Tabla de contenidos para April 2026 en 220 Triathlon

What’s your superpower? No, I’m not talking x-ray vision or being able to lift buildings (though kudos if you do have these). I’m thinking more about the element of triathlon that you’re really great at. All too often we focus on training our weaknesses, on developing the skills that are lacking – but sometimes entering a race that plays to your strengths (p82) can be a lot of fun and give you a key advantage. For me it was always running, until a nasty ankle injury a few years ago meant lots of cross training and I discovered a real love of swimming. Now it’s the open-water element that I consider my superpower and I like entering races with swims that most people wouldn’t relish. Mind you, it’s still safe…

MEET THE TEST TEAM HELEN WEBSTER 220’s editor is also a qualified open-water swimming coach. ROB SLADE 220’s resident adventure seeker and former staffer. EDWARD PICKERING Cycling author, also races run distances from mile to marathon. JUDE PALMER Trail running coach and mountain leader. Owner, Run Surrey Hills SARAH BROADLEY Keen endurance athlete and open-water swim coach. OUR RATINGS 0-49% POOR SIMPLY PUT, DON’T BOTHER! 50-69% AVERAGE IT’LL DO THE JOB WELL ENOUGH 70-79% GOOD A DECENT PERFORMER 80-89% IMPRESSIVE ONE OF THE BEST YOU CAN BUY 90+% BUY NOW A GENUINE CLASS LEADER “The fit immediately feels sleeker with less fabric flapping around me” DRYROBE NEXUS £225 Nobody loves a Dryrobe more than me. Friends have got used to me turning up to all kinds of events in my voluminous,…

Triathlon’s multi-disciplinary nature not only cranks up fitness and fun, but by spreading training load across the body, it’s also deemed a great sport to reduce the chances of injury. Which is wonderful –in theory. In reality, it’s been reported that 62% of triathletes suffer at least one injury per season, both from overuse, where injury strikes through repetition of movement over time, and acute, where injury strikes suddenly, like if you crash. What follows are many ways to reduce your chances of overuse injury. But what about acute? What happens if you twist an ankle, for instance? Well, that’s when it’s time to call in the POLICE. This is the updated acronym to RICE and breaks down as: P is for protect so strap up the injury; O and…

Over the last two issues we’ve been building up your front crawl skills element by element. This month though, it’s time to tackle one that many triathletes find the hardest – an effective kick. For anyone that’s new to triathlon swimming, one of the most common problems you’ll see in novice swimmers is sinking legs. You’ll see individuals swim with their legs well beneath the surface. In the attempt to compensate, you’ll typically see these same individuals kicking furiously. Because it’s a lot of work to do so, this usually results in triathletes that are always out of breath. If you’re struggling with these skills, it probably seems like a mystery as to how you can fix the problem. The only thing that makes sense is kicking hard, and that…

THE BIG PIC Fourth off the bike, Kiwi Jack Moody moves into pole position on the run at Challenge Wanaka, on 21 February. Delighting the 20th-anniversary home crowd, Moody would cross the line in 3:51:23 to secure his second Wanaka title. It looked set to be a double NZ victory with Wanaka local Rebecca Clarke having led throughout, but she was overtaken by Canada’s Tamara Jewett in the final stretch – thanks in large part to Jewett’s new run course record of 1:21:26.…

The benefits of trail running for triathletes are huge, from building core strength to technique gains and, ultimately, pure enjoyment. Nothing makes the miles fly by like varying terrain and interesting scenery (plus the need to vault the odd stream or puddle!). Luckily unlike cycling you don’t need much kit to take your running off-road, making it a relatively inexpensive way to mix up your training. Trail running shoes however can make going off-road a more enjoyable and beneficial experience, not to mention safer and easier depending on the conditions, so we’ve rounded up and reviewed some of the latest options to hit the market. But what makes for decent trail shoe? Well, a breathable upper for a start. This is key because lightweight material also aids drainage come the…

