To win a triathlon, you need to pay attention to your physical and mental preparation . But you can't do without equipment that gives you the maximum boost to your performance. Ursus triathlon wheels, handlebars, and bike accessories are designed to push you beyond your limits.

• TRIATHLON BIKE MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING
• HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT WHEELS FOR YOUR TRIATHLON BIKE
• HOW MUCH DOES THE CHOICE OF HANDLEBAR MATTER?
• OTHER ACCESSORIES FOR TRIATHLON CYCLING: HUBS, SEATPOSTS, ETC.
• HUBS: THE COMPONENT THAT ALLOWS THE WHEEL TO ROLL
• SEATPOSTS GIVE YOU COMFORT AND STABILITY THROUGHOUT THE RACE
• HANDLEBAR ATTACHMENTS FOR A PERFECT POSTURE
• OTHER TRIATHLON BIKE ACCESSORIES YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT

Are you new to the world of triathlon and want to learn more? On this page you'll find all the information you need. Let's start with the definition and history of the "toughest sport in the world."

Triathlon is an individual sport (or, in some competitions, a relay) that combines:

• I swim;
• cycling;
• race.

The three disciplines are practiced consecutively by the same athlete during the same race. Each of the three parts of the race is called a " leg ." Between each leg there are "transition phases" during which athletes change equipment needed to tackle the next leg.

Today, triathlon is an Olympic sport recognized by the IOC (International Olympic Committee) and national federations, but its history is quite recent.

The discipline originated in 1977 at a U.S. military base in Honolulu, Hawaii, as a bet between a group of fellow soldiers who wanted to decide which endurance race was the toughest. According to the soldiers involved, the contestants were competing for the title: a swimming event, a cycling event, and a running event.

Thus, a competition was organized that combined the three disciplines, as sections of a single race. It was the first triathlon competition in history .

The sport evolved rapidly. After the first amateur competitions, the number of participants and enthusiasts steadily increased.

In 1989, just 12 years after its inception, the first Triathlon World Championships were held in Avignon, organized by the newly formed International Triathlon Union (ITU) . In the same year, the first European Championships were held in Cascais, Portugal, under the auspices of the European Triathlon Union .

However, it was not until 2000 that Triathlon became an Olympic discipline, during the XXVIII Games in Sydney.

Today, during the Olympic Games, triathlon is contested as a men's individual event, a women's individual event, and a mixed team triathlon . The nation with the highest medal haul since 2000 is Great Britain, followed by Switzerland and Australia.

In Italy, triathlon is governed at the federal level by FITRI (Italian Triathlon Federation) and CONI.

Triathlon competitions are very complex. The distances and specific regulations depend on the type of race and the age of the participants. It's not uncommon for a competition to have its own specific rules, for example due to particular weather conditions (such as swimming in very cold water).

The most popular types of Triathlon are:

• the Olympic Triathlon;
• the sprint triathlon;
• the Ironman.

How do they differ?

• As for the Olympic Triathlon, this includes a 1.5 km swim, a 40 km bike ride, and a 10 km run.
• The sprint , on the other hand, consists of 750 m of swimming, 20 km of cycling and 5 km of running.
• Finally, the Ironman is also known as the super long triathlon and is a real endurance challenge lasting 3.86 km of swimming, 180.260 km of cycling and 42.195 km of running (the same mileage as a marathon).

However, there are other types of triathlon, which you can consider as further variations on the three main disciplines. For example, there are also the long triathlon, the mountain bike sprint, the super sprint , and races for under-age categories, the duathlon , etc. Each of these competitions has different regulations and a specific mileage for each of the three legs.

If you're thinking about starting your triathlete journey, you should know that you might be more suited to an endurance race than a speed race, or vice versa.

You'll find out by putting heart and soul into your training.

Learn more about the differences between Olympic Triathlon and Ironman.

The most important international competitions are certainly the Olympics and the World Championships, organised by the World Triathlon (heir to the ITU, recognised by the IOC).

