Long-distance triathlon glossary·T1/T2

Transition : T1 (swim-to-bike) and T2 (bike-to-run)

Intensity

The gear-change zones between the three disciplines, counted in official race time.

T1 (swim to bike): wetsuit off, helmet on, shoes on. T2 (bike to run): dismount, helmet off, running shoes on. Transitions are part of the official clock. On an Ironman, a combined T1 + T2 of 5-7 min is solid for amateurs; pros go through in 2-3 min. Practising transitions in training (ending a bike session and running immediately) builds automatism and cuts lost time.

In TriPaced:

In TriPaced, brick sessions (bike followed immediately by a run) replicate T2 conditions. Transition time isn't prescribed in the plan, but your race A or B schedule includes target time windows per discipline.

Source World Triathlon Competition Rules 2024 - Section 4: Transition Area (T1/T2 official procedures)

Related terms

  • Dropbag : gear bag staged in the transition area
  • Race nutrition : fueling effort without crashing
  • Cramps : Muscle cramps during racing
  • Heat management : Thermoregulation in racing
  • Energy gel : concentrated carbohydrate fuel
  • Electrolytes : mineral salts for hydration