The Olympics are nearly here and we will all have a triathlon to watch. Many ask me what is the difference between an ITU Olympic race and all the other races out there and dose it it matter how a triathlon coach trains these guys?
An ITU Olympic distance race is 1.5K swim, 40K cycling and a 10K run. The bike portion of the race is also draft legal. This means the bike portion is much like a cycling road race. I have done these races before and you need to have a road bar. You may also use tri bars know as jammers for draft legal triathlons. Jammers are not allowed to go beyond the brake hoods on the bike.
The race strategy for the athletes is different. Due to the draft legal aspect it is key to get out of the water with the lead pack. Groups of riders will get going pretty fast and thus catching the leaders is often hard to do up as the lead groups often work together to increase there lead.
Transitions in these races are blazing fast. If you need work on transitions watch these guys and learn. Fast transitions in these races is key as the distance is short and the pace is very fast.
lastly….. the run. The run is ware things really get decided, as it becomes a free for all to the finish. Most of the athletes will run a sub 33 minute 10K.
ITU Olympic distance races also become different in triathlon coaching strategy. Compared to non drafting races allot more emphasis is placed on the swim and run. The intensity for these athletes is higher and usually more often than that of a Iron or half Iron distance athlete.
This is ware the art of being a triathlon coach comes in. Many of the top level athletes out there require different coaching strategies as many other normal rules that apply for most get thrown out the window. They usually can handle more intensity and volume than most. Working with a good triathlon coach for these guys becomes key in achieving peak performances.
Thats all for now. much peace & Love
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