Then there are continental races like the European Championships or the Pan American or Oceanian Games. International Ironman races are managed and organized by the World Triathlon Corporation.

A tough sport like triathlon requires a lot of training. Do you want to become a triathlete and challenge yourself and others in a triathlon? First, you must have two characteristics:

• Know your limits;
• Having the right hunger to overcome them.

The important thing is to start gradually. You're never too young or too old to start bringing out the best version of yourself.
For example, FITRI recognizes different categories divided by age, ranging from Cubs to Seniors and Masters, further segmented by level.

But if you've decided to take up triathlon, you know that the first person you'll put to the test is yourself. You'll need rigorous physical and mental preparation. Athletic, technical, tactical, and mental training, along with careful nutrition, will become your routine.

As Olympic triathlete Davide Uccellari explained in an article on the Ursus blog , the ideal is to train consistently every day, alternating strength and recovery activities in the gym, swimming in the pool or in the sea and practicing long distance running and cycling consistently.

Even in terms of nutrition, a triathlete's routine is quite strict . You should always add mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks to your main meals. Your goal should be to always have the energy to tackle races at your best, but without feeling heavy.

How much does it cost to do triathlon? Unfortunately, it's not a sport you can do for free. You'll need to purchase specific equipment, especially for cycling.

However, even the swimming and running phases require specific equipment .

The highlight is the trisuit or triathlon suit , which is used both as a swimsuit for swimming and as a uniform for running and cycling. In some cases, especially for cold-water competitions, a wetsuit may be permitted. Studying the rules of each race is crucial for triathletes: always take the time to analyze them in detail.

You'll also need headphones, goggles, running shoes, and cycling shoes. Triathlon footwear is specifically designed to facilitate transitions: a quick transition gives the athlete an advantage, while a slow transition separates them from the rest of the pack and results in a significant penalty.

You'll find that cycling is the most expensive discipline for triathletes , as you'll need a specialized bike. You also need to pay special attention to choosing wheels, handlebars, and other accessories, which we'll discuss later.

Is this expense necessary? Yes: using a high-performance bike and accessories really makes a difference in a triathlete's comfort, safety, and performance during the race.

To get started and reduce costs, you can adapt a racing bike with Olympic Triathlon-specific handlebars . These ensure the athlete maintains the correct posture, which is less time-consuming and less traumatic.

As you level up, however, we recommend getting the right triathlon gear. It will become indispensable.

Likewise, it will be increasingly essential to pay attention to the details of your race preparation. Every fiber of your body and mind will be put to the test. Breaking your own records will be a satisfaction you can't even imagine.

The cycling portion of a triathlon is governed by fairly specific rules. It takes place along the course and in transition areas.

The route generally runs on paved roads with clearly marked turns. However, there are also mountain bike triathlon competitions, taking place on rougher terrain.

The courses are accessed through transition areas where equipment and clothing changes take place between the various swimming, cycling, and running sections.

Cycling is the most tactical section of triathlons, especially Olympic triathlons. Therefore, before a race, you'll need to prepare both athletically and tactically.

In recent years, athletes have been given the opportunity to strategically exploit breakaways and slipstreams. In other words, just like in road cycling, today in Olympic Triathlon you can follow the slipstream of another athlete in the leading group, taking advantage of their aerodynamic performance.

However, slipstreaming also presents specific challenges, especially when it comes to road holding. Your tactical assessment must therefore go hand in hand with technical and endurance training.

To get the best start to the cycling leg, you need to learn to quickly locate your position in the transition area . You'll then need to change positions very quickly to stay in the group and not lose ground.

Throughout the race, in all three legs of the triathlon, you must know how to manage your effort and energy. Remember, you must maintain adequate momentum, but without excessive energy expenditure. If you want to win, you have to finish.

Even when choosing cycling equipment for triathlon, you must adhere to the rules specific to this sport. One specific regulation concerns handlebars, for example. Generally, aerodynamic horn-shaped handlebars are prohibited, and bar ends must be closed at the front and no deeper than 18 cm.

However, given the many differences in the competitions, remember to carefully read the rules of each competition you participate in, as the rules may vary.

