GEAR

OF THE
YEAR
THE MUST-BUY
KIT OF 2024
P32

THE BEST COLD WATER SWIM

MASTERCLASS
FESTIVE
RACES
Chilly swim, bike
and run events to on
enter this month test
CHANGING ROBES
RUN BASE LAYERS
PLUS
SWIM JAMMERS
WINTER-PROOF YOUR BIKE
RECIPES FOR GUT HEALTH No. 437
Jan 2025

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CONTENTS
START
P 8 T HE B I G P I C
P 12 STAT E O F P L AY
P 14 W H Y I T R I
P 15 HOT T EST N E W G E A R
P16 DREAM BIKE
P 1 8 PRO Q& A

KI T ZONE
P43 K I T ZO N E
P48 LO N G -S L E E V E R U N T E ES
P54 CHANGING ROBES
P60 SW I M JA M M E R S

TRAINING
P70 M AST E R C L AS S
P75 NUTRITION
P78 C OAC H B E N B R I G H T
P79 Q& AS

R EG U L A R S
P22 SUBSCRIBE
P86 H OW WAS I T FO R YO U
P92 R AC E CA L E N DA R
P96 FAQ : W I N T E R B I K E CAR E
P97 JARGON BUSTER
P98 WE E K E N D WA R R I O R

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24
IRONMAN WORLD
It’s one of the biggest dates in the tri
calendar, so we’re doing it justice
with this photo story: brace yourself

>> SEE PAGE 22 CHAMPS AT KONA for triumph and disaster, victory and
vomiting in the lava fields...

4/ / January 2025
 IN THIS ISSUE
54
CHANGING ROBES
Baby it’s cold out there... But get a changing
robe and you’ll be toasty after training! GAVIN PARISH

GEAR OF THE YEAR 32 38

2024 SPECIAL

32 All the best kit

reviewed over the
last year in 220
(Christmas gift lists at the ready!)

THE BEST
FESTIVE EVENTS

38 Grab your Santa

hat and get active
this December.
Here’s the best events to enter!
THE SECRET STUDIO GETTY IMAGES

HOW TO SWIM SAFELY

IN COLD WATER

70 Short dips will help

your training and
make you feel good
– here’s how to stay safe

BALA TRIATHLON
ON A BROMPTON
GETTY IMAGES FOR IRONMAN
84 Our man Matt
takes on a big race
on a small bike... 70 GETTY IMAGES GERWYN ROBERTS
84
January 2025 / /5
 GETTY IMAGES

FROM THE EDITOR...

While we admire
the festive spirit,
there’s no way
that Santa hat
is going to survive
a streamlined
freestyle swim
start...
December is always a funny time of year in sports publishing. This issue is
stranger than most however, as alongside a full photo report from the
Ironman World Champs in Kona, showing the elite of our men’s sport, we
also have a guide to the best festive races to try... Yes, in the same issue as
showing you what can be achieved with meticulous top-level training, we’re
also encouraging you to run around festooned in tinsel, dip in chilly water and
refuel with plentiful supplies of mulled wine and mince pies. Maybe that’s the
beauty of being a triathlete though. We have swimming, cycling and
running to play with (or we can put them all together) and we can train
seriously but we can also use sport to have fun. Enjoy the season and
we’ll see you next month to help you plan your 2025 races!

Helen Webster, editor

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January 2025 / /7
 DIVE INTO THE WORLD OF TRI

8/ / January 2025
Heavy swells saw
the organisers of
Challenge Barcelona
on 3 November replace
the swim with a 5km
run. Despite not being
able to showcase her
strongest discipline,
GB’s Jess Learmonth
still finished a solid
second behind
Germany’s Caroline
Pohle, while Belgium’s
Jonathan Wayaffe took
the men’s win in 2:18:55.
JOSÉ LUIS HOURCADE/
CHALLENGE MEDIA

January 2025 / /9
 @BY_WOUT/T100

▲ Taylor Knibb
continued her
dominance of the T100
series at the Lake Las
Vegas course on 19
October. The US star
took her third win from
three starts with a
colossal 5min cushion
over Paris silver
medallist Julie Derron
(SUI), to lead the series
with one race to go in
Dubai on 16 November.

◄ GB’s Lizzie Rayner

took the lead of Ironman
70.3 Cascai, Portugal, on
19 October with 12km to
go, and narrowly held on
to it with a sprint for the
finish with France’s
Jeanne Collonge, just
2secs separating them
at the line. The result
was Rayner’s first
NIGEL RODDIS/GETTY IMAGES FOR IRONMAN
victory since turning
pro in 2022.

10 / /January 2025
► It was Olympic champ
Alex Yee’s title to lose at
the Grand Final in
Torremolinos, Spain, on
20 October, and lose it,
again, he almost did.
Having missed the front
bike pack, Yee started
the 10k run 1:38mins in
arrears. But his 10k
prowess saw him
cross the line in third
to return the men’s
crown to GB for the
first time in 12 years.

▼ GB’s Georgia
Taylor-Brown en route to
fourth place – but a third
world title – at the final
supertri race of the year
in NEOM, Saudi Arabia, on
3 November. In the men’s
race it was a Paris
podium repeat (Alex
Yee, Hayden Wilde and
Leo Bergere), but with
Wilde taking the overall
crown, Bergere second TOMMY ZAFERES/WORLD TRIATHLON
and Yee fourth.

DARREN WHEELER/SUPERTRI

January 2025 / / 11
 Weinreich in investigative
publication The Inquisitor, a list of
preferential candidates for each
committee was circulated to
persuadable delegates prior to the
vote. The 71 names on the list almost
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the spin of tri to
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rules and with ongoing concerns terms since 2008. where Arimany has been serving as
about how the election process was But as unearthed by Jens vice-president since 2023.

12 / / January 2025
“My favourite Tesco Meal Deal sandwich!
Tasty, protein-packed, and fuels me
through my long, wintry night shifts!”
Santa
East London

Available in the majority of Tesco

stores, subject to availability.
“OVER 98% OF
OUR INCOME GOES
TO THE ATHLETES
WE SUPPORT”
Fiona Carter set up CASS & Friends to
help budding stars fuel their passion
and quickly fell in love with tri...

I fell in love with triathlon when I

met so many inspirational people
during swim camps in Lanzarote
and then through my local tri
club. Triathletes revel in talking
about their sport, gadgets and “I am not a fan of how financial barriers can
FIONA equipment, so I was eager to gain prevent some athletes reaching their potential”
CARTER helpful hints and tips. I seemed to
Fiona Carter from have an endless stream of
Cheltenham is neoprene and nose clips arriving full potential. Imagine what it they have the ability and
married with two
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& Friends
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all have the same desire to wonder what the teacher would be
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14 / / January 2025
 VENTETE AH-1 HELMET
£350 Taking minimalism to a new level, the Ventete helmet has one key USP
– it’s inflatable and packs down to the size of a laptop. But do you need one?

hottest
new
gear

Made in Switzerland and using cutting edge technology to solve reinforcement across each chamber. The helmet comes with a
a problem we didn’t even know we had, the Ventete helmet is mini pump and inflates in under 30 seconds – then to deflate
designed for cyclists who likes to keep things streamlined and again, simply press the air out before stashing it away flat in its
stashed away. Coming in three sizes (small, medium or large) storage case. Interestingly it’s claimed the helmet is cooler than
and weighing in at a tiny 465g for size medium, the lid is most as it’s less insulating and the portability may be
made from structural inflatable technology built from triple- interesting to athletes who travel a lot for training. We don’t
laminated, high-tenacity nylon for tear and abrasion resistance. have any info on how streamlined it is though and it is pricey.
A Glassfibre reinforced protective rib then provides braced Testing soon in our Kit Zone pages. ventete.com

January 2025 / / 15
HIGHER, FASTER ►Cassandre
Beaugrand riding
her Lapierre in
this year’s Supertri
race series.

AND STRONGER
LAPIERRE’S NEW XELIUS DRS IS THE BIKE THAT CASSANDRE BEAUGRAND
RODE TO PARISIAN GLORY IN THIS SUMMER’S OLYMPIC GAMES
rench brand Lapierre enjoyed a the end to satisfy the international cycling

F priceless marketing win when

Cassandre Beaugrand stormed
to women’s Olympic triathlon
governing body’s rules on tube ratios, but it
still performs aerodynamically thanks to
this ‘virtual tail’.
victory upon the new Xelius DRS. Now, you It’s part of Lapierre’s 3D Tubular frame
can follow in Beaugrand’s skid marks (or design that also allows the seat tube to be
follow in Beaugrand’s slipstream) as the “completely freed up”, offering enhanced
bike that’s been used in ‘secret’ for months vertical compliance and improving rider
is now available to the general public. comfort on long rides. The 3D Tubular
It’s claimed that it’s 15% more design also contributes to weight savings,
aerodynamically efficient than its making the Xelius DRS lighter and more
predecessors, the Xelius SL and Aircode DRS, responsive without sacrificing strength.
thanks primarily to new Kammtail and The UK range includes four models –
elliptical profiles. A Kammtail foil’s when a the Xelius DRS 6.0, 7.0, 8.0 and 9.0 – all
bike manufacturer takes an elliptical tubing equipped with the Shimano Di2 electronic
– highly aerodynamic – and then chops off shifting. Prices start from £3,699.

SUPERTRI

16 / / January 2025
 DREAM BIKE

January 2025 / / 17
FEATURE

NIKKI BARTLETT

THE COMEBACK QUEEN

Twelve months ago, GB long-distance pro Nikki Bartlett thought her
career was over. But now, having fulfilled a lifelong ambition at the
2024 Ironman Worlds, she’s at the top of her game. We caught up with
the fan favourite before she took a little trip to Taupo…

N
ikki Bartlett is loving life 220: Your foot injury took you out of racing for eight
INTERVIEW
LIZ BARRETT right now. Her infectious months. How did it start and how did you cope?
smile fills our screen as NB: Yeah, after Ironman Wales [which Nikki won in
IMAGE
GETTY IMAGES FOR IRONMAN we catch up 10 days before she September 2023] it got really bad. And then I tried to do
flies to Taupo, New Zealand, for a build into Ironman Portugal and it was the worst pain
the Ironman 70.3 World Champs. I’ve ever experienced in all my life in a race. Well,
Still buzzing from her career-best actually no, Ironman Wales was super painful, but
fifth-place finish at the Ironman anyone who’s done it, they’ll know that the crowd
Worlds in Nice in September, and support makes you feel like you’re not even doing an
then marrying her long-time Ironman! And it doesn’t matter what pain you’re in, it
partner and coach Bex Milnes just just lifts you. Afterwards my foot was seriously in pain,
six days later, the six-time but I just carried that race high into Portugal, which, in
Ironman/70.3 winner is riding hindsight, I should have got the scan straight after
high in a career that could have Wales. But you learn from your mistakes. So yeah, it was
easily ended just 12 months ago. a really, really rough few months. I was pretty rock
A tear in her plantar saw her bottom. I thought my career was over. I wasn’t even
sidelined for eight agonising able to walk the dog. But then, as this year has shown,
Nikki’s Adventure All months, but, as the Loughborough- the most amazing times can come from it.
Day Buffets based pro tells us, her recovery and Because I’m quite a hyperactive person, Bex was like,
eventual comeback in June this year ‘Oh my God, what am I going to do with you?’ Bex and I
Her return to training post-injury has been awash with silver linings… had been engaged for eight years, so I went ‘Right, let’s
allowed Nikki to experiment on
the bike…
plan this wedding.’ I went and found the venue because
220: Congratulations on the Nice we had two very strict, tough criteria – Titch [their dog]
“I found that I just loved these long result and your wedding, Nikki. had to be able to walk down the aisle, and we’d named
adventure days on the bike. I called them What a month it must have been! the wedding The Gay Games, because we wanted
my ‘Adventure All Day Buffets’. Other than
Nikki Bartlett: Thank you! I think it inflatables [obstacle courses] all over the place. That
plotting a route and eating a lot, there was
nothing else really on the target list. I will be the most special, perfect narrowed our search down quite quickly!
gained confidence through distance, month in our whole life. Post-race
because my main issue with racing the
we just went on a massive, two- 220: And then how did you start your recovery?
full distance is that I’m not particularly
confident in myself for that whole week, absolute binge socialising. I NB: When I was allowed to, I just went and put all my
duration. I also trained my gut to take didn’t take care of my recovery at energy into swimming. It’s my weakness, so we
in a lot of food!” all! But it was worth it. stripped it all back, went back to basics, looked at my
technique, and I actually really enjoyed just focusing on
220: How has it fired you up for the one of the disciplines. And as we know, if it’s your weak
70.3 Worlds? discipline, swimming can really suffer when you’re
NB: I think because I had that time tired. And it’s crazy how much you can improve when
to chill [after Nice], I’ve found my you’re only doing one discipline. So again, another
motivation leading into the 70.3 blessing in hindsight.
Champs is still super high. And I
did start my season a lot later 220: But Nice was always the goal?
than probably every other single NB: Yes, all I wanted to do was get to the Ironman World
pro, coming back really carefully Champs in Nice. I told the sports doctor, give me the
from injury. So I feel quite fresh, most cautious, slow return back. And whatever that
The bike leg is Nikki’s strongest
discipline, seen here racing at Ironman and I actually don’t want my timeline is, that’s the timeline. If I raced before, that’s
70.3 Les Sables d’Olonne 2024 season to end! a bonus.

