one likes to sit in the spray for miles on end. Post 20 of 35 views. Conti GPs seem to handle well in the wet.

Still be careful on white lines and metal covers though. Good luck! Training in drizzle or even a steady rain can help you get used to such conditions and learn to handle the bike correctly when the roads are wet.

During these wet training days, it is an important time to look at your nutrition strategy. This is because the temperature usually drops, and the body needs more energy to keep moving forward. So, knowing how and when to increase your nutrition intake will pay dividends when the rain starts falling. Just like your nutrition, your gear and clothing will need some adjustments. If you know the weather is going to turn foul during an event it is wise to prepare before the start of the event.

That could mean placing a lightweight jacket in transition or wearing a short sleeve tri suit rather than and sleeveless model. Either way, it is important to make sure you stay warm during the event and prepare accordingly. During the event, you must pace yourself to the conditions. That means slowing down on the bike around corners and stay away from the slippery white lines. Luckily when the weather turns bad there are many triathlon rain jackets and other gear suitable for wet conditions.

Luckily there are other clothing available on the market that can help keep you somewhat dry and warm. All of these products can help keep your core temperature stable and help to fend off light rain.

A good strategy is to include numerous types of clothing in your transition bag if you know the conditions will be wet. This will help you make changes to your gear based on the weather conditions. One of the most dangerous aspects of cycling is the rain. You will want something of a base layer or a wind block layer for the bike, especially in the early miles.

If your top is loose, it will chafe and be wicked uncomfortable, so be ready for that. Cool weather means you will probably forget to fuel properly.

The first hour of the bike is still critical, so make sure you focus on feeding while everyone else forgets. The upside here is when you have to pee on the bike, Mother Nature will get you pretty clean! Note that rain will make the roads treacherous and will make operating bars and gels and blocks and beans and your baked potatoes much harder.

It will melt your salt caps. It will make aid stations crazy…you must alter your plan so that your food will be accessible and safe to eat! I saved the best for last; and this is the most important. When the weather goes south, you absolutely have to put your pre-race performance goals aside in favor of a great overall race.

You can still be fast and earn a better place, but trying to be your absolute perfect best in less-than-ideal conditions means taking risks and endangering yourself and others. Simply not worth it! The effect on the swim is negligible, other than reducing some visibility when sighting…so pick good lines before the race starts or when you see other waves start.

On the bike, rain will make the roads extra slippery and dangerous. When the roads are wet, remember to turn with your body, not the bike try to keep the bike upright!. Work the brakes to slow down well before any hard turns, and use your body language sit up, etc to communicate with other racers how you feel about the part of the course you are on. Stay to the right and be smart. Watch out for puddles as there could be a big pothole hidden there.

And be extra cautious at aid stations. On the run, the run will mean soggy shoes and potential blisters.