220 Triathlon November 2018

Here we are then. The off-season. So what will you choose? Add a few extra layers and take on the winter duathlons? Or dig out the mucky trail shoes and run headfirst into the joys of off-road racing? Either way, it’s important to first take a little time to recover in the days after your A-race, to do a systems check and make sure your body is ready for something different. As we head into Kona, we asked some of the top pros how they plan to recover after their big race of the year – turn to p43 to see what they suggest. For me, I’ll be hitting the trails but I’m also hoping to keep up a little (chilly) open-water swimming too. If you’re the same, then on…

We take gear testing seriously – you need to know that the kit you buy will help you reach your goals in all three disciplines and work as hard as you on race day. Our test team is made up of experienced triathletes, cyclists and runners who test each product that appears in 220 to the max during training and racing, rating it honestly for performance and value. JACK SEXTY A triathlete since blowing his student loan on a bike, sub-2hr Olympic athlete Jack moved to Ironman at Lanzarote in 2016. What is your off-season target? To up the run mileage and attempt a half-marathon PB. HELEN WEBSTER 220’s editor made the move from marathons to tri four years ago. Happiest when in the open water, she also competes in…

“To emphasise, no triathlete has won Olympic gold and the WTS in the same year” Is it time for the World Triathlon Series to return to a one-off race for the world title? The question has been often posited since the International Triathlon Union first introduced the multi-race series in 2009 that demands triathletes accrue points throughout the season before lining up for an upweighted Grand Final. The sport’s luminaries have long lamented abandoning a single showdown format, among the questioning voices, Alistair Brownlee. The two-time Olympic champion has featured increasingly sparingly since winning a second world title in 2011, but in enjoying the Grand Final spoils four times, has underscored his appetite for one-day competition. The series concept is no failure. It gives prominence to regional races, is admirably…

Once the open-water season comes to an end and it’s back to the swimming pool, you may find you’re missing the extra buoyancy and improved body position given by wearing a wetsuit. One solution to sinky legs is to add a pull buoy, the other is to wear a set of neoprene shorts – but swim experts Speedo have created a more sophisticated option with this cutting-edge new swimsuit. The standout feature is the targeted neoprene panels in the legs, designed to lift them and give you a better body position, which emulates more closely how you will swim on race day in a wetsuit. Other elements of the suit are pretty techy too, though, with bust support provided by PowerMesh and a 360° underband, giving a secure fit and…

UNDER £24 ZOGGS CENTRE LINE £24.99 If you’ve never used a snorkel and are looking for something basic and comfortable, then this is a good bet. It comes with a nose clip to help those who haven’t used one before, and will benefit strong swimmers wanting cardio gains. zoggs.com UNDER £25 SPEEDO CENTRE SNORKEL £25.00 Visually this stands out in the pool with its bright camouflage colours. The mouthpiece has added comfort and, while bulkier than some, the heavier weight of the snorkel actually acts as a focal point for your stroke in the pool. speedo.com UNDER £29 FINIS SWIMMER’S SNORKEL £28.99 This feels the lightest in the pool and maximises stroke efficiency through its streamlined shape and central mouthpiece. After a few lengths, it’s easy to feel at one…

1 A portable-fuelling system is a must for extended stints on the trails. The Vital 8L (£20) from the Swedish transportation specialists Thule features a 2.5L hydration reservoir, straw and bite valve, an expandable panel to help carry up to 8L of cargo and loads of pockets. 2 A mountain bike-specific helmet will give you more protection. Take the Abus Montrailer Ace MIPS (£149.99), for example, which offers five surrounding outer shells of polycarbonate, structural reinforcement and MIPS technology. 3 A flat-pedal pair of shoes over clipped-in pedals will mean you can put your feet down for more reassurance on uneven ground. The Ion Raid II (£83.99) feature a grippy, firm sole, a classic lace closure and plenty of durability. Plus, they’ll make you look like a true off-roader. 4…