In the world of one of the fastest growing cycle sports, triathlon, which combines swimming, cycling and running, there are many different formats. The two most well-known and widespread are the Olympic and Ironman. Olympic will help to understand the main differences between them.
What do Ironman and Olympic Triathlon have in common?
The order of disciplines in both formats is the same: open water swimming first, followed by road cycling and a running leg. The rules for all types of triathlon, without exception, prohibit interfering with other participants, moving through the transition area on the bike, scattering equipment and being completely naked. This is followed by various penalties (often temporary penalties in boxing).
Differences: swimming stage
In the Olympic triathlon (due to a small number of participants – 40-60 professional athletes), the start is simultaneously from the shore or from a special pontoon. Often the distance is divided into two segments of 750 m with a gap to the shore (for more dynamism and comfort of spectators). If the water temperature is below 22 degrees Celsius, we allow the use of neoprene wetsuits with a maximum thickness of 5 mm.
In the long triathlon, the athletes (in addition to the elite, there are thousands of amateurs) leave the water in waves (in groups, depending on the results of previous races). The authorized thickness of the wetsuits is the same as that of the Olympic wetsuits, but the athletes are allowed to use them when the water is below 24.5 degrees Celsius. In the Ironman and Olympic formats, fins, buoys and paddles are not allowed. The style of movement in the water is not regulated and is left to the discretion of the race participants.
Differences: Cycling.
The main difference between Ironman and the Olympic format is the rules of the cycling segment. In the latter case, the design is allowed – riding in a group, where you can hide from the oncoming flow behind the athlete in front. As a result, there is no need for equipment that improves aerodynamics: streamlined helmets, special starting suits with compression effect, disc wheels and carbon beds (according to the rules of the World Triathlon, they can not exceed the imaginary line between the edges of the brake handles ). Also due to the short distance (40 km), triathletes do not take more than one bottle of liquid to drink at the Olympic distance. Their starting suit is equipped with minimal or no diaper padding.
In the Ironman cycling stage, drawing is prohibited – the distance between athletes must be at least 15 meters. Compliance with this rule is strictly controlled by the flagmen on the course. In case of violation, the athlete receives a time penalty.
Therefore, over long distances, aerodynamics is important. The bikes are similar to those used to race from a split start – with a solid carbon rear wheel (not used unless there is a strong crosswind on the track), a verified aerodynamic landing and impressive length beds. Triathlete suits are as simple as possible, often using a drop helmet and a solid face mask on the front. Pampers are provided large enough to protect the athlete from abrasions. The supply of liquids for drinking and eating (usually special gels are used) for the 180 km distance is also much more necessary than in the Olympic format.
On the «half» of the «iron» distance, there are rare exceptions. For example, the Norwegian Gustav Eden won the world championship in this format on a bike, which he usually uses on the Olympic distance.
The difference: running.
The Olympic distance is more dynamic – seconds count. That’s why athletes don’t use socks to get into their running shoes as quickly as possible. Elastic bands instead of laces serve the same purpose. Although competition shoes are often those that have already been used in training, blisters and foot abrasions are not uncommon in races. The World Triathlon entry suit is fitted in the front and sleeveless, so you often unzip the back for ventilation and actively pour water on yourself.
For the Ironman marathon distance, these cooling measures are not enough. Athletes unzip (long distance suits have it in the front) and place sponges with water and ice from the feed stations underneath. No one neglects socks – 42 km without them in wet running shoes can lead to nail loss and other injuries. On the head, «iron people» wear a cap (underneath, you can put the same sponge or ice) or a special bandage with cooling elements. Often athletes carry with them a large amount of carbohydrate gels – they are attached to a special belt or hidden under the suit / bracelets.