Triathlon is a global sport, which means you have opportunities to take in a triathlon holiday and test yourself on events all over the world. It gives you the chance to race in warmer weather (especially during the UK’s winter months!), see some fantastic scenery, and push your sporting endeavours to an unforgettable new level.
However, one thing that every triathlete has to deal with is kit and equipment. And if you’re travelling for a triathlon abroad, then it isn’t just your transitions that you need to worry about: you’ve got transportation to bear in mind, too. So whether you’re just starting out in the sport, or you’re aiming to be the next Alex Yee or Georgia Taylor-Brown, careful planning and preparation is vital.
In this guide, we’ll look at the main factors around your triathlon kit for a race abroad, from keeping your bike safe from damage, to protecting yourself with comprehensive insurance cover.
Wetsuit
Your wetsuit is one of the most specialised and expensive pieces of triathlon kit that you’ll be taking with you, so it’s vital to ensure that it’s well-protected and won’t get damaged in transit. This includes preventing any risk of it getting ripped or torn by being in contact with other items in your bag or case, and ensuring it doesn’t get folded or creased out of shape.
We recommend carefully rolling it up within a thick towel, so that it’s well-covered and cushioned but will still retain its shape. Turn it inside out, cross the arms together, fold it in half, then slowly roll it into the towel before placing into your luggage.
Bike
Taking your bike can be even more complicated than taking a wetsuit – and can be expensive because of the extra charges that airlines often levy for taking bicycles in the hold. Ideally, you should use a bike box that has designated compartments and fitted sections to store your frame, wheels and other components. One handy tip is to check the bike box charging policy of your chosen airline, as it’s common for them to charge a flat fee rather than charge according to weight. If it is a flat fee, then you can save room in your other bags by stuffing as much other stuff as you can into the bike box (as long as you don’t compromise the parts of your bike itself).
Clothing and accessories
You’ll have lots of clothing and other pieces of equipment to take with you, and it’ll be easy to accidentally forget one. Of course, if you’re going to an event closer to home, it’s easier to travel back and pick it up, but it’s a different story if you’re travelling for a triathlon abroad.
The best way to make sure nothing is overlooked is to think your way through a normal triathlon, and make a list of everything you’d come into contact with. For the swim, this will include goggles, swim cap and potentially a nose clip; for the bike, you’ll need helmet, shoes, spare parts and tools, water bottles and bike computer; and for your run, you’ll obviously need your shoes and perhaps a cap if you prefer to wear one.
On top of all that, you’ll have to take into account all sorts of other accessories, such as shades, chamois cream, and a tracksuit or other clothing to wear before and after the event. Given you’ll be packing running shoes and cycling shoes at the very least in terms of footwear, you can use the space within them to carry smaller items (especially squishy things like underwear and socks).
Health and nutrition
One area that people often forget about when travelling for a triathlon holiday is what they’ll eat and drink when they’re away. Ideally, when entering a triathlon abroad, the organisers will make clear what will (or won’t) be provided in terms of sustenance, which means you can plan accordingly. You may need to take any energy bars or electrolyte powder with you as availability of them won’t always be guaranteed when you arrive.
You should also bear your overall health and safety in mind, too. While all good organised triathlons will have first aid cover in place, help may take some time to arrive, especially if you’re on a long bike section in a remote area, or competing in an Ironman. As well as taking some basic medical supplies with you, you should also make sure you know exactly what to do if you need help due to an injury or feeling unwell.
Taking out your own insurance cover is a big part of this. Although you’ll have your European or Global Health Insurance Card that gives you access to healthcare, this only extends to a basic level. If you require emergency support beyond that, and the organisers haven’t put sufficient provision in place to cover it themselves, you can easily end up facing a hefty bill on top of your illness or injury.
GET TRIATHLON TRAVEL INSURANCE WITH SPORTSCOVER DIRECT
Wherever you’re planning to travel to take part in a triathlon abroad, it’s vital that you’re protected against any unforeseen circumstances or financial loss. That’s why taking out triathlon travel insurance is an essential part of preparing before you go.
An affordable SportsCover Direct policy makes sure that you don’t lose out if something happens. We can cover you for personal accident, personal liability, your equipment in case of loss, damage or theft, emergency medical expenses and repatriation, and much more. We’ll also compensate you if your travel arrangements are disrupted, including any entry fees for events that are cancelled or that you aren’t able to take part in.
Take a more detailed look at our triathlon travel insurance here, and if you’re focusing on Ironman triathlons, then you can explore our Ironman-specific cover here.