5 unmissable races in the world of triathlon

Triathlon is a thrilling sport that pushes athletes to give their best throughout the entire race. Each competition alternates three distinct phases: swimming, cycling, and running. Distances and times vary depending on the type of race. However, the physical and mental commitment that each triathlon competition demands of athletes of all levels remains the same.

Although it's a very young sport, it has already won the hearts of many enthusiasts and earned the nickname "the toughest sport in the world." Athletes can compete in a variety of competitions. Times and distances vary significantly, and so does the level of physical preparation required.

Types of Triathlon: Times and Distances

There can be huge differences between the various triathlon competitions, depending on the terrain conditions, the weather conditions and also the type of competition you are participating in.

Here are the main ones, with times and distances:

As is clear, therefore, each athlete must follow a specific training plan for the type of competition in which they want to participate.

Triathlon times range from over 8 hours for the Ironman to just over 60 minutes for the Sprint Triathlon. There's also a Supersprint, with even shorter distances and times.

Mixed Relay Triathlon: Why It's a Popular Format

The mixed relay triathlon deserves a separate mention, a discipline that only reached the Olympics in 2020, during the Tokyo Games. Although it only recently gained Olympic popularity, this race format quickly won over many enthusiasts.

The relay introduces the concept of teamwork to a sport that has always been highly individual. The three phases of each race are derived from individual sports, where the athlete's physical and mental preparation makes the difference.

With the relay, it's different: everyone's performance depends on each person's performance.

In the mixed relay in Triathlon, teams of four athletes participate, two women and two men.

The path is structured as follows:

At the end of each individual lap, the athlete passes the baton to the next teammate, who repeats the lap. The team with the fastest four laps wins.

The first mixed triathlon relay world champions were the British. We'll have to wait until the next Olympics to update the medal table.

5 unmissable races

If these are the types of competitions currently most popular in Triathlon, what are the races that a passionate triathlete would like to participate in at least once in their life?

Here's a list of our top 5, starting with a competition that takes place right here in Italy.

1 - International Triathlon Bardolino

The Bardolino International Triathlon has reached its 37th edition, becoming a true reference point for triathlon enthusiasts, both Italian and international. The stunning location on the shores of Lake Garda is the perfect backdrop for a competition that pits male and female athletes of varying levels against each other in separate races.
This competition is an institution: in 1984 it was the first triathlon race in Italy.
Info: http://www.triathlonbardolino.it

2 - The Ironman

The Ironman is probably the best-known and most iconic race in the world of triathlon, so much so that it has become a type of race in its own right.
In fact, the name comes from a registered trademark, Ironman Inc., which organizes the Ironman Triathlon races.
Hundreds of competitions take place around the world every year. The Ironman represents a true endurance challenge for athletes : each stage covers long distances, and you have to stay active for hours and hours to achieve the result.
Info: https://www.ironman.com

3 - Superleague Triathlon

Founded in 2017, Superleague Triathlon is an international competition circuit that attracts the best athletes from all over the world (also thanks to the rich prizes).

The first edition took place in Australia in 2017. The competitions are divided into championships, series and arena games.
Five teams named after animals are vying for the top spot: Sharks, Eagles, Rhinos, Scorpions, and Cheetas.
Each team consists of four male and four female athletes, plus reserves. Starting with the 2021 series, each team has a captain.
Info: https://superleaguetriathlon.com/

4 - Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon

Probably one of the most evocative races, also from an emotional point of view: the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon retraces the route taken by three inmates who escaped from the infamous maximum security penitentiary in San Francisco in 1962.
Originally a private club event, the race was later opened to the public. Today, it attracts around 2,000 athletes each year.
Triathletes compete along a 1.5-mile swim, starting from Alcatraz and ending at the San Francisco waterfront. This is followed by an 18-mile bike ride to the Golden Gate Bridge, and finally an 8-mile run, culminating in a whopping 400 sand steps.
Info: https://www.escapealcatraztri.com/

5 - Norseman Xtreme Triathlon

The Norseman Xtreme Triathlon is a grueling race, among the toughest in the world. The race begins at 5:00 a.m. with a 4-meter dive over three kilometers off the coast of Eidfjord in Norway, along the Hardangerfjord. This is followed by a 180-kilometer road bike ride, through extreme weather conditions but epic scenery. The finish line is at 1,850 meters above sea level, with a total elevation gain of approximately 5,000 meters.
The competition is part of the Xtri circuit, of which it is the most iconic and famous race. Only the most physically and mentally prepared athletes can complete the Norseman.
Info: https://nxtri.com/