The last thing you need to know about cycling in a triathlon is that it's a very demanding segment. You'll transition from the water to the road, with your muscles already tired from swimming. But you'll also need to conserve your strength for the running segment. You're in the middle of the race, and it's all in your legs.

How do you tackle such a delicate section? How important is it to maintain proper posture on the triathlon bike? It's crucial.

In fact, maintaining good posture will help you in several ways. Above all:

1. in performance , because it guarantees you an aerodynamic cut;
2. in physiology , because it allows you to reduce trauma and strain;
3. in comfort , because it reduces the risk of chafing and rashes in the perineal area.

The best posture to adopt in the saddle is with your wrists placed on the handlebar grips in a forward position. Your legs should maintain a physiological angle throughout the entire pedal stroke.

To do this, you must first calculate the correct saddle height and distance from the handlebars, based on your anthropometric measurements (height, limb length, etc.).

Amateur athletes perform these calculations in a more “rudimentary” way, while in specialized centers, highly technologically advanced ad hoc machines are used.

On the other hand, the posture on a time trial bike, or a triathlon bike with handlebar extensions, is more aerodynamic. You'll lean forward, and your weight will be unbalanced over the front of the saddle. Try to distribute your weight laterally as evenly and symmetrically as possible, left and right.

This position has enormous advantages in terms of aerodynamics and speed, but you must consider the impact on your back and legs. You'll feel that all your muscle groups are subjected to stress and tension during the race.

Would you like some advice if you're a beginner? Even when a time trial bike is permitted, carefully consider whether you prefer it or not. In some cases, you might opt ​​for a standard triathlon bike adapted with special time trial handlebars.

In your assessment, also consider the impact of aerodynamic posture on your physique and muscles, especially if you are not a professional athlete.

Triathlon races are run on specially designed bikes. These are often time trial bikes, designed to offer maximum aerodynamics and speed.

As we have already seen, however, on very long routes it is better to choose a standard adapted racing bike or a standard triathlon bike.

Beginner triathletes sometimes adapt road bikes and mountain bikes for triathlons using handlebar extenders. These accessories help give the triathlete a more functional and aerodynamic posture. They also protect the back from microtrauma, wherever possible.

Triathlon bikes typically feature handlebars with extenders. They also feature particularly comfortable saddles and pedals with quick-release systems. This system facilitates the transition from swimming to cycling and from cycling to running.

Finally, you'll need to choose the right wheel for the race . Generally speaking, the choice ranges from high-profile wheels, used on very fast courses, to medium-profile wheels, which offer a good compromise between speed and stability. Low-profile wheels are much more stable but less dynamic, which is why they're rarely used in races.

Quick aside: also pay attention to your choice of tubeless or clincher tire . The former offers unbeatable rolling performance, while the latter provides greater stability even in windy conditions.

As you can see, triathlon is mentally demanding, even from a strategic standpoint. You can't leave any detail to chance if you want to challenge yourself in the most demanding sport in the world.

One important thing we recommend is to periodically clean your triathlon bike and all its accessories. Keep the bike and its mechanical parts clean, in good working order, and lubricated.

Why? Because these are delicate parts. Rust, dust, and dirt can damage them or make pedaling less smooth.

Imagine if, after all your training and effort, a little too much dust or dirt were to slow down your pedaling!

Here are the steps you need to follow to always keep your triathlon bike clean:

1. Prewash;
2. Degreasing;
3. Cleaning the chain;
4. Rinse;
5. Drying;
6. Lubrication.

We also recommend that you periodically take your bike to an expert mechanic for a check-up of the mechanical components.

We've already talked about how to keep your triathlon bike clean and performing well in a previous article: learn how to perform a perfect wash step by step .

Many triathletes are increasingly choosing to ride lightweight, high-profile carbon wheels because they offer the ultimate in speed and aerodynamics.

These wheels perform very well for long, speed races, such as the IronMan, and also work well for Olympic Triathlons.

They allow you to maintain speed even in the slipstream or to sprint to reach the head of the group.

