Preparing for Interstate or Overseas Travel Triathlon Part 1

One of the most stressful things about interstate or overseas travel to races is the packing. How will everything fit into the car? Will I make the baggage weight limit at the airport? What If I forget something vital? Here are some tips and lists to help get yourself organized early to avoid the last-minute stressful pack.

Equipment List

Personal – passport and/or ID (required for most registrations), neck pillow for car or plane, eye patch for nap time, ear plugs, earphones, computer & charger (as required), toothbrush & paste, medication incl. copy of prescriptions, underwear/socks, phone charger & socket

Race Kit – approved race suit, two pairs of runners (one for race & one for warm up) including appropriate laces for race, tri/bike shoes, bike, helmet, race belt, sunglasses, transition towel (not allowed at ITU world champs), visor or hat, wetsuit/speed suit, lubrication, googles & cap (will receive a race cap but bring a spare just in case), bike pump (when flying consider borrowing or using one from the bike shop or another athlete to save weight), bike repair kit (check CO2 and Pitstop regulations for flight), race nutrition, watch, drink bottles

Other – casual clothes, cycling gloves, cycle jacket/rain jacket, spare cycle & run kit

To be completed at least 4 weeks prior to event:

  • Organise accommodation, transport/flights/transfers from airport and to race site as required
  • Method of bike transport & bike bag including extra padding/protection for bike
  • Book in bike service including fitting of race wheels & check of brakes, tyres etc. suitable to race road conditions
  • Download or print out maps & race info – very important if traveling to a country where you don’t speak the language
  • Organise race nutrition to take with you
  • Double check race entry & read the athlete guide for the event including special rules particularly around bike equipment & wheels
  • Practice swimming, cycling & running in similar conditions the race will he held (where applicable)

To be completed 1-2 weeks prior to event:

  • Arrive at race location (or nearby) in same time zone to acclimatize to local conditions
  • When traveling (car or flight) consider wearing compression garments to help with recovery & blood circulation when seated for a long time. Drink plenty of water & avoid too much processed food.
  • Familiarise yourself with local eating options that will be suitable particularly for race week
  • Get the bike serviced (locally or at home before you leave) with the race wheels

Also read GPC’s blog: The Travelling Triathlete – Avoiding Jetlag

To be completed the week of the event:

  • Course recon the swim, bike & run preferably at the time you will be racing if possible
  • Double check all equipment especially after transit to see if there are any issues with brakes, gears etc.
  • Register for the race – take photo ID with you. You may also be required to get your race suit checked.
  • Rack bike (usually day prior) – take helmet with you to be checked but leave nothing else in transition & let air out of tyres
  • Avoid going to the race expo site unless required (too much hype and walking)
  • Avoid being a tourist – standing in weather, walking too much, increasing fatigue levels

Next week we will focus specifically on travelling with your bike & packing for flights.