18 / / January 2025
 NIKKI BARTLETT

Nikki can hardly

believe it as she
finishes fifth at the
2024 Ironman World
Champs in Nice

220: You came back at 70.3 Les “Have fun in your training, whatever that looks
Sables (silver) and then 70.3
Swansea (gold). Was that a relief like for you. For me, I love socialising so that’s not
from a financial point of view? coming out of my calendar!”
NB: I’ve got retainers from some of
my great sponsors, but obviously a
lot of the money is in my aim has been a top five at a world 220: Are there any lessons that you learned from Nice
performance bonuses. But I can’t champs. I’ve always dreamt of that you will take with you into Taupo?
personally go to a race where I’m going to that post-race press NB: Just really believing in yourself can go so far. I know
not at my best because I won’t conference and being one of those it sounds so cliché, but just pure belief in your own
perform at my best. And if you’re five ladies on the seats. And when I ability. I knew I’d done everything I could and that I was
having an average day now, you looked at what I thought it was in the best shape possible.
could be like, 10th. Equally you going to take, and at the long list of Also, I had a really amazing, fun build into the race. I
could just race loads, as some athletes who could also get that just loved the training, and what I did would certainly
people do and are very good at, but result – the whole field there could not be everyone’s cup of tea [see ‘Nikki’s Adventure All
for the majority if we race a lot it’s have come top 10 – it’s so hard to be Day Buffets’, p18]! I went away to train for three months,
not sustainable. For the rest of my a hundred percent confident and we did different camps with different people, but the
career I will aim for races for pure because anything can happen. main bulk was with the paratri lot, who I’ve been
performance at my best, so I only And we also had the smoothest training with since 2018. So it was just the most
race four to five times a year. These run-in to the race ever. For anyone incredible winter.
girls are so fast, that even at my best reading this, I’m pretty sure with Also, having fun in your training, whatever that looks
it’s so difficult to get on the podium. every race there’s no smooth run- like for you. For me, I love socialising, so that’s not
If I’m just a bit off, I’m absolutely in. But this one was weird, coming out of my calendar.
nowhere to be seen. everything was just perfect, and I
just got a horrible feeling that race 220: You’ve just launched a new podcast with Bex. Tell
220: Going into Nice, where did day wouldn’t be. us about that.
you think you might place? But I came out of the swim, NB: So it’s called Miles from Ordinary with Bex and Nikki.
NB: I wanted top 10, and Bex was and that was my first indication – My inbox is always full of questions, which I absolutely
telling me no, we’re aiming top five. ‘oh my God, this dream day love, so we wanted to answer the community’s questions
Now my ultimate, lifelong career could happen.’ and do whatever we can to give back. I think it’s really

January 2025 / / 19
FEATURE

NIKKI BARTLETT
Nikki enjoying the crowds en
route to winning her first
UK 70.3 in Swansea, 2024

Nikki’s training switch

from full to half
Nikki had 12 weeks between finishing
important to share that we do this NB: Well when I’ve asked Bex, ‘Do you think I can come Nice and starting Taupo. Here she
because we love it. Sometimes you top five here?’ Her reaction’s not quite the same [as it shares how her training has altered
for the next challenge…
can get so bogged down with the was Nice]! “Let’s focus on your swim, bike, run,” she
numbers or performances that we says. “I’ve brought the mileage down a bit, mainly
can forget why we started. And because it’s later on in the year and I need
more recovery time around training.
obviously Bex coaches, but not 220: What’s it like being coached by your wife? When
Like today, for instance, we’d usually do
everyone can afford a coach and do you know when you need some space? a VO2 swim, hills into a tempo run and
some people just want to ask NB: A very good question. No, I wouldn’t want anyone then a 2hr bike afterwards, but we’ve
dropped the bike.
questions. There’ll be training tales else as my coach, she knows me inside out. She knows
of the week, a training topic that just by looking at me if I’m too tired. She’ll know in a “On the swim, I’m doing a lot more VO2
Bex will answer, a lighthearted session whether I should just keep it lower end or if we because that start is going to be even
‘Wife Swap’ section and we’ll get can push on a little bit. It just works perfectly. But we more important than ever. If I don’t have a
good swim, I can say goodbye to a very
some guests on as well. have a cut-off time – after 7, 8pm, I’m not talking about good race there.
training. If Bex starts bringing up session content for
220: You’ve never raced in New tomorrow, I’m like, nah, I’m unwinding. I recharge on “With the running, I’m doing more like 1K,
800s kind of reps. And what I really enjoy
Zealand, do you think the course my own, and she knows that. and what’s worked well is under over type
will suit you? Also, I want to carry on with my long adventure rides work. So we might do anything between 10
NB: If I have a good swim, yes. If I because I really enjoy them, and she knows that’s what I and 14km worth of a K on, which can be
anything from around 3:35mins a K, and
don’t have a good swim, I think I need. If I went to another coach, they might say ‘I don’t then I do what I call ‘a K not so on’, because
might be in trouble. But yes I’ve want you riding eight hours’. The enjoyment benefit and it’s not full recovery. So it’s at marathonish
been on the bike course with FulGaz training consistency is a lot greater than what should be pace. It’s mainly so that my K on, I don’t go
too hard, it’s controlled.
[indoor cycling app], so I’m getting done on paper.
familiar with the punchy climbs and “Biking, I’m doing more LT2 training [lactose
the long gradual descent. It’s a 220: You said your biggest goal was to finish top five threshold, between zones 2 and 3, at an
intensity that causes a rapid increase in
bucket-list race. We’re there for a at the Worlds, which you’ve done. So what becomes
blood lactate]. I did quite a bit before Nice,
month! We’re having our the next goal? which worked really well for me. I was doing
honeymoon out there. NB: I’ll just go out there [in Taupo] with no fear and see anything between 70 to 90mins of LT2. I’m
what’s possible. I feel like I’ve got nothing to lose. As also doing quite a bit of VO2 efforts on the
bike, and above LT2 on the bike as well.”
220: And what’s the race-place aim I’ve shown, when you believe in yourself you can achieve
for Taupo? your crazy, wildest dreams.

20 / / January 2025
 SHOWROOM & BIKE FITTING STUDIO
UNIT 7 RINGTAIL PLACE, BURSCOUGH LANCASHIRE,
info@dolan-bikes.com
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 Big ▼ The stage is set for the start of the 2024 men’s Ironman
Pic
Ironman
World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. It’s the first solo men’s
race on the hallowed lava fields, as the women were the first
Worlds to compete over the course in 2023 in the new split-location
Kona format, while the men headed to Nice, France.

24 / / January 2025
 IRONMAN WORLDS KONA

Records plummeted, temperatures soared and

dreams were realised and shattered in equal
measure. Yes, it can only be the 2024 men’s
Ironman World Championship in Kona. Here we
celebrate yet another triumphant day for the
sport with our pick of the best pics...►
CAPTIONS LIZ BARRETT IMAGE CREDITS GETTY IMAGES FOR IRONMAN

January 2025 / / 25
 Big
Pic
Ironman
Worlds
Kona

▲ Reigning world
champion Sam Laidlow
takes a moment to
contemplate the task
ahead. Despite, or
perhaps because of,
setting a new bike
course record of 3:57:22
– an insane 7mins faster
than his own record in
2022 – and leading at
the start of the run, he
was soon slowing to an
almost halt, before
eventually finishing 18th.

◄ In his Kona debut,

Kieran Linders heads to
T1 in fifth place despite a
nasty encounter with a
bloom of jellyfish. The
swiftly-improving British
pro led onto the bike, but
the relentless course
took its toll and saw him
eventually drop back for
the final 20k. The pacing
plan paid off, though, he
passed several others on
the marathon to finish
eighth and the
top-placed Brit.

26 / / January 2025
 IRONMAN WORLDS KONA

► Surrounded by
age-group athletes and
a support kayak,
American Jeff Agar, 61,
pulls his son Johnny, 30,
who has cerebral palsy,
in an inflatable boat
during the swim leg,
which they completed in
1:45:06. However, they
sadly missed the time
cut-off on the bike and
were forced to DNF.

▼ Defending Kona
champion (2022) Gustav
Iden of Norway perhaps
visualising holding that
winner’s Umeke bowl?!
Or, more presciently,
empty handed, which is
how he would leave Kona.
“[...] an absolutely brutal
and humbling experience
from the start, and still
only went downhill from
there,” admitted Iden on
Instagram. “I really tried
my best just to finish,
but I had to sit down on
the Queen K and never
managed to get back up
again.”

January 2025 / / 27
 Big
Pic
Ironman
Worlds
Kona

▲ The 2024
championship was
the fastest on record,
with seven men going
under the previous bike
course record of 4:04:35
and 16 men breaking the
8hr mark.

◄ Like his compatriot

Gustav Iden, the multiple
world and 2020 Olympic
champion Kristian
Blummenfelt had a day
to forget after vomiting
repeatedly during the
bike leg and dropping
back from a race-best
third place to an
eventual 35th.

28 / / January 2025
 IRONMAN WORLDS KONA

► Following two third

places in 2017 and 2018
and then two DNFs in
2019 and 2022, GB’s
David McNamee
described crossing the
line in 13th place
(7:57:48) as “magical”.
He’d already made it
known that 2024 would
be his last time racing on
the Big Island.

▼ France’s Leon
Chevalier, who’s based in
Bath, cooling down while
chasing Patrick Lange
down for what he
believed for a moment
could be the win. But the
Energy Lab, a
particularly-brutal
exposed section on the
run course, got the
better of the chemical
engineer, and he’d
eventually cross the line
fourth, which is still his
best result to date.

January 2025 / / 29
 Big
Pic
Ironman
Worlds
Kona

▲ Broadcaster, racing
driver and double
amputee Billy Monger on
the final marathon of his
first Ironman world
championship. The
25-year-old annihilated
his predicted finish time
of sub-17hrs with a
mighty 14:23:56, coming
first in the physically
challenged category and
setting a new double-
amputee record.

◄ The top three men’s

finishers, from L-R:
Magnus Ditlev (DEN,
2nd), Patrick Lange
(GER, 1st) and Rudy Von
Berg (USA, 3rd).

30 / / January 2025
 IRONMAN WORLDS KONA

► Germany’s Patrick
Lange soaks up the
adulation as he collects
his third Ironman world
title and with it a course
record of 7:35:53. The
38-year-old veteran
won by almost 8mins
and added the 2024
crown to his 2017 and
2018 victories, also
breaking the record for
the longest gap
between wins.

▼ The 2024 Ironman

World Champs Awards
Ceremony. From L-R:
Kristian Hogenhaug
(DEN, 9th), Cameron
Wurf (AUS, 8th), Menno
Koolhaas (NED, 5th),
Rudy Von Berg (USA,
3rd), Patrick Lange
(GER, 1st), Magnus
Ditlev (DEN, 2nd), Leon
Chevalier (FRA, 4th),
Gregory Barnaby (ITA,
6th) and Matt Hanson
(USA, 10th).

