Complete An Olympic Distance Triathlon

The adventure

The Olympic distance is the classic triathlon, the format raced at the Games since Sydney 2000. It starts with a 1.5-kilometre swim, long enough that pacing and sighting really matter, before a 40-kilometre bike leg where you can finally settle into a rhythm and refuel.

The 10-kilometre run is where the race is won or lost. Your legs feel heavy for the first kilometre, and then, if you have done your brick sessions, they find their stride. Big city races add plenty of spectacle, with swims in docks and lakes and bike legs on closed roads. Crossing the line after somewhere between two and a half and three and a half hours of continuous effort, you have done exactly what Olympic triathletes do, just at your own pace.

Why it’s epic

• The total distance is 51.5 km, made up of a 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike and 10 km run.
• Triathlon made its Olympic debut at the Sydney 2000 Games.
• Elite men finish in under two hours; most age-groupers take two and a half to three and a half hours.
• Age-group races are usually non-drafting, so you ride your own race on the bike.

What it is

An Olympic-distance triathlon is a 1.5-kilometre swim, 40-kilometre bike ride and 10-kilometre run.

How to do it

Train for all three disciplines, including brick sessions.

Top tip

Practise your transitions.

Need to know

• Brick sessions, a bike ride followed straight away by a run, are essential to get used to the switch.
• Most races are in open water, so you'll need a wetsuit and practice swimming in a group.
• Check the swim and bike cut-off times before you enter.

Why it’s on my list

At this stage of the Ironman journey things are starting to get serious! I will have learn my trade in the Sprint Distance Triathlon, and be looking to hone my skills to progress to the Half Ironman & ultimate aim of becoming an IRONMAN

The Olympic Triathlon is the most common Triathlon in terms of distance and requires participants to complete

1500m swim; 40km bike; 10km run.

Check out The Official Ironman Website to find your nearest Olympic Distance Triathlon event.

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