220 Triathlon March 2019

So, have you got your 2019 ‘A-race’ in the calendar yet? If you have, I can bet that for the majority of you, the events you’ve picked all have some element of challenge. Whether it’s your first event with an open-water swim, or a double-mountain Ironman (all respect if this is you!), a goal needs to be something that excites us and encourages us to be better triathletes, which is why we’ve given this issue a special ‘Push your limits’ theme, packed with training advice to help you. And if you’re still looking for a race to add to your diary this year, then check out the new Jaguar Tri-Fest (tri-fest.co.uk) from 20-21 July. It promises to be a great weekend of tri fun and racing at beginner- and PB-friendly…

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. Bucket-list endurance challenge The Dirty Kanza 200-mile gravel bike race. Ridiculously long mental and physical torture… sounds fun! HELEN WEBSTER 220’s editor made the move from marathons to tri five years ago. Happiest when in the open water, she…

Its crippling lethargy prematurely curtails the pursuits of countless pro and amateur triathletes. Yet despite 14% year-on-year growth in cases throughout Europe, few are aware of Lyme disease, fewer appreciate how close we may brush to the tick-borne bacteria every day, and fewer still understand how to diagnose and set a path to recovery. It derailed the career of multiple IM champ Mary Beth Ellis and forced Canada’s Commonwealth Games silver medallist, Kirsten Sweetland, into retirement, aged just 28. For Sweetland’s compatriot, Angela Neath, it began last November with flu-like symptoms that progressed to headaches, muscle spasms, anxiety and depression. “It forced Commonwealth silver medallist Kirsten Sweetland to retire, aged 28” As training became increasingly caffeine-fuelled to ward off the weariness, blood tests revealed only slight inflammation. Yet by April,…

UNDER £150 DHB AERON STORM FIT £150 The debut version of the Aeron Storm Fit was a sell out, and the latest looks to improve on the original with reflective ‘Flashlight Technology’ added to the mix. There’s also 2.5 layer waterproof fabric, fully taped seams and a dropped tail. wiggle.co.uk UNDER £200 METIER BEACON RAIN £200 Brit brand Metier are innovating with graphene and LEDs in their techy yet stylish cycling garments, and the latter form part of the lean 175g Beacon Rain’s appeal. There’s also waterproofing, stretchy nylon and fully-taped seams. metiercycling.com UNDER £250 GORE C5 1985 SHAKEDRY £250 The precipitation protection provided by the C5’s incredibly light (116g), two-layer material is up there with the best. It’s also stretchy, windproof and stows away neatly into the front zip…

The top-end ARC 1100 wheelset from Biel-based DT Swiss launched to great fanfare in 2017, with our sister title Cycling Plus proclaiming them a fast, predictable, easily controllable set of tubeless racing rims. The two-grand price point was the major stumbling block, however, which is why the newer and slightly more affordable ARC 1400 Dicut 62s seen here are a welcome addition to the Swiss brand’s wide range. The wheels are the result of a collaboration with celebrated aerodynamicists Swiss Side, with the intention being to help you get up to speed and stay there. Key features include a combined and lean weight of 1,633g (778g for the front, 895g the rear), a 25mm rim width, and Disc Center Lock brakes. DT Swiss tout these for flat and gusty courses…

1 Pack a jacket if you’re heading into the wilds. The Inov8 Windshell (£90) weighs a tiny 96g, as well as packing up small enough to stash in a pocket. Inov8 also do jackets for wet races, so choose according to conditions. 2 The elements are a big concern in colder races, so the Huub Norseman Tri-Suit (£199.99). is ideal. It features a wind-proof chest and torso panel to reduce post-swim wind chill. 3 The Salomon Agile 2 (£70) has dual soft drinks bottles on the front, plus zippy pockets for a phone and keys. This is perfect for shorter races and very light, but if you’re going long or heading into adverse weather conditions then you should choose a pack with more storage for race essentials such as clothing.…