Long-distance triathlon glossary·T2

T2 : Bike-to-run transition

Intensity

The transition zone where you go from bike to run: unclip, remove helmet, put on running shoes.

T2 is the second transition. It starts at the bike dismount line and ends when you cross the run start line. Key strategy: run the first 400-800 m only slightly faster than target pace to prevent 'run-off-bike' (jelly legs). Legs that run normally after 4-8 minutes of bike-to-run : that's planned, not a sign to quit.

In TriPaced:

In TriPaced, the race plan includes a target T2 time and a run start tip: the first 2 km of the run are often 15-20 s/km slower than the final target pace : that's planned, not a sign to quit.

Related terms

  • Dropbag : gear bag staged in the transition area
  • Race nutrition : fueling effort without crashing
  • Transition : T1 (swim-to-bike) and T2 (bike-to-run)
  • Cramps : Muscle cramps during racing
  • Heat management : Thermoregulation in racing
  • Energy gel : concentrated carbohydrate fuel