Make sure you are aware of how you are supposed to enter and exit the transition zone prior to the event start. The race director will announce the procedure.
When the end of the swim course is in sight, start to think about the transition. Visualize where your bike is racked. You will run from the beach to the transition area. Find your bike and go through the routine you have practiced before. Before you head, out take a couple of seconds to have a sip of water and mentally double check everything. Be Very Careful entering traffic around the transition area.
Remember where your bike is. You would not believe the number of times we have witnessed athletes who cannot find their bikes!
Remember the transition can be large at times and it may be difficult to find a bike amongst 700 other bikes.
As soon as you get to the transition zone PUT YOUR HELMET on and buckle the strap. The rules of helmet use are very strict (for your safety).
Most rules state that the helmet has to be on before the bike is taken from the rack and has to remain on until the bike is racked again. The helmet you use must also meet certain standards.
Most bicycle helmets that are sold in stores meet these minimum standards. Hockey helmets do not.
Walkmans are not permitted on the bike.
Most races require that you wear a shirt or singlet while racing.
This is called the torso rule and is targeted at men. You cannot race without a shirt. Women have the option of wearing two piece bathing suits or one piece suits (or whatever).
In transition be patient – take your time – the transition zone can be a very hectic place during a race. Run through your head what you have to do in the transition zone while you are in the last 100 meters of the swim.
Relax – put your shirt or whatever you’re going to wear on and then put your helmet on. Now take your bike from the rack and walk/run with your bike to the bike exit of the transition.
Once over the bike mount line get on your bike and start the bike portion.
You cannot ride your bike in the actual transition zone, you must walk/run with it.