No time to cook? Too tired from a busy day or long bike session? Well good news! One, you’re not alone, and two, you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to produce delicious and nutritious meals to support your training. I’m absolutely convinced that it’s possible to rustle up a proper, healthy, weekday meal quicker than it takes to order in a takeaway. So, prove me right! Sharpen your knives, stock up your store cupboard, and see if you can tuck into this month’s slow energy-burning recipes in just 20 minutes. First up, a treat for lovers of Italian cuisine, this Trottole with creamy hazelnut sauce will take your pasta repertoire to the next level. Rich in slow-releasing carbs, it’s a comforting, substantial dish that can work well…

‘A’-Race The most important race of your season Age-grouper Non-pro triathlete Aerobic Aerobic exercise involves oxygen consumption by the body Anaerobic How much energy your body can produce without using oxygen Aquabike Race with just swim and bike elements, no run Bilateral breathing Breathing every three strokes when swimming Biomechanics The forces applied to your body during exercise Bonking Running out of energy mid-race or training session Brick session When you ‘brick’ two disciplines together, e.g. bike and run Cadence Pedal rate on bike, in revolutions per minute (rpm) Carb-loading Eating a carb-heavy meal prior to a race to boost energy Catch The part of the swim stroke where you pull on the water Core strength Development of the stomach and lower back area in support of strength DNS/DNF Did…

TIM HEMING Cutting through the spin of tri to address the issues that matter, Tim is a sports journalist who has written extensively on triathlon for the national press. The past few years have offered unprecedented financial opportunities for professional triathletes. In a sport whose elite competitors are not traditionally showered with riches, the postpandemic emergence of the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) – and the impetus it gave Ironman to better reward long-course professionals--has proven a windfall for athletes talented and astute enough to take advantage. Will it continue? Triathlon at the professional level is increasingly reliant on investment from the Middle East. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is a backer of the PTO and Ironman has struck a multi-year partnership with Oman, including as hosts of the 70.3 World…

Triathletes are known for their extremes. The drive required to prepare for any race distance is beyond the norms of the average gym goer, while the intensity and volume needed to simply complete a half- or full-distance event alongside other life commitments like family and work takes near-super human levels of physical and mental dedication. But the mindset required to rock up to the pool for a 5am swim or lace up the running shoes for a brick session after a long ride can also have a negative impact when it comes to body image – particularly around areas prone to storing fat like the belly or hips, thighs and bum. Although you’ve built an engine that can motor along for hours across three different disciplines, subliminally, your brain can…

“Gravel bikes are a great choice for training, especially in the winter.” In 2013, bike behemoths Giant introduced the purpose-built gravel Revolt range, in the days when gravel as its own category was in its infancy. At the time, many who sought an off-road ride with drop handlebars modified either their road or cyclocross bike. Then along came the likes of Giant and the Revolt, with its sloping geometry, disc brakes and compliance-focused geometry, that laid the foundations for a genre of cycling that continues to evolve and grow to this day. But does the 2026 Revolt range? I hopped on the new Revolt Advanced O to find out… WHY BUY A GRAVEL BIKE? Unless you’re a beginner to road riding, you’d be aware of gravel’s meteoric ascent. But old…

It’s the time of year when it feels like speedy runners are everywhere. Yep, marathon season is in full swing and with the London Marathon mere weeks away it can seem like every time you go out for a training session there are faster runners whipping past you. If you are a slower runner though, take heart – there is plenty you can do to pick up the pace and there’s still plenty of time before triathlon season really gets started. A run speed training plan will help you pick up the pace and stop you squandering your swim and bike efforts at the end of a triathlon. Let’s face it – every triathlete’s been there. You’ve had a great swim, nailed the bike and the race is going to…

MARTYN BRUNT Martyn is tri’s foremost average athlete and is living proof that hours of training and endless new kit are no substitute for ability. As you will no doubt have realised, we have entered “wrong kit” season. Whatever kit you go out in, it’s the wrong kit. To set the scene, I have just been for a training ride. I set off in bib shorts, knee warmers, shoe covers, base layer, jersey, arm warmers, gilet, gloves and thermal cap. Within half-an-hour I stopped to remove my shoe covers and knee warmers, and to swap my thermal cap for a cotton one. Thirty minutes later I stopped again to put my shoe covers back on, which I bitterly regretted removing, and to put a jacket on. Fifteen minutes after that…