January 2025 / / 31
 R
FEATURE

E A HE
G F TR
O EA
Y ̨̪̬
̪ Whatever
your level of
ability, the right
kit has the potential
to make you faster, to
help you train smarter and
to allow you to better measure
your performance. But what has
impressed our test team over the
last 12 months? With hours of
kit testing completed, here’s
our pick of the top 21 buys
for swim, bike and run…
WORDS HELEN WEBSTER, JACK SEXTY,
JAMES WITTS JUDE PALMER, MATT BAIRD,
ROB SLADE, TOMOS WHITMARSH-KNIGHT

32 / / January 2025
 GEAR OF THE YEAR 2024

4iii PRECISION 3+ POWERMETER 91%

Issue: March 2024

£329.99 The latest version of 4iiii’s single-sided Precision power

meter comes with an ‘automatic terrain selector’ to improve
cadence and power accuracy on all terrain types, and the neat
integration of Apple’s Find My for discreet bike tracking. 4iiii has
achieved this without adding weight, with the power meter itself
weighing 9g. The claimed +/-1% power accuracy will partly depend
on your left/right leg balance, but the power numbers were shown
to be accurate according for me against a set of tried and tested
power meter pedals. JS 4iiii.com

GORE TORRENT BIKE JACKET 90%

Issue: January 2024

£229.99 The Torrent kept me dry in even heavy,

sustained downpours, with the three-layer Gore-Tex
Active certainly doing its job. On the odd occasion that
any water does get through the front zip (these are
rarely completely waterproof), it’s caught by the
internal storm flap. There’s a large zip pocket for a
phone on the back, with a storm flap effectively ZWIFT HUB ONE
protecting the zip from rain. The wrist cuffs are Issue: March 2024
semi-elasticated so fit closely. When not in use, the
£549 Zwift’s Hub One smart trainer comes with the clever Cog system,
Torrent packs down small, fits in a jersey pocket and
designed to work with bikes across generations and genres, and compatible
weighs just 204g. JS gorewear.com
with ‘almost any’ 8 to 12-speed bike. It means no worrying about cassette
compatibility if you upgrade or downgrade your indoor training bike. One
cog means there’s no way to change gear, but Zwift have that covered too
with its Click system which gives you 24 virtual gears with 700% range.
Your £549 also gets you a year-long Zwift subscription. Power and cadence
accuracy was well within what I’d expect compared to my power meter
pedals and consistent across multiple sessions, with responsive changes in
DDIPP SEA MONSTER HYDRO 92% ERG mode. JS uk.zwift.com
Issue: March 2024

£150 Version II of this robe has some tweaks made to

improve waterproofing and breathability as well as
waterproofing on the key/phone
pocket and zips on the side hand
pockets. All the things I originally
loved about this robe are still in
place, though. It’s lightweight
relative to its warmth and
packs up into an inner
pocket, too, which turns
inside out to create a nifty
bag complete with
handle. The sleeves can
be zipped off below the
90%
elbow meaning it’s a bit
easier to use for changing
inside. The Sea Monster
has a waterproof rating
of 10,000mm and a
breathable rating of
10,000gsm. HW ddipp.me

January 2025 / / 33
FEATURE

95%
ZOGGS PREDATOR POLARIZED UTRA 95%
Issue: May 2024

£38 The frames here were comfortable and flexible thanks to that
soft nose piece, while the ‘Advanced Ultrafit’ gaskets sat just outside
my eye socket. The lenses weren’t the biggest on test but I didn’t
have any issues with the range of vision, and the amber tint with
polarised lenses gave superb clarity in most conditions. The
rolled straps with flat backs felt secure and a simple clip made
ORCA ZEAL HIGH VIZ adjustment straightforward. Other colourways and lens options
Issue: Spring 2024 are available, too. HW zoggs.com
£379 This cold-water suit feels worth every penny.
Those bright orange arms and legs are a superb idea
for safety and unrivalled in this test. Plus you get a
Restube Ready clip on the lower back. As well as the
safety features, you get a combination of 5mm legs/
core for warmth and buoyancy and Orca’s superb
‘batwing’ rear closure, which includes an extra layer
of neoprene to prevent cold trickles down the back
and zip. This is a very buoyant suit and it did reduce
fatigue over very long swims. Sizing is from XS to XL
and it’s worth noting this range also includes a
thermal option for winter, a ‘Perform’ version and
high-vis accessories. HW orca.com

SWANS VALKYRIE GOGGLES

Issue: August 2024
429 HUUB TT BAG 93%
£44.99 Sleek, stylish and screaming ‘performance’, this is a classy package Issue: May 2024
from the off. That mirrored finish is designed to help reduce glare and
£99.99 Key features include a
reflections which is brilliant in bright light conditions. This style also
40-litre capacity, a clever mesh
comes in a vast 16 colour and lens options. The silicone straps were comfy
foldaway helmet cradle and both
and felt secure. These are low profile goggles, so the gaskets are quite
wet and dry sections. The bottom
shallow. They were comfortable, though, and I quickly found a good seal
wet compartment was large
without loads of faffing around with them. HW swansuk.co.uk
enough for all my soggy swim kit
and kept it completely away from
92% dry stuff. The main bag is split into
two, which meant I could easily
separate my bike and run kit.
Multiple small pockets are handy
and you also get two mesh bottle
storage areas on the sides, ideal for
bottles. The materials all feel top
quality, while padded straps and a
cushioned back panel make it
comfortable. HW huubdesign.com

34 / / January 2025
 GEAR OF THE YEAR 2024

DMT KT1 TRI SHOES 90%

Issue: Spring 2024

£249.99 The KT1 is DMT’s flagship triathlon shoe, with

the Italian brand claiming it offers premium sockless FORM SMART SWIM 2 95%
comfort and breathability. It’s not just a case of Issue: May 2024
sacrificing support for comfort either; DMT says its
£229 Version two of the ground-breaking Smart Swim
mapping technology adds different integrated
goggles include a heart rate monitor on the temple
structures within the knit to offer varying levels of
which opens up a whole extra level of tracking and
support across the shoe. The knit construction also
analysis. Again there’s that unique floating digital
means that you can quickly and easily get plenty of
display in one lens, which means you can adjust your
tension from the single IP1 BOA dial. Coupled with the
pace in real-time. That’s as well as the SwimStraight
carbon sole, the KT1 certainly doesn’t feel like a flimsy
function, which allows you to reduce the amount
shoe. It’s not the absolute stiffest we’ve ever tested and
of sighting you need to do and swim directly to a
there was a tiny hint of flex out of the saddle, but on
given point using the in-lens compass (also available
steady TT efforts this wasn’t evident at all. The comfort
on the Smart Swim 1 via an app upgrade). For
is sublime, with the knit feeling luxurious against
improving your swimming and offering live stats
sockless feet on the bike. JS dmtcycling.com
these are unrivalled. HW formswim.com

CASTELLI PR2 SPEED SUIT

Issue: July 2024

£360 Castelli hasn’t strayed far from the original’s template with the PR 2, but that’s no bad
92% thing. Its drag-reduction appeal includes the lithe but effective laser-cut arms and legs, the
latter hugging the thighs but staying restriction-free on the bike and run. The ribbed
sleeves also offer speed-saving potential, while the sizeable two rear pockets deliver further
aero gains due to their low-profile. The kangaroo-style pocket can also carry plenty of gels,
and it doesn’t sag when loaded. MB castelli-cycling.com

FIZIK TRANSIRO AERIS LONG DISTANCE R1

Issue: April 2024

£189.99 Fizik’s Transiro Mistica has long been a favourite of 220

reviewers in its numerous guises. The new Transiro Aeris Long
Distance R1 has a slimmed-down appearance compared to the
92% former, with a central cut-out that runs from the tip of the nose to
just past halfway towards the back. A carbon-infused nylon shell and
oversized carbon rails, along with the lightweight padding, bring the
total weight down to 202g. That’s impressive, and even more so as
that includes the handy bottle-cage attachment at the rear. On the
road, I instantly felt at home perched on the nose, and the cover is
tacky enough to hold you in position without feeling like you’re
slipping out of place. JS Fizik.com

January 2025 / / 35
 FEATURE

93%

95%

HOKA SKYWARD X
Issue: June 2024

£185 Hoka is well known for its high-stack, max cushioned shoes,
and the brand has innovated once more with even more stack and
cushion. The Skyward X left me taken aback when I pulled it out of
the box due to the sheer size of it. Here is a carbon-plated daily
trainer with a 48mm stack height at the heel and 42mm in the
GARMIN FENIX 8
Issue: November 2024
forefoot (46mm and 40mm for women). During each run, comfort
and stability were the two most noticeable themes. Another £949.99 The launch of the eighth edition of this watch
characteristic that quickly became apparent was that the carbon- is arguably the one we’ve been waiting for, as it brings
fibre plate delivered a highly efficient roll that produced a nice the Amoled screen to the range, creating a do-it-all
extra pop at toe-off, allowing me to push the pace or cruise watch with nothing missing that gives triathletes
however I pleased. I managed five consecutive days of running in the full package. These are still chunky watches
this shoe with no muscle soreness, which is a miracle given my compared to the Forerunners but it’s available in
proneness to injury. TWK hoka.com 43mm, 47mm and 51mm. There are also new voice-
activated features. A built-in speaker and microphone
mean you can make and take phone calls from the
watch. HW garmin.com

PARCOURS STRADE TOPEAK REDLITE 80 94%

Issue: September 2024
Issue: December 2024
£1,099 The Strade is British brand Parcours’ flagship
all-round aero wheelset, with rim depths of 49.2mm at £24.99 If you need a rear light that will definitely work
the front and 54mm at the rear. My tyres went onto the on modern triathlon bikes, look no further than
rims very easily with no fighting or extreme tightness, Topeak’s Redlite 30. The light itself, a 30-lumen
and I pumped them up to 80psi for my test rides. beam at its most powerful with three modes,
To ride, the Strade wheels have a great balance between magnetically attaches to a clip with an
speed, smoothness and stiffness. They’re very adhesive strip on its underside, and you
responsive when laying the power down, but simply stick it under the base of your saddle. The
when you’re freewheeling or coasting at speed they adhesive is strong and I was confident it wouldn’t
feel luxury, and far more so than the price would come off during test rides, and the unit is dainty
suggest. JS parcours.cc enough that you can still mount a saddle bag or
rear hydration. The light is impressively bright,
you’ll get up to 30 hours out of it and charging is
via USB-C. JS topeak.com
91%

BROOKS GHOST 2 MAX 95%

Issue: November 2024

£145 The Ghost 2 Max is a reliable, quietly confident shoe that I’d
turn to for long runs, easy miles and times when you
just want to switch off. The shoe encourages
good roll through from landing to toe off,
which could make even the newest runner
feel graceful and efficient. The mesh upper
snugly holds the foot in place without
feeling tight, while the firm heel
cup and tongue are well padded.
JP brooksrunning.com

36 / / January 2025
 GEAR OF THE YEAR 2024

RACESKIN AERO TRISUIT ORCA ATHLEX FLOW

Issue: June 2024
Issue: June 2024
£130 The Aero is a speed-focussed suit,
£379 The Athlex Flow is billed as
meaning its rear pockets are smaller and the
Orca’s ‘most balanced’ suit and
sleeves have prominent trip lines for improved
aims to find the sweet spot
aerodynamics, while the fit is tight. There are
between flexibility and buoyancy.
four pockets in total – one on each leg and two
There is 2mm neoprene thickness
at the back – and the chamois is described as a
in the arms and shoulders, and a
90% ‘multi-density long distance pad for advanced
mix of proven Yamamoto 39 and 38
comfort’. The leg grippers were comfortable,
neoprene across the build. Air
there was no chafing, and the prominent
pockets located between the two
housing over the zip means there’s little chance
layers of neoprene and the 4/5mm
of it catching around the neck. The suit’s
thickness of the suit in parts of the
impressively breathable, too. JS raceskin.co.uk
legs and upper body give buoyancy.
Orca’s trademark upper-body
flexibility swiftly became apparent,
feeling unrestrictive even towards
the end of lengthy open-water
swims. There’s also the offer
of hydrodynamic potential
with the Super Composite Skin
(SCS) finish on the surface of the
suit. MB orca.com

SAILFISH G-RANGE 8 97%

Issue: August 2024

£691 From the first time pulling it on it fit like a

glove, with just the right amount of stretch. Five
thicknesses of neoprene are used with thicker
(3mm) sections on the lower leg, hip and chest
96%
for a little support and lift rather than any major
buoyancy. The arms and shoulders are 1.5mm
but are constructed in such a way that I felt like I
LEAPING FISH SKIN
had plenty of flexibility to move. Even over long AND SUIT LUBE
(4km) swims this suit kept me feeling strong Issue: August 2024
and I didn’t experience any fatigue in my arms.
£11.99 Made from natural
The zip is a traditional bottom-up one and you
oils and waxes, and in a
get a lightweight bag included. HW sailfish.com
handy tin, this hard wax
can be warmed by
scooching out a little and
rubbing between your
fingers. It smells good
92%
and I didn’t experience
any chafing. I’ve used it
as a moisturiser and lip
balm in emergencies,
too! It can be used
through all three sports
and includes tea tree oil,
citronella and geranium
to soothe skin. It’s a 60g
product, made in the UK.
HW leapingfish.co.uk

January 2025 / / 37
FEATURE

Keen to keep moving over the festive period? Here are

the best 12 seasonal workouts and events that will keep
you active. Santa hats (not) optional… ►
WORDS JAMES WITTS PHOTOS GETTY IMAGES

38 / / January 2025
 TRANSITIONS

62.5km a day, though

obviously you can split each
day as you see fit. And indoors
and outdoors is fine.
The apparel brand
encourages riders to
commemorate their festive
efforts via photo albums,
poems, hand-drawn maps…
whatever you see fit will live
long in the memory from your
500 efforts. The most inventive
entries are rewarded with
prizes from various sports
companies including Rapha
themselves.

