If transition is the 4th discipline of triathlon, then logistics is the 5th. Just getting to the start line can be a real ordeal for some events, especially if a wetsuit swim and a flight are involved.
I like to lay everything out the night before, especially with the traditional early starts of local, open-road races. To help with this, I’ve made a handy triathlon packing list, setting out all the tasks I need to achieve. I normally drive to my races, so also need to prepare the bike rack, but otherwise I think the list is pretty general. If you’re packing away from the internet, you can find a downloadable, printable triathlon packing list here.
Packed in the bag
- Helmet
- Cycling shoes
- Sunglasses
- Computer/strap/HRM
- Gels/nutrition
- Race belt
- Single hole punch (for making holes in race number for the number belt toggles)
- Swim cap
- Goggles
- Running shoes
- Towel
- After race change of clothes
- Bodyglide
- Wetsuit
- Race license (Triathlon England membership card)
- Plastic bag for wetsuit after race
Laid out to grab on race morning
- tri-suit
- tracksuit
- shoes for pre- and post-race
- (corrective) glasses
- wallet
- phone
- house keys
- car keys
- bike rack keys
Prepared the night before
- bike rack on car
- bike stripped of removable objects (mini-pump, saddlebag, lights)
- saddlebag contents checked (tyre levers, patch kit, CO2 inflator, spare tube)
- stepladder and track pump in boot (I’m too short to lift the bike off the roof without a ladder!)