Not all races are held on paved roads, however. If you find yourself racing on bumpy and steep roads, bike control becomes difficult, and high-profile wheels aren't the best choice. Wind can also be a factor that undermines the stability of the bike while racing, especially in the case of lateral gusts.

In these cases, it is better to prefer medium-profile wheels.

Once you've identified the type of wheel that's right for you, you need to consider one incontrovertible truth: a more technologically advanced and higher-quality wheel makes the difference in racing.

For this reason, it is ideal to always fit high-end, functional and lightweight wheels.

At Ursus, for example, we employ an in-house development and design department, working in collaboration with professional teams and triathlon champions, to create the highest-performing wheels.

We've said it before: Triathlon is the toughest sport in the world and you can't leave anything to chance.

Handlebars are also components that you will have to choose with great care to optimize your performance in a triathlon race.

Ursus develops and manufactures handlebars suitable for Olympic, Sprint, and Ironman triathlon bikes. These are racing handlebars that can be fitted with extenders.

Ursus' design efforts focus on customization, creating models that best match athletes' body measurements. In fact, the more a handlebar adapts to an athlete's physiology, the better their performance will be in competition.

Among Ursus' patents is the AlphaSolution , for example, which is a device designed to guarantee you an aerodynamic position, whatever the handlebar size you have chosen.

Ursus handlebars are compatible with the highest-quality gear shifters such as Shimano, EPS, and Campagnolo . They allow for internal cable routing and are made from super-light, super-strong materials like carbon.

Discover all Ursus handlebars.

Physical, tactical, technical, and mental training are the daily bread of triathletes. But to push yourself even further, you need support. And in triathlon, that means bikes and accessories.

A well-equipped triathlon bike doesn't replace your hard work, but it maximizes every effort you've made in training, leading up to the race. It supports your muscles and enhances their explosiveness and power.

Today, bicycles are high-tech means of transportation. Therefore, especially when it comes to a complex and demanding sport like triathlon, technological innovation can transform the outcome of the race. Not only that, it can protect legs and backs from trauma and injury.

For this reason, in addition to wheels and handlebars, you should also pay close attention to the smaller components: hubs, seat posts, handlebar stems and other cycling accessories.

Hubs are the mechanical part that allows the wheel to turn, where the spokes are inserted. In short, these are the accessories that allow the bike to move.

So it's clear that if a hub is designed and built specifically to ensure stability and performance while riding, the bike will speed up the race.

Ursus hubs are manufactured using extremely precise CNC machining to reduce tolerances to the micron . They are extremely smooth and are designed to support and enhance your pedaling muscle power while racing.

Check out all the Ursus hubs available.

Seatposts, on the other hand, secure the saddle to the bike and provide maximum stability and comfort during the race. They also help absorb shocks throughout the race.

Ursus has developed two types of seatposts (MAGNUS SP700 and MAGNUS SP300). Both are perfect if you're looking for the perfect balance between performance and comfort while riding.

Check out the Ursus seatposts.

The handlebar stem is a crucial component for finding the right balance when riding. For greater aerodynamic efficiency, some athletes tend to choose smaller bikes than the size suggested by their body proportions.

The stem of the bike handlebar partially bridges the resulting drop, allowing the athlete to maintain an extremely aerodynamic and slicing posture. This does not force you into stretched positions that are harmful to your muscles.

The Ursus range of road bike handlebar stems includes two types:

• Magnus S700 , in carbon, which gives the triathlete a “tailor-made” experience on the bike, thanks to the adjustable alpha angle;
• Magnus S300 , made of aluminum, made in 4 sizes from S to XL.

What other essential accessories should the perfect triathlete's transition backpack include? You'll definitely want to remember to include valves and repair kits for your tires.

Even outside of the race, it's always a good idea to have spare spokes, spare valves and extenders, brake pads, and bearings at home to replace those that wear out as you compete in the Triathlon.

Ursus has also thought about this by developing a complete range of accessories for racing bikes that can also be used by those who practice triathlon.

See all Ursus accessories for your bike