g̫12KS OF CHRISTMAS
14th December 2024
Difficulty level:
More info: gertlushevents.co.uk
Fancy fuelling a run around the
beautiful Gloucestershire
countryside by washing down
GETTY
a mince pie with a mug of
mulled cider at the halfway

̨̩SANTA RUNS pitstop? Of course you do, so why not sign up to the
▲ Want to run
about in a cotton
Various dates in December 2024. wool beard and red inaugural ‘12ks of Christmas’?
suit? These are the
Difficulty level: events for you! The 12km trail run takes place around the stunning
Depending on where you live, you can’t help to have woods of Dursley that starts at the Leaf & Ground café
seen banners posted from October onwards directing and finishes at the nearby Dursley Rugby Club. After a
you to an upcoming Santa Run. These are untimed 2km series of hills, trails and thrills, you reach the 6km
runs where you raise money for the Children’s Hospice. checkpoint that’s packed with festive treats, including
As an example, there’s one near where I live in North the pie and cider.
Somerset at Charlton Farm. Sign up for less than a Fancy dress is encouraged so, as the press release
tenner (children are £4.80; children under three are says, “whether you’re a nutcracker ballerina or a
free), raise £25 for the Children’s Hospice, and enjoy a candy-cane superhero, flaunt your festive flair as you
fitness and fun boost all at the same time. Fancy dress might just claim the prize for best-dressed runner?”
isn’t mandatory, but it’d be rather Scrooge-like not to You’ll have competition though, as 220’s Editor Helen
dress as the bearded one (Father Christmas, not Noel is already signed up… Entry is £25.
Edmonds), a reindeer or something equally as festive.
There are further Xmas Pudding Runs and Santa
Dashes that aren’t affiliated to the Children’s Hospice.
Just search online and do your bit for others (and your
̨̬FESTIVE SWIMS
24th and 25th December 2024; 1st January 2025
Difficulty level: Depends if you swim or paddle!
cardiovascular system) this Christmas. Festive swims take place across the country, from
Redcar in the north to Weymouth in the south, with

̨̪ RAPHA FESTIVE 500

24th to 31st December 2024
Difficulty level:
many raising monies for charity. In general, they take
place on Christmas Day or Boxing Day.
For example, I’ve swum (well, paddled) at a
More info: rapha.cc Christmas Day swim in Exmouth, Devon, and endured
The average weight gain during the Christmas period is similar on Boxing Day in Ventnor on the Isle of Wight.
2lbs, which sounds optimistic given the amount of Both were memorable events with traditional Santa
cheese that’s consumed in our household over the hats and Christmas jumpers mixing with far-too tight
ever-extended festive period. Yes, it’s good to let off swim briefs and mankinis.
some steam. But not so much steam that you spend the It’s a tradition that stretches back years with
first couple of months of the New Year aiming to return Brighton Swimming Club’s annual event, started in
to where you once were at the start of December. 1860, widely regarded as the UK’s oldest.
Which is where the Rapha Festive 500 comes in. The If you’re too busy preparing Christmas lunch and the
idea is that you ride 500km over eight days from Boxing Day buffet and a cold-water plunge is out of the
Christmas Eve to New Year’s Eve. That’s an average question, fear not as there are many New Year’s Day ►

January 2025 / / 39
FEATURE

swims to satiate your sadistic

streak. Just remember to bring
your DryRobe. (Note: other
post-warming items of apparel
are available!)

̨̭ NIGHT ON THE EDGE

30th November 2024
Difficulty rating:
Ever competed in a run event at
night? This author has and I’d
thoroughly recommend it. My
favourite is the Wild Night Run
held on Dartmoor each February
(the 15th in 2025). It’s organised by
Wild Running, whose Wild Night
Run series starts on 16th November
at Burrator Reservoir, again on
Dartmoor. They also run events on
30th November at Mount
Edgcumbe (Night on the Edge,
above, with 5km, 10km and half
marathon distances on offer) and in Dorking, Surrey, ▲ People, dressing
Santa hats and
and can really recommend those too! Just make sure
on 18th January. What’s different about running at outfits for the you use a head torch with a battery you can trust, I
festive swim, take
night? Over to organiser Ceri Rees. part in the found this out the hard way - Ed]
traditional Boxing
“Running at night is a great leveller. By day you Day in Deal, Kent,
may feel like you’re sleepwalking through familiar
g̮ HALESOWEN TRI AQUATHLON
United Kingdom on
December 26,
landscapes. Darkness however, will force the rush of 2022. 15th December 2024
blood to your senses. For runners the evening is time Difficulty rating:
to wake up. Reduced visibility brings an element of Find out more: clubs.britishtriathlon.org/HalesowenTri
doubt, which works itself into your psyche, like a Keep your competitive multisport juices flowing with
primeval spanner. What ensues can deepen the this pre-Xmas swim-run event in the West Midlands.
experience, as our imaginations reach new heights, Based at the recently refurbished Halesowen Leisure
and we have to forge new associations. A bridge can Centre – which doubles as the transition area – a 400m
become a refuge as well as a convenience, a reflection pool swim’s followed by a fairly flat 5km run. For those
in a reservoir becomes a beacon.” really racing at the peak of the pyramid, there are
Night run races are pretty popular, so check online to ▼ Never mind the
running, we want
prizes for the first three open male and female
see if there’s an event near you. [I’ve done a few of the to know how he competitors, and first male and female in the over-40,
managed to jump
Maverick Race Dark Series events (maverick-race.com) so high! over-50 and over-60 age categories. (Competitors can
only win one prize.)
There are also a number of Swim Bike Run Local
events (that are often run, bike, run or run, bike)
taking place throughout December and January. These
are accessible and cost just £5.

̨̯SHERWOOD PINES FESTIVE DUATHLON

15th December 2024
Difficulty rating:
Find out more: wilddeerevents.co.uk
Robin Hood country is better known for the long-
distance Outlaw Triathlon, held at Holme Pierrepont
each July. But if you and your band of Merry(iron)Men
(and women!) fancy an ‘off-season’, and off-road,
effort in deepest, darkest Sherwood Pines near
Mansfield, you’re in luck.
There are two duathlons on offer. The Festive Sprint
comprises a 5km trail run, 15km bike and 5km trail
run, while The Festive Standard comes in at 10km trail
run, 30km bike and 5km trail run. The bike course is
suitable for any off-road bike, so gravel bikes are

40 / / January 2025
 TRANSITIONS

allowed but mountain bikes and their suspension will This is deemed one of the UK’s most democratic of
be smoother. There’s also a 10km trail run and one- races because Catch the Panther sees the slowest
mile family run.Note: you do not need to wear a tunic, runners start first with subsequent starting positions
cap, green leggings and be a skilled archer to enter this! based on the participants’ average pace in other races
organised by Punk Panther. The person who starts first

̨̰BOX HILL KNACKER CRACKER

1st January 2025
Difficulty rating:
is the person with the slowest average pace – can they
be caught before they reach Otley? As well as race
prizes there are awards for fancy dress.
Find out more: trionium.com
The Knacker Cracker’s billed itself as ‘Britain’s
toughest 10km’. Well, for 2025 the route’s billed as
‘substantially harder’ by its new organisers as this
̨̩CHRISTMAS CRACKER CHILL SWIM
15th December 2024
Difficulty rating:
event on the steep, sharp tracks of the Sussex Downs Find out more: vobster.com
has been adapted for ecological reasons, meaning it no While the festive swims are more about a dash into cool
longer runs up to Juniper Top, but instead goes up the waters in fancy dress or brief swim attire, a very brief
bottom of Happy Valley. Or Unhappy Valley as it just swim and dash out, this fundraising event at former
grows steeper and steeper. It includes 473m of ascent quarry Vobster Quay in Somerset is generally crazy
and 335m of descent over its 10km course including dudes in wetsuits with the occasional Santa hat thrown
two notoriously brutal sets of steps. Fancy dress is in for good measure. Afterwards, warm the old cockles
heartily encouraged albeit costumes aren’t mandatory. with mulled wine, live music and a hot meal. Vobster
GETTY
will also be firing up their Heatwave fire pit to provide a

̨̱ CHRISTMAS CRACKER! CATCH THE PANTHER

HANDICAP ULTRAMARATHON AND TRAIL RACE
warm and welcoming glow to proceedings.

7th December 2024

Difficulty rating:
Find out more: runabc.co.uk
̩̩CHRISTMAS CANOE PADDLE
7th-8th December; 14th-23rd December 2024
Difficulty rating:
This is sold as the ‘ultramarathon where anyone can Find out more: newforestactivities.co.uk
win’. It’s set on a mystery route that can change every Okay, this one won’t necessarily fire up your fast-
▼ The Liverpool
5km Santa Dash is
year, albeit for 2024 we know that it starts in Otley, as twitch muscles and crank up your VO2max. It will,
just one of many race registration takes place at the West Yorkshire however, make your young children’s Christmas as you
similar events up
and down the UK. town’s Bridge United Reform Church. and your family enjoy a 90-minute canoe tour on
Beaulieu River to find Santa.
Guides ensure you and Santa are
safe, and at the end of it, you meet
Father Christmas who’ll dish our
presents to your children (from a
canoe not a sleigh!). Each adult
is £37.80 while children
between 18 months and 16 years
old are £25.20.

̩̪ROUVY FESTIVE CHALLENGE

16th December 2024
to 5th January 2025
Difficulty rating:
Find out more: rouvy.com
If you prefer to keep your events
fun indoors during the holiday
season then Rouvy have a simple
but fun challenge for you. Ride a
set festive route between the latter
part of December and first week of
January and you’ll receive a
(virtual!) special jersey and bike.
The real prize though? Keeping
your training up over the festive
period and escaping from in-laws
and turkey curry. Just don’t let on
that we gave you the idea... Have a
GETTY
great festive break!

January 2025 / / 41
 THE LATEST GEAR - TESTED BY EXPERTS

MEET THE TEST TEAM

HELEN WEBSTER ROB SLADE MATT BAIRD JACK SEXTY JAMES WITTS
220’s editor is also a 220’s content Has spent years A strong age- Former 220 editor
qualified open-water editor and resident testing tri kit and grouper focusing on James specialises in
swimming coach. adventure seeker. accessories for 220. top-end gains. sports science.

OUR RATINGS

0-49 50-69 70-79 80-89 90+

% % % % %

POOR AVERAGE GOOD IMPRESSIVE BUY NOW

SIMPLY PUT, IT’LL DO THE JOB A DECENT ONE OF THE BEST A GENUINE
DON’T BOTHER! WELL ENOUGH PERFORMER YOU CAN BUY CLASS LEADER

December 2024 / / 43
 KIT ZONE

44 / / January 2025
 KIT ZONE

ON CLOUDSURFER
NEXT
£140

T
he last iteration of the On I’ve gone up half a size with you don’t get so much of in the
Cloudsurfer has been a these shoes, as I often need to do older Cloudsurfer.
regular in my shoe rotation with On, and the fit is pretty much Underfoot, the outsole has
since I first tested it in 2023. Back spot on for me. The lacing locks proved grippy in a range of
then, I scored it 89% and praised down the foot well and there’s conditions, including wet
it for the plush cushioning, which plenty of space for toe splaying in pavement and paths covered in
was a pleasure to wear on easy the toe box. However, if you do wet leaves. It’s always hard to
runs. That’s still the case now, so I have particularly wide feet, there comment on durability until
was intrigued to see what the is a wide-fit option available, too. you’ve done a few hundred
Cloudsurfer Next had to offer. The A quick note on weight, too. The kilometres, but after regular use
latter looks a little more like a last Cloudsurfer came in at 281g over a test period of six weeks,
dedicated run shoe, largely thanks (size UK11.5) on the scales and there’s no noticeable signs of wear
to the lightweight engineered there’s a 27g increase for the yet. While On says these shoes are
woven upper and the lack of Cloudsurfer Next. That’s minor, neutral, I found them reassuringly
oversized ‘Cloudsurfer’ tab on the and while the shoes of course feel stable and supportive. Every foot
tongue. It has a 6mm drop, versus heavier than race-day run shoes, placement felt secure and,
10mm on the Cloudsurfer. they do feel light when in motion. although it feels like there’s
The comfort isn’t quite as slightly less cushioning around
impressive as I experienced with the tongue and ankle, it holds the
the standard Cloudsurfer. The ankle well. Meanwhile, I was also
brand itself describes the pleased to see that the graphics
cushioning as ‘mid’ rather than along the side of the shoes are
‘plush’. This means easier miles reflective, which aids visibility
aren’t quite as soft underfoot, while running at night.
though I wouldn’t go as far to It’s hard to see how the
describe this as a firm ride. Cloudsurfer Next would fit into
There’s no carbon plate or my shoe rotation. There’s better,
rockplate, but the ride just felt a more comfortable options for easy
little flat and uninspiring at miles and more propulsive shoes
slower paces. That’s fine if there’s for faster paces. Though,
plush cushioning underfoot, but admittedly, the latter often come
that’s not the case here. When in at a higher price point,
picking up to tempo pace things especially if they utilise a carbon
get a bit more lively and the plate. Ultimately, these are good
Helion superfoam midsole starts shoes, but they’d just be best for
to become noticeable. If you’re a runners that do their easy miles at
heel striker, you’ll really start to a decent pace, or those who do a
appreciate the transition at this lot of tempo running. RS on.com
pace, too, right the way through
from landing to toe off. It rolls
nicely, which is helped by the
VERDICT Lightweight shoes that
forefoot rocker, and you can start 77
%
are fun to run in at tempo paces,
not the comfiest for easy runs
to feel some propulsion, which

“When picking up the tempo pace things get a bit more

lively and the Helion midsole starts to become noticeable”

January 2025 / / 45
 KIT ZONE

HUUB TRAVEL BACKPACK

£89.99

U
uub has designed the Travel wetsuit, though it’s not waterproof.
Backpack to strike a balance A main compartment is accessed via
between a work pack and a a clamshell-style zip that opens the
transition bag. Given its 24-litre whole front section, which makes it
capacity and slimline design, I was easy to load and grab things. Inside,
dubious about how well it’d live up there are further zip pockets for
to the second half of that promise, small items like nutrition, swim
but I was pleasantly surprised. I caps and other small bits. There’s
pretty much managed to fit one elasticated side pocket that’ll
everything into this pack for race take a bidon, but any extra ones will
day. That includes a wetsuit, towel, have to go inside the bag.
goggles, (size 11) bike shoes, energy On the travel/work side of things,
gels, swim cap, water bottle and you’ve got a spacious laptop
helmet (strapped to the outside). compartment down the back and
There’s then some leftover space for rear straps that allow you to slide the
things like extra socks, a jumper and pack onto a suitcase handle. Carry
race documents. I’d be hard-pushed comfort is reasonable over shorter
to squeeze run shoes in there with distances, but prepare to get a
everything else, but I’m normally sweaty back if it’s hot. RS
wearing them on my feet when huubdesign.com
going to a race.
That storage is arranged cleverly, VERDICT Sleek, clever and
too. There’s a separate compartment 85
%
versatile – a great pack for
travelling to races.
at the bottom for dirty shoes or a

PRECISION HYDRATION
CRAMPER HAMPER
£29.99

I
’ve got to admit, I’m a sucker
for a good bobble hat so when
the festive ‘cramper hamper’
from Precision Hydration arrived at
my door I was a very happy bunny.
BAM RUN SOCKS Snuggly headwear aside though,
£16 this is a really decent package for

I
the triathlete in your life. As well as
t wouldn’t be the Christmas the hat you’ll receive a 500ml sports
edition without a pair of socks. bottle, a tube of PH 1500 electrolyte
These aren’t the cheapest, but tabs, a PF 90 Energy Gel and two
for smiles over many miles I’d packs of energy chews. A great intro
definitely recommend them. These to the range for anyone who takes
are eco-friendly and made from their sport seriously, Precision
50% Bamboo Viscose, 48% Hydration are gurus when it comes
Recycled Polyamide and 2% to matching your rehydration needs
Elastane giving them the sweat to your levels of sweating. Visit the
wicking and temperature website for a wealth of information
moderating benefits of bamboo on carbs and hydration for every
with stretch. HW bambooclothing.co.uk athlete. HW precisionhydration.com

VERDICT Superb socks, worth VERDICT Great little package

92
%
the money as they’ll last and are
eco-friendly to boot
91
%
and useful, too for the triathlete
who like useful pressies!

46 / / January 2025
 KIT ZONE

KASK NIRVANA
£320

T
he Nirvana debuted on the lovely faux leather chinstrap and the
heads of Ineos Grenadiers in Octofit retention system is excellent,
2024, with the Italian brand while the airflow from the sizeable
making plenty of lofty aerodynamic ventilation channels is impressive
claims (“the Nirvana offers a for a minimally vented lid. Where it
remarkable 35% reduction in suffers is on muggy days and at
aerodynamic drag and 19% increase slower speeds, with the padding
in ventilation compared to the best sub-par at storing sweat and not
aero helmets in its class”) about its what I’d demand from a helmet
new top-end aero helmet, but with a £320 price tag. The front also
albeit without showing us the crept into my line of vision when I
evidence so I was keen to give this was down lower using tri-bars.
one a try in person. If matching your bike matters to
Onto the head and it’s light (276g you the Kask Nirvana comes in
for a medium) for such an aero- black, white, cherry, blueberry
focussed lid, with the unique ear tips (shown here) and ultraviolet, as
likely to offer both speed and safety well as in two sizes: 58cm and
advantages… although the confined 62cm. A reflective graphic on the
space here might well cause rear of the helmet gives a nod to
discomfort for those with larger visibility. MB kask.com
ears. If you know you’re that person,
maybe see if you can try before you VERDICT Light, fast and
buy! The comfort offered by the 78
%
comfortable, but let down by
poor padding and high price
internal Multipod padding, Kask’s

BIMBLE AND BOLT

SUPER STRIDER SHORTS
£44

R
unning shorts? In the
January issue? I’ve had these
for a while though and for
indoor training still have them on
regular rotation, plus I think it’s
good to give smaller brands some MATADOR BETALOCK
love around all the festive spending. £28.45

L
Bimble and Bolt make these shorts
in two lengths (8 inch or 6 inch) ooking for a pressie for the
which is music to my ears as triathlete that has everything?
someone who always finds This nifty carabiner is made
women’s run shorts alarmingly from forged aircraft-grade
skimpy. I tried the 8 inch shorts in aluminium (ooh!) and is pleasingly
Teal (shown here, other colours well-made. The unique feature? It
online). They’re made from 62% comes with two keys so you can
Recycled Nylon and 38% Spandex lock it shut – perfect for leaving
and stay put when working hard – sports kit unattended in public. I’ve
no rolling up thank God – and used it to lock up a bike helmet and
include one zippy back pocket and my swim kit bag while I was in a
side pockets. HW bimbleandbolt.com lake. HW wildbounds.com

VERDICT Practical and nicely VERDICT Nifty little gadget,

88
%
designed shorts with some
good features
85
%
you’ll use it more than you
expect to!

January 2025 / / 47
 KIT ZONE

48 / / January 2025
 LONG-SLEEVE RUN TEES

GROUPTEST:

LONG-SLEEVE
RUN TEES
When winter starts to bite, you’ll need a good long-
sleeve base layer for your runs. We’ve tested eight of
the best for men and women to find the one for you…
WORDS MATT BAIRD & HELEN WEBSTER
MAIN IMAGE GETTY IMAGES KIT IMAGES ALFIE BAIRD & HELEN WEBSTER

H
umble it may be, but a good long-sleeved run tee is essential in any
outdoor athlete’s kit drawer. Come the chillier months, you’ll be looking
towards one of these for warmth and comfort, as well as visibility if not
wearing a jacket.
When it comes to testing, there are a few things we look out for. Comfort is
high, as is fit. You also want your top to be light enough for performance, but
snuggly enough that you feel warm when the mercury drops.
Our testers also look for technical features. Did the tops wick sweat away
effectively – and did the fabric still smell fresh after one or multiple runs? If
you can get away with a couple of runs without washing, not only is it easier
for you but also kinder on the environment. Mentioning the environment,
we also like to see recycled or sustainable fabrics.
Although we used two testers here – one male and one female – most of
these tops come in men’s and women’s versions and colourways. Finally we
considered value for money and any additional features such as a quarter-
length zip, key pocket and thumb loops. ►

January 2025 / / 49
 KIT ZONE

Men’s
MONTANE tees
DART LITE LONG SLEEVE T-SHIRT
£50
montane.com

ontane bill the Dart Lite Long

M Sleeve T-Shirt as a base layer, but

I’ve happily been wearing it as a
standalone top in the UK autumn. I’ve
regularly relished its lightness, (a 120g for
a men’s medium). Internal comfort is
excellent. The flatlock seams have
remained irritation-free, while the 100%
recycled polyester is soft on the skin. The
crew neck is comfortable, while the fit felt
true to the sizing chart. This boasts a
Polygiene permanent odour control.
Ventilation is impressive and the Dart Lite
has proven both quick-to-dry and
breathable when worn under a jacket. The
sleeves roll up and sizes range from XS to
XXXL, with a range of colourways in
men’s/women’s versions.

VERDICT Light, eco and breathable. BEST ON

TEST
88
%
This top delivers the goods as both a
base layer and run top

ASICS
CORE LS TOP
£32
asics.com

he Core LS Top might not boast a

T long feature list but it’s a

functional, well-crafted and
stylish top that largely ticks the
performance boxes. Coming in at a lean
113g, it sits smoothly on the skin, aided by
its flatlock seam construction and a 100%
polyester build that’s floaty and
unrestrictive. Ventilation from the slightly
meshed material is decent enough. The
100% recycled materials help with the
Core’s eco credentials, although it’s
lacking an odour control feature. At £32,
however, the Core is neatly-priced and the
construction feels durable enough for
multi-running season use. Sizing comes
in at XS-2XL and our medium felt true to
size. More visible colours are available too
in both men’s and women’s sizing.

VERDICT Not the techiest but

80
%
functional, decently priced and
comfortable base layer

50 / / January 2025
 LONG-SLEEVE RUN TEES

KEELA
TRAIL PRO L/S TOP WITH STAYFRESH
£34.95
keelaoutdoors.com

there’s plenty of tech for the price

T tag here. First up is the Polygiene

Stayfresh technology, which
promises built-in odour control so you
can ‘wear your tee for multiple wears
without washing’. The addition of 9%
spandex/Lycra in the polyester mix seems
to give the Trail Pro more stretch than a
classic 100% polyester top. The
breathability and sweat-wicking abilities
are impressive, making this one that can
handle both base layer and standalone
running top duties. No claims are made of
any recycled materials in the mix. Sizes
are 2XS –3XL and I found the medium
here fairly sizeable. The 161g weight is
noticeably heavier than the Asics and
Montane, but it scrunches down well.

VERDICT Decent materials, price and

84
%
performance make this a versatile
contender in this test

ALPKIT
LAIKA
£49.99
alpkit.com

he Laika from Alpkit is billed as a

T ‘performance mid-layer’. I’ve

loved it for hiking on cooler days
but the thickness and lack of ventilation
make it less than ideal for higher intensity
activities. The Laika is lighter than it looks
at 191g and it stashes down. The 1/2 length
zip does offer some temperature
regulation benefits, but there are no
ventilation channels or mesh areas of
note, making this more winter wear than
spring or autumn. Further weather-
battling features include its knit finish for
added cosiness and wind protection, a
high collar and a full-length zipper guard
for further wind deflection. Points are
scored for the 100% recycled polyester
construction, however, and the Polygiene
treatment is holding firm against smells!

VERDICT Soft and cosy for hiking,

74
%
but it only has a limited window for
running use hence the score here

January 2025 / / 51
 KIT ZONE

Women’s
ALPKIT tees
KOULIN
£29.99
alpkit.com

he Laika on the previous page was

T deemed great for hiking but a bit

warm for running – so Alpkit have
a second bite of the cherry here with the
lighter weight Koulin. Coming in at 145g
for my women’s UK14 this is already
lighter in weight and is constructed from
wicking and fast-drying recycled
polyester fabric featuring Polygiene anti-
odour technology. The fit was great on me
and the mesh under the arms provided
BUDGET
reasonable ventilation. I also managed to BUY
get away with a few runs before I felt like
this top needed a wash so the fabric
definitely works! There’s a nifty key
pouch with loop and sizing is good at
6-20 with two colours available. Men can
choose from three colours and XS-XXL.

VERDICT Good solid tee with some

85
%
features that are a bonus at the
price point. Decent price, too

SOAR
TEMPO
£155
soarrunning.com

t just 136g for my size XL (I’m a

A UK14, but Soar comes up small

and this is the largest size – (our
model here could size down) this unusual
base layer is amazingly light for its
features. The 3D textured weave fabric has
a slight stretch and is brilliantly
breathable – the Tempo is designed to be
CUTTING
worn over a light base layer or alone next EDGE
to the skin and I found it comfortable
either way, with the full-length zip
adding to the versatility. The seams are
bonded and comfortable and though there
is no zip garage, I didn’t notice any
irritation. At the back there’s a decent
pocket for keys/gels which is welcome.
The price tag is high, yes, but this is a top
that is beautifully-made and functional.
Men get sizing in XS to XL.

