What is the Transition Area
In the sport of triathlon the Transition Area is like home base for the swim, bike, and run. The athlete passes through the Transition Area twice during the event. In the Transition Area the athlete moves from the swim (or run for the Duathlon) to the bike; and then from the bike to the run.
Every athlete has a spot in the Transition Area (by age-group) where their bike, helmet, shoes/socks, shirt, shorts, towel and other essentials are located. The transition area is set up BEFORE the race starts.
The race itself begins at the pool, even for the Duathlon.
DO NOT WEAR YOUR BIB IN THE POOL
Following the swim, the athlete moves to the Transition Area where they remove any swim equipment such as goggles and swim cap, quickly dries off, puts on what is needed for the bike ride, takes their bike and walks the bike to exit the Transition Area following the sign that says “Bike Out”.
Bathing suit removal is not permitted. Athletes put on shorts and a shirt over their bathing suit with their race number pinned on in advance. Some athletes prefer to just put on a shirt (with number) and ride with bathing suits instead of shorts-over-suits.
After the bike ride the athlete returns to the Transition Area and walks the bike back to where their equipment is located. The bike is placed in the rack, helmet and other riding equipment is removed, and the athlete prepares for the run.
THE BIKE MUST BE PUT BACK IN THE SPOT IT CAME FROM OR THE ATHLETE WILL GET A TIME PENALTY
Generally young athletes ride their bikes in their running shoes so after removing the bike equipment they are ready for the run. Runners may jog to the “Run Out” sign in the Transition Area, watching for bikes and other runners. The triathlon finishes at the end of the run on the track through the Finish Line chute.