VERDICT This is a top I’ll use again

91
%
and again and I love the fabric and
feel. Larger sizes would be good

52 / / January 2025
 LONG-SLEEVE RUN TEES

INOV8
MERINO L/S
£60
inov8.com

oooh, merino wool... This is one of

O those tops that you love from the

moment you pull it on, thanks to
that fabric. Northern trail gurus Inov8
have constructured this from ethically-
produced mulesing-free Merino wool
certified by the Responsible Wool
Standard. It comes in sizes 6-14 for
women (again, larger sizes would be good
to see here) and S-XL for men and two
colours. It’s breathable and naturally
resists odours, something that I can
confirm through testing! Sizing is snug
but the top has plenty of stretch. Designed
for hiking it might be a bit warm for hard
sessions, but for my morning jogs on
frosty autumn mornings I didn’t overheat.
This one comes in at 144g for my UK14.

VERDICT Blimmin’ lovely top made from

87
%
superior fabric. Maybe a bit warm for
fast runs though, so save for the chill!

COMPRESSPORT
PERFORMANCE L/S
£70
compressport.com

his long-sleeved, thermo-

T regulating performance top has

integrated ventilation with some
mesh panels as well as a woven fabric
which felt light and cool against the skin.
It’s made from 52% Polyamide 44%
Polyester 4% Elastane and came in at 138g
for my size large. Again sizing is limited
here, with XS-L available for women and
S-XXL for men. On mild autumn runs I
really liked how this top felt against the
skin and it was among the cooler and
most breathable on test, plus the flexible
fabric made the sleeves easy to roll up
when I got a bit warm. On cooler days it
worked well under a short-sleeved tee or
light jacket. No pockets are included and
thumb loops on the long sleeves would
have been welcome.

VERDICT Nice top that is comfy and I

84
%
liked the fabric. Quite expensive though
compared to others on test

January 2025 / / 53
 KIT ZONE

54 / / January 2025
 CHANGING ROBES GROUPTEST

GROUPTEST:
T
here are few pieces of kit that have outdoors after an open-water swim or a

CHANGING
exploded in popularity in recent chilly ride or run? In which case, think
years like the humble changing about finding a robe which is warm as
robe. Love ’em or loathe ’em, these well as waterproof.

ROBES
voluminous, furry coats are now seen Room to actually change in is
on everyone from professional athletes important too. I mainly use my
to dog walkers, open-water swimmers robes after swimming, so I need to be
to folk popping to the supermarket. able to get dried and clothed quickly
With popularity comes choice inside mine. I also prefer a lining which
Invaluable after winter however and there are plenty out is warm but which doesn’t cling to
training, a good changing there to pick from. In this month’s damp skin.
group test are eight that have arrived at Think about other features you might
robe is warm, waterproof 220 Towers over the last few weeks, want. Pockets are handy and there are
and versatile. Which of from new launches to existing designs extras which can be nice to have
these eight wins this year’s with updates. including a giant pocket to stash your
I’ve chosen a range which offers a robe inside (or a bag), zip-off sleeves
best on test though? variety of options, from lightweight for versatility and a draw-cord at the
WORDS HELEN WEBSTER IMAGES GAVIN PARISH
packable robes to big puffy coats waist if you want to cinch the coat in
designed for maximum warmth. The for warmth and a more fitted look.
options here are all good quality too and Turn the page for this year’s reviews
I’ve tried to include ones which offer – but head to 220triathlon.com to find
good environmental credentials and use plenty more changing robes reviewed
of recycled or sustainable materials. and rated as well. ►
As a triathlete you’ll likely be buying
one for use after training, so my advice
is to think about the kind of places you
usually train. Do you often end up
drinking coffee from a Thermos

January 2025 / / 55
 KIT ZONE

D-ROBE
BEAUFORT ROBE £155
d-robeoutdoors.com

his is the second time I’ve tried

T the Beaufort, here in a snazzy

new Opal Grey colourway. I sized
up this time though having found they
come up quite small and though this time
the coat fit comfortably (size medium
and I’m a UK14) it was a slim not
oversized fit and I didn’t have room to
easily change inside – the coat comes in
unisex XS to XL though so just one to be
aware of. That said, this was a very warm
and cosy robe with a fleece lining and
superb protection against the elements
with taped seams, a waterproofed outer
and a storm flap. Large fleece pockets
and a removable valuables pouch are a
nice touch. The robe is made from 100%
recycled materials and comes in five
colours plus smaller versions for kids.

VERDICT Chunky and solid protection

80
%
from the elements – quite a slim fit
though, so size up for changing

DDIPP
SEA MONSTER HYDRO £150
ddipp.com

he Sea Monster has the coolest

T name in the change robe market

but this is also my personal
favourite. It’s the third time I’ve tested
ddipp’s flagship product and here in a
new colourway, I’m reminded again how
brilliant it is. The robe hits the sweet spot
between warmth and protection from the
elements while still being warm enough
to care for you after a chilly swim. It’s
BEST ON
TEST
not that bulky, stashes inside its own
pocket and has the softest fleece fur
inside. I love the sleeves which can be
zipped off at the elbow to make it more
practical for changing in (or just less
warm, depending). Fabrics are 100%
recycled and the Sea Monster is
waterproof yet breathable. Mine is a S/M,
also available in M/L.

VERDICT I use changing robes a lot and

95
%
for a couple of years, this has remained
the one I reach for first. Just great!

56 / / January 2025
 CHANGING ROBES GROUPTEST

DRY ROBE
REMIX £165
dryrobe.com

hat can we say about the classic

W Dryrobe Advance that hasn’t

already been said..? Well,
luckily the brand keep subtly tweaking
their original designs just enough to
allow us to give them space in the mag
once again. We last saw this version in
trendy camo and pink, but this new
‘Remix’ is one of a few versions which
use surplus fabrics to create new designs HIGHLY
– here black with a pink lining and camo RATED
touches. What stays the same is the
voluminous shape with plenty of room to
change inside, the snuggly hood, easy to
operate chunky zip and large pockets and
velcro sleeves. You also get an inner
pocket for valuables and from personal
experience, these robes last years – and
all fabrics here are 100% recycled, too.

VERDICT You won’t go wrong with a

93
%
classic Dryrobe and this eco limited
edition version ticks all the boxes

RED
PURSUIT £209.95
red-equipment.co.uk

reaking the mould in this

B category, the Red Pursuit is more

of a high quality raincoat when
you first see it – but that’s the genius of
the design. Two long side zips plus a
waist cord undo to reveal anough extra
fabric and room to easily change within.
The jacket is also light and easily
packable, perfect if you tend to carry your
robe around a lot, or are prone to having CUTTING
impulsive swims mid-hike (I do this a EDGE
lot!). Quality touches like ‘sticklebrick’
cuff adjusters and an inner wicking fleece
are all welcome. I’d say this is perfect if
you want a changing robe that is practical
and versatile, but without actually
looking like a changing robe. The only
downside is it won’t give you the warmth
of the bigger, snugglier ones on test.

VERDICT Cutting edge design which

91
%
expertly combines a stylish coat with
changing needs, just not the warmest

January 2025 / / 57
 KIT ZONE

PASSENGER
TEMPEST £155
passenger-clothing.com

rriving with a nifty matching

A stuff sack, the Tempest was

winning points for portability
from the start. We’ve included the Waves
version in a previous test (see online) but
this one is designed, as the name
suggests, with more inclement weather
in mind. The robe is constructed from
100% recycled polyester 50D ripstop,
with a PFC DWR water-resistant coating
and did well in showers during testing.
Passenger cite it being able to withstand
an hour in a sustained shower. The cosy
lining is 100% recycled polyester sherpa
fleece and I enjoyed using this one in
testing as it was a nice balance between
warmth and weight. More zipped pockets
would be nice though and the front zip
was a touch fiddly with cold hands.

VERDICT Impressively eco-friendly but

80
%
only in muted colours and zip could be
sturdier. Good waterproofing though!

VOITED
ROBE & DRYCOAT £135
voited.co.uk

his was my first time trying out a

T Voited robe and it’s fair to say it

was an instant hit – both with me
and with other swimmers who took a
shine to it at the lake where I swim!
That’s no surprise though, as the quilted
body of the coat is like wearing a
lightweight snuggly sleeping bag, while
an extra layer of fleecy insulation around
the lumbar area keeps the core warm. It’s BEST
water resistant too and made from eco- VALUE
friendly materials, while the lining is
made from a microfibre fleece which was
superb for getting changed inside and
didn’t cling to my damp body like some
of the furrier options. Generous pockets
(four outside, plus zippy inner) are
welcome. It comes in six colours and
sizes XS-XL and felt like great value.

VERDICT Very warm changing coat

93
%
with well-considered features and a
lovely quilted inner for warmth

58 / / January 2025
 CHANGING ROBES GROUPTEST

VIVIDA
ALL WEATHER SHERPA £165
vividalifestyle.com

ivida last entered by kit testing

V rota back in 2022’s changing robe

test with their pouffy All Weather
Puffa robe (£240), still on sale, which is
akin to wearing a duvet as a changing
robe (see online for full review). Here is
the All Weather Sherpa version. This
one’s a more traditional shell version,
made with 100% recycled materials and
with a PFC-free water repellant coating
as well as taped seams that I found did a
great job of keeping me dry in showers.
The synthetic lambswool sherpa fleece
lining kept me warm, while the
adjustable hood was good in downpours.
This one packed down smaller than the
Puffa version and comes in an impressive
six earthly colours and five sizes. I’m
wearing a medium here.

VERDICT Nice-looking robe with good

85
%
waterproofing and eco-friendly fabrics
– though not many other extras

ZONE 3
THERMO-TECH £149
zone3.com

e’ve seen the Thermo-tech

W before on the pages of 220, but

even though the spec hasn’t
changed neither has the price tag, which
is good news for triathletes as this is a
superb robe from a brand with its roots in
triathlon. Many will like the understated
looks here (it only comes in khaki or
black with yellow, so one for those not
into brighter hues!) and the 100%
recycled fabric is water and wind
resistant but also breathable and I’ve
foudn it works well on grotty days post-
swim. Sleeves are adjustable via velcro
straps and there are some good zippy
pockets to keep valuables safe. Changing
inside is relatively straightforward, aided
by flexible side panels. Unisex sizing is
XS to XL, I’m in a medium here.

VERDICT Not my first choice looks-wise,

88
%
but warm and weather-proof and has
some nice extra features

January 2025 / / 59
 KIT ZONE

60 / / January 2025
 SWIM JAMMERS GROUPTEST

GROUPTEST:

SWIM JAMMERS
A durable pair of jammers (or two) are essential for
swim training in the pool or open water. Which of these
five are best for triathletes?
WORDS JACK SEXTY LEAD IMAGE GETTY IMAGES

S
horts, baggies, trunks jammers, down. I have experienced material
speedos, budgies… Yep, there are getting baggy or loose around the legs
many names for the humble swim over time on jammers of questionable
shorts. But these are all slightly quality, but that is unlikely to be an
different and what you choose will issue with the construction techniques
depend on how streamlined you want to utilised by most reputable swimming
be, what you prefer in terms of feel and and triathlon brands in 2024.
how brave you are… If you want to take things outside
Jammers are a good option for most somewhere hot, you may want to look
athletes. Sitting just above the knee for jammers that offer a high UPF
they are designed to have a snug, (ultraviolet protection factor) rating to
athletic fit to reduce drag through the avoid burning under your jammers. Not
water, and it goes without saying that if all manufacturers state this in the
they feel too loose or too tight – product descriptions, but brands such
especially at the waist – then you as Funky Trunks offer a UPF rating of
should size up or down accordingly. 50+ in all of its garments.
The leg grippers on most jammers The material used in swim jammers
end just above the knee, but you can will almost always be polyester, but
also get mid-length jammers that designed with a mix of chlorine-
finish in the middle of the thigh. What resistant and stretchy variations so they
you choose is mostly down to personal work for swimming. Look for jammers
preference and what you feel most that are said to be 100% chlorine-
comfortable in; although if milliseconds resistant if you have any doubts about
of drag reduction is important to you, durability. It’s also advisable to hand
then a fuller length jammer should be wash and keep machine washing to a
slightly more hydrodynamic. minimum while avoiding the tumble
A good drawstring is important for dryer to prolong their life.
adjusting your jammers, as is a well- Some brands have their own
designed waistband to provide a secure, proprietary materials that they may
comfortable fit and stop them from claim is more durable and resistant
slipping. I favour wide drawstrings that to chlorine, and increasingly there’s
are easy to grab and don’t get frayed an environmental reason too. All
over time. brands in our 2024 jammers grouptest
Your jammers shouldn’t ride up or be have published sustainability
at all baggy, and if that’s the case then statements, and numerous pairs use
it may just be that you need to size recycled materials. ►

January 2025 / / 61
 KIT ZONE

FUNKY TRUNKS ZOGGS SPEEDO

STAR SIGN £35.95 GLARE PANELLED MID JAMMER END+ MAX COMPRESSION MID
£38 £50
funkytrunks.co.uk
zoggs.com speedo.com
ustralian-born swimwear

A specialist Funky Trunks has

become renowned for out-there
designs, which are digitally printed to T
he Glare is part of Zoggs’ range of
mid-length jammers, designed to
sit somewhere around the mid- T
he End+ Max Compression Mid
from Speedo is designed to come
down to around the mid-thigh,
cause minimal environmental impact thigh area and slightly lower than a pair which is ideal for those who may find the
during the production process. While of trunks. If you’re stubby-legged like grippers on some longer jammers sit too
Funky Trunks also produce ‘Elite’ and me then you might find some longer close to their knees. Part of Speedo’s
‘Amateur’ competition jammers, the jammers are a little too long, so the mid- performance range, these jammers have
‘Training’ range that these sit in jammer offers a decent solution. Zoggs’ a few extra bells and whistles compared
prioritises durability, practicality and 100% chlorine-proof Ecolast+ fabric that to basic training suits, such as the
comfort. Prices are about the going rate makes up these jammers is made from ‘V-Cut’ design with a ‘power mesh’ liner.
for good-quality training jammers, and recycled bottles, and a lifetime guarantee Essentially this is reinforced, V-shaped
it’s worth keeping tabs on the Funky if your jammers somehow wear out panelling on both thighs to provide some
Trunks website for occasional flash sales. shows the Aussie brand is very confident extra support, and I felt like there was
Putting them on is a bit more of a in the durability of its products. A some more compressive benefits in this
battle than stretchier alternatives, triangular front lining and a robust area compared to entry-level jammers
meaning it’s important to get the right drawstring keeps everything secure, and through the water. I am a fan of the built
size, because they will slip if they’re too the flatlock seams are perfectly stitched in front lining and extra chunky, silicone
small. After addressing that issue I found to avoid any chafing or irritation. I’ve gripper elasticated waistband, that is very
these jammers fine for long training previously praised the waistband of easy to grab to get the jammers in place
sessions. I like the long cut which sits Zoggs’ mid jammers, and while it’s before setting off on your swim. Couple
just above the knee, the waistband and comfortable enough I find that it’s not with a robust flat drawstring, I could be
leg grippers are comfortable and the quite up there with the chunkier one on 100% confident these jammers weren’t
drawcord is nice and chunky. The ‘front Speedo’s End+ Max Compression mid budging an inch in the water, and they
pouch lining’ is fully stitched in, which jammer. I found the latter (admittedly always stayed in place perfectly. Speedo
cuts down on bulk and keeps everything £12 more expensive) sit better on my says the End+ Max Compression Mid is
covered that needs covering. After several hips without feeling at all like they’ll slip, made for “long lasting performance”,
washes, the colours are just as vivid and while I need to take a bit more care to while falling short of claiming 100%
there has been no shrinkage or fraying, ensure the Zoggs jammers are fitted chlorine resistance; but after a few
so I’m confident that Funky Trunks’ properly before diving in. The legs also washes and several thousand metres in
jammers and the exclusive C-Infinity lack a bit of stretch, and I found some the pool, I have no reason to doubt that
fabric will last you for many swims. I repositioning was required to stop them they’re very durable. For a performance
think they’re most suitable for those with riding up in the water after pushing off product, I think these jammers actually
an athletic build who don’t fall between or turning on the wall. However they’re represent very good value, and are ideal
sizes, because there isn’t that much give very durable, have notable eco credentials for training or dipping your toe in
in them should they not fit perfectly. and are reasonably priced. master’s swimming competitions.

VERDICT Bold, colourful and durable, VERDICT Do the job, but I’d like a VERDICT Affordable performance
78
%
but I’d like a little more stretch. Make
sure you buy the right size!
79
%
beefier waistband. Appreciate the
durability and eco credentials
90
%
jammers that are very well made and
I liked the print on these!

HIGHLY
RATED
62 / / January 2025
 SWIM JAMMERS GROUPTEST

COOTS HUUB
SG JAMMER £110 BROWNLEE JAMMER II – JONNY JACK’S OVERALL VERDICT
£39.99 Of the five pairs of jammers I
coots-london.com reviewed for this grouptest,
huubdesign.com thankfully there were none that I
ledgling London-based swimwear would completely avoid with all

F brand Coots (an acronym for

‘Crawled out of the sea’) designs
and makes everything locally, with a big T
he Brownlee Jammer II is
available in Ali or Jonny flavours
(of course) and it’s the more
getting very good or excellent scores.
£30-£40 seems to be the going
rate for a new season pair of
emphasis on sustainability. The SG colourful Jonny version I’m reviewing jammers made for everyday training
Jammers are made with 78% Econyl here. I like the long cut of the leg which nowadays, and offerings from Funky
nylon generated from waste product, and is designed to sit just above the knee. The Trunks, Zoggs and Huub fit into this
the rest is elastane. They’re ultra outer is made up of 53% standard category. Of those three I would
chlorine-resistant, have shape-retaining polyester and 47% PBT, the latter personally choose the Huub
qualities, and there’s a lifetime repair included for its durability, sustainability Brownlee II, because I found they
guarantee if any stitching comes loose and resistance to chlorine. It’s worth offer more stretch to achieve the
during your suit’s lifecycle. They arrive in mentioning that this material doesn’t do perfect fit.
a wet bag made from bamboo towelling, particularly well in warm water, so avoid Speedo’s End+ Max Compression
and there’s even a locker loop inside to a post-swim hot tub to prolong the life of Mid really impressed me, even
help with drying. The full leg coverage your jammers. There is a sizeable yet though I don’t usually go for mid-
and streamlined fit made me feel fast lightweight lining to provide coverage at length jammers. I liked the V-shape
through the water, and the chunky yet the front, and the drawstring is nice and panelling and it’s nice to be able to
comfy waistline and robust drawstring chunky to fine-tune the fit. There’s get some performance features at a
meant they didn’t budge an inch during nothing special going on at the waistline price point that is closer to what
lengthy pool sessions. They have silicone or lower legs, just dependable flatlock you’d pay for training jammers.
leg grippers, reminiscent of tri or cycling seams that do the job and didn’t irritate I wasn’t sure what to expect from
shorts, that hug the leg perfectly, and my skin during long pool sessions. They Coots, a relative newcomer in the
they haven’t got baggy or loose after didn’t budge at all during the test swims, swimwear market compared to the
multiple washes. The full internal lining, remaining comfortable throughout and other four established brands; but
essentially acting like briefs stitched onto keeping their shape after multiple swims it’s safe to say I was very pleasantly
the main part of the garment, is and washes. The Brownlee jammers sized surprised. Yes, they cost more than
comfortable and keeps everything in up bigger than others on test, with the double that of Speedo’s offering, but
place, but does add some weight. I don’t small fitting me just right (suitable for the quality of the product and the
think this makes any discernible 29-31 inch waists according to the size excellent construction means I think
difference to the hydrodynamic guide). It’s worth checking the size guide they’re worth it, and they have fast
properties, but I’d like to see some because the material isn’t super stretchy, become my go-to jammers.
alternative, high performance Coots and likewise if you go too small an
jammers in future, perhaps with a fully embarrassing tear could be more likely in HOW I TESTED
stitched gusset or just a front liner. I’ve these jammers compared to stretchier To conduct my testing, I simply
been mighty impressed with the SGs and alternatives. If you get the sizing right, swam a lot for the most part. I spent
they’re my current favourites! these are great training jammers. some time making adjustments and
ensuring the jammers fit me
VERDICT Excellent premium jammers VERDICT Durable, colourful jammers correctly before hitting the pool so
92
%
that get almost everything right. The
quality justifies the price tag
86
%
that are great for pool training, just
consider sizing down for fit
nothing was marked down unfairly.
My swims mostly involved
lengthy endurance freestyle sets: all
the fun stuff like 20x100, 6x200
build and daunting pyramids. A bit
because I’m a glutton for
punishment and it’s what I gravitate
towards, but importantly because
main sets like these are the
foundation of any good triathlon
swim training plan. This allowed me
to feel what the jammers were like
over a long session, in terms of
offering support and speed benefits
through the water, plus what the fit
was like.
BEST ON
TEST
January 2025 / / 63
ESSENTIAL KIT All you need to train & race, as rated by our 220 Kit Zone expert testers

TOP-END
WETSUITS
If your goal is to exit
Orca Yonda Sailfish Zone3 Zoggs
T1 first, you’ll want a suit
Apex Flex Ghost 3 G-Range 8 Vanquish X Hypex Ultra FS
that strikes the balance
between flexibility,
buoyancy and comfort, £589 Soft and flexible; £589 Impressive mix of £691 Unrivalled freedom £699 A dizzying array of £700 Incredibly supple;
while also being super ideal for good swimmers. flexibility and buoyancy. and the fastest on test. tech put to good use. improved hydrodynamics.
easy to remove on the fly. Issue 432 Issue 417 Issue 432 Issue 432 Issue 432
orca.com yondasports.com sailfish.com zone3.com zoggs.com

BUDGET
WETSUITS
Always try before you
buy as sizes can vary
massively between
brands. Then consider
your swim ability, as
some features may be Van Rysel Lomo Speedo Zone3 Orca
lost on newbies (e.g. thin SD Neoprene Nuotare Proton Aspect Athlex Float
neoprene and reduced
buoyancy). £119.99 A great option £125 Price, comfort and £140 A crazy price for a £179 Performs well and £239 Great movement
for shorter distances. inclusive sizing combine. suit that performs so well. is breaststroke specific. and buoyancy.
Issue 406 Issue 422 Issue 417 Issue 429 Issue 417
decathlon.co.uk lomo.co.uk speedo.com zone3.com orca.com

POOL
GOGGLES
When shopping for a
new pair, consider tint to
deal with bright lighting,
width of vision and
comfort to ensure a
fuss-free swim. Orca Zoggs Tri-Fit Roka Zone3
Killa Speed Predator Rapid-X R1 Clear Volare

£17 Sleek goggles with a £25 Great price and size £30 Superb visibility; £32 Superb all-round £35 Great, comfy fit,
choice of nose bridges. range; no leaks or fogging. soft and comfy gaskets. visibility. Great fit, too. plus polarised lenses.
Issue 427 Issue 427 Issue 427 Issue 427 Issue 427
orca.com zoggs.com tri-fitathletic.com uk.roka.com zone3.com

OPEN-WATER
GOGGLES
Outdoor swimming
goggles should ideally
have mirrored or
polarised lenses for
greater clarity. Often the Orca Zoggs TheMagic5 Aquasphere Form
lenses are bigger, too, for Killa Comfort Predator Ultra Blue Mirror Gold Defy.Ultra Smart Swim 2
greater peripheral vision.
£24 Comfortable, great £38 A true classic and £75 Made-to-measure £129.99 Elevating swim £229 Unique tech that
visibility and an impressive top performance from goggles that deliver masks to a new level. But offers real benefits for
price. Good stuff. the polarized lenses. near perfection. at quite a price. pool and open water.
Issue 430 Issue 430 Issue 430 Issue 430 Issue 430
orca.com zoggs.com themagic5.com uk.aquasphereswim.com formswim.com

COLD-WATER
SWIM KIT
Adding neoprene Lomo Orca Zone3 Zone3 2XU
accessories can make Open Water Socks Thermal Cap Heat-Tech Gloves Heat-Tech Socks Propel Gloves
your winter swimming
much less biting, so £21 Good breadth of £35 Warm and plenty of £39 Toasty and great £39 You can’t argue £45 Cosy pair of gloves
consider swim caps, sizing, plus appreciated flex; great thermal lining grip. Liquid-seal finish with the warmth and with superb grip. Just
gloves and socks. grippers to avoid slipping. for the price. ensures snug fit. waterproofing here. check the size fits you.
Issue 425 Issue 425 Issue 425 Issue 425 Issue 425
lomo.co.uk orca.com zone3.com zone3.com uk.2xu.com

64 / / January 2025
 tr tonn Fo
i
22 kit es mr
0t , h o
r i e a re
.c o d t
m o

TURBO
TRAINERS
Tacx Wahoo Saris Elite Wahoo
Turbo trainers range Flow Kickr Core H3 Justo Kickr Move
from the traditional
A-frame design to smart £299.99 Simple set up, £549.99 Capable and £749.99 Feature £999.99 ‘Flex Feet’ £1,399.99 A very good
trainers that sync to impressively quiet and a quiet. Comes with 12 packed and accurate. provides a natural ride feel high-end trainer, but
online training platforms great price. months of Zwift, too. Often heavily discounted. and relatively light at 17kg. needs tweaking. Pricey.
like Zwift and Rouvy. Issue 426 Issue 415 Issue 426 Issue 426 Issue 426
garmin.com uk.wahoofitness.com saris.com elite-it.com uk.wahoofitness.com

TRIATHLON
BIKES
The key here is fit and
comfort. Remember:
the least aerodynamic
thing on the bike is you, Argon 18 Orro Cube Canyon Trek
so E119 Tri+ Disc Venturi Tri Aerium C:68X SLT Speedmax CFR Disc Speed Concept SLR
have a bike fit to refine 9 AXS
your position. £7,300 This is a fast, £5,950 Climbs £8,999 A blisteringly £12,949 Blisteringly
aggressive triathlon purposefully, handles like fast, cutting-edge tri fast and the best £13,000 Fast and
superbike with plenty of a road bike and is pretty superbike with a bonus integration we’ve seen compliant, with disc
impressive innovation. damn fast. hydration option. on a triathlon bike. brakes and all mod cons.
See 220triathlon.com Issue 421 Issue 428 Issue 388 See 220triathlon.com
argon18.com orrobikes.com cube.eu canyon.com trekbikes.com

AEROBARS
You provide around 80%
of the drag you endure
on the bike. That’s why a
pair of clip-on aerobars is
Profile Design
vital for a streamlined
Van Rysel BBB Sonic Ergo 39A Profile Design Deda
performance.
Aptonia Aerobase Subsonic Ergo 35A Elementi Superzero
£149.99 Versatile, Extensions
£39.99 Incredible-value £64.95 Well-shaped good-value clip-ons that £179.99 Great for
aerobars that though extensions and range are easily fitted. A those looking to go very £207.99 Well-crafted
aimed at long distance are make these a smart multitude of low, but standard Sonics and lightweight. Their
better for short course. clip-on introduction. configurations. have broader appeal. stubby design isn’t for all.
Issue 431 Issue 420 Issue 431 Issue 420 Issue 420
decathlon.co.uk bbbcycling.com profile-design-eu.com profile-design-eu.com dedaelementi.com

TRI BIKE
SHOES
Triathlon bike shoes are
subtly, but importantly,
different than cycling
shoes as they contain Van Rysel Mavic DMT Fizik Mavic
features for a swift Aptonia Cosmic Elite Tri KT1 Transiro Hydra Ultimate Tri
transition. Heel loop, Aeroweave Carbon
rapid closure system £79.99 A solid shoe £165 Comfortable £249.99 Phenomenal £385 Wonderfully stiff
and sole drainage holes and a good price, though shape, fine closure comfort, impressive £289.99 A fine shoe and breathable shoe but
are some of the the jury’s out regarding system and nice big pull breathability and with numerous tri-friendly cost hard to justify for
multisport features. the closure zipper. tab for fast transitions. very supportive. features, but pricey. the majority.
Issue 428 Issue 428 Issue 428 Issue 428 Issue 428
decathlon.co.uk mavic.com chickencyclekit.co.uk fizik.com mavic.com

HELMETS
Helmets are divided into
road, aero road and aero. Van Rysel Met Giro Specialized Abus
Each has its attributes, FCR Estro MIPS Eclipse Spherical S-Works Evade 3 Gamechanger 2
from greater ventilation
to lowering drag. Note: £89.99 Solid aero £120 A lean and stylish £239.99 Great fitting £250 Fast, streamlined £289 One of the safest
if you go full-on aero, performance and plenty mid-range lid with added mechanism and slick dial and comfortable. One of helmets out there plus
those benefits are lost if of race-friendly features. safety benefits. for a comfy fit. the best out there. solid aero credentials.
you can’t maintain an Issue 431 Issue 412 Issue 431 Issue 431 Issue 431
aero position. decathlon.co.uk met-helmets.com giro.com specialized.com upgradebikes.co.uk

January 2025 / / 65
ESSENTIAL KIT
HEADPHONES
Sound quality’s integral
to any set of Shokz H2O Suunto Shokz Shokz
headphones but, when it OpenRun Audio Sonar Pro Wing OpenSwim OpenFit
comes to triathlon,
safety plays a big part, £129.95 Quality option £147 Swim- specific £169 Solid sound for an £169.95 Another £179 Great sound and
too. Cue bone- that lets you hear the option with great sound out-of-ear headphone; swim-specific pair that comfy, but easier to hear
conduction headphones, surrounding area, too. and comfort. LED lights boost visibility. does a solid job. surroundings with others.
plus options for Issue 403 Issue 422 Issue 425 Issue 422 Issue 423
swimming. uk.shokz.com h2oaudio.com suunto.com uk.shokz.com uk.shokz.com

TRAIL
RUNNING
SHOES
A good trail shoe
features a breathable Nike Saucony Inov-8 La Sportiva Hoka
upper to aid drainage. Pegasus Trail 4 Peregrine 13 Roclite G 275 V2 Cyklon Tecton X 2
Good traction’s also
vital for staying £129.95 Flexible and £130 If you’re looking for £135 A bulletproof trail £170 A wonderful, £185 An enjoyable,
upright on undulating decent traction, albeit an all-rounder that offers shoe that’s well-suited to technical trail shoe with propulsive yet stable ride,
and muddy terrain. not aggressive enough good value and decent wintery conditions and great traction and the though not perfect in
for proper muddy trails. performance, this is it. offers reasonable value. reliable BOA dial. deep, wet mud.
Issue 425 Issue 425 Issue 425 Issue 425 Issue 425
sportsshoes.com saucony.com inov-8.com lasportiva.com hoka.com

MILEAGE RUN
SHOES
Your off-season running
should include a weekly
long run for aerobic New Balance Saucony
conditioning, albeit don’t Inov8 Nike Brooks Fresh Foam 1080 Endorphin Speed 4
forget occasional Roadfly Pegasus 41 Ghost 2 Max
speedwork. All of these £160 The Fresh Foam £180 A versatile, comfy
should fit the bill. £100 If you are after the £128.99 A reliable £145 A reliable, super 1080 is an excellent shoe and impressive shoe
same connection you option for easy miles, as comfortable and robust for racking up gentle that’s primed for
feel on the trail on the long as you don’t mind shoe that will do wonders miles in supreme pushing the pace and
road, this is for you. the high heel-to-toe drop. for your road running. comfort. easy runs.
Issue 435 Issue 435 Issue 435 Issue 435 Issue 435
inov8.com sportshoes.com brooksrunning.com newbalance.co.uk saucony.com

RUN
JACKETS
A good run jacket will
fend off the elements
like wind and rain, but
also deliver breathability Keela Montane Soar Asics INOV-8
so you don’t boil in the Saxon Jacket Cetus Lite All-weather jacket Core jacket Performance Hybrid
bag. Reflectives, a hood
and pockets add to its £109.95 Versatile and £270 Great for £350 It’s hard to ignore £54 Lightweight, £150 A well-crafted,
usefulness. well-priced jacket, but deflecting winds and that price, but this is a affordable and stylish, durable and comfortable
not one for hotter or rain, but more for hiking formidable jacket for but not for running in jacket. Huge versatility
high-tempo runs. than for running. battling the weather. really wet conditions. makes the price a bargain.
Issue 436 Issue 436 Issue 436 Issue 436 Issue 436
keelaoutdoors.com montane.com salomon.com asics.com inov8.com

HEART RATE
MONITORS
Wahoo Coros Wahoo Polar Garmin
These chest or armband Tickr Heart Rate Monitor Trackr H10 Pro Plus
straps are more
accurate than wrist- £39.99 Superb £69 Straps to your arm £79.99 Accurate and £86.50 Excellent £119.99 Impressive
based optic sensors on training tool with great for proven accuracy but comfy chest strap that accuracy and extremely chest strap that’ll appeal
watches. Many can be connectivity and arguably could offer can be recharged, but that quick to connect. to existing Garmin users
used independently or all for under £40. more features. does mean another cable. Comfortable, too. for multisport action.
linked to a watch or Issue 435 Issue 435 Issue 435 Issue 435 Issue 410
smartphone. uk.wahoofitness.com uk.coros.com uk.wahoofitness.com polar.com garmin.com

66 / / January 2025
 tr tonn Fo
i
22 kit es mr
0t , h o
r i e a re
.c o d t
m o

MULTISPORT
WATCHES Coros Garmin Suunto Apple
Garmin
Fenix 8
Pace 3 Forerunner 265 Race Watch Ultra 2
Tech evolution’s seen £949.99 Yes, that’s a
computers shrink to £219 Swift GPS, huge £429.99 Great £479 Fantastic £799 Apple’s sport mortgage-threatening
watch size. As such, you battery life and a AMOLED screen displays multisport watch that offerings continue to price but this watch
can expect GPS, heart wonderful price. A fine a wealth of useful training comes in at a very good improve. But it’ll strike packs everything and
rate, sleep measurements effort from Coros. and racing information. price point. your bank account. more.
and a whole lot more, Issue 422 Issue 422 Issue 425 Issue 424 Issue 435
starting from about £200. uk.coros.com garmin.com suunto.com apple.com garmin.com

TRI-SUITS
Tri-suits are vital as you
can wear them from gun
to finish. They should
shed water nicely after
exiting T1, contain a
comfy chamois for the Zone3 Raceskin NoPinz Zoot Castelli
bike and be flexible Activate+ Aero Pro-1 Evo Ultra Triathlon P1 PR 2 Speedsuit
come the run. Pockets
are also useful. £115 Great breathability, £130 An impressive £184.99 A well-priced, £292 A superb suit that £360 A highly technical,
seam construction and mix of tecnology and comfy and aero suit in really excels in the heat speedy and supple suit…
internal lining cranks up comfort at a very multiple sizing options. and humidity. Might need if you can afford the high
this suit’’s comfort. impressive price point. A fine, fine suit. bigger pad for Ironman. price tag.
Issue 430 Issue 430 Issue 431 Issue 431 Issue 431
zone3.com raceskin.co.uk nopinz.com zootsports.co.uk castelli-cycling.com

ENERGY GELS
These sachets of
energy are useful for all
disciplines, but
especially the run as
they’re easily stowed.
Many contain a mix of High5 SiS Torq Maurten
glucose and fructose to Electrolyte Go Isotonic Gel Cola Caffeine Gel Precision Gel 100 Caf 100
deliver more energy. Energy Gel Fuel Original Gel
£1.67 The original £2.15 The caffeine £3.21 Hydrogel
£1.45 A great-value isotonic gel and one that version delivers a £2.25 Great consistency, formulation settles
energy gel that delivers stands the test of time. performance boost appreciated neutral taste smoothly, albeit this is
with no airs or graces. Berry flavour is our pick. without sacrificing taste. and packs away neatly. one costly energy hit.
Issue 422 Issue 422 Issue 422 Issue 422 Issue 422
highfive.co.uk scienceinsport.com torqfitness.com precisionhydration.com maurten.com

SUNGLASSES
Arguably, these
should be termed
‘performance eyewear’
as they should be worn
year-round to protect
from dirt flicking up from Tifosi Sungod Smith Koo Roka
your mate’s rear wheel. Vogel SL Airas Motive Alibi GP-1X
Wraparound models are
common for great and £54.99 Great price for £140 Impressive £160 If they fit you well, £169.99 Stylish, secure £230 Add an extra lens
clear peripheral vision. comfortable sunglasses sunglasses with class- these are exceptional and great field of vision, but for low light and these
that boost contrasts well leading field of view, but sunglasses that excel on no case and others better would be best on test, but
and stay in place. not infallible in direct light. the bike and run. in super bright light. they don’t come cheap.
Issue 432 Issue 432 Issue 432 Issue 432 Issue 432
tifosi-optics.co.uk sungod.co smithoptics.com kooworld.cc uk.roka.com

ELECTROLYTE
TABS/ Styrkr

POWDERS
Phizz SiS Precision Skratch SLT05
3-in-1 Formula Hydro Hydration 1000 Labs Hydration Caffeine+

You lose magnesium £7.99 for 20 Not £8 for 20 Palatable £8.99 for 10 1,000mg £27.95 for 20 £9.99 for six Solid
and potassium when sport-specific but still offering that delivers a sodium will suit many, but Sodium content comes product with 360mg
you sweat, plus sodium, 317mg sodium, plus other range of electrolytes 500mg and 1,500mg in at 380mg. Tastes sodium, but minimal
which channels water vitamins and minerals. including 345mg sodium. options available. good, but not cheap. caffeine content.
into muscles. This lot Issue 421 Issue 421 Issue 421 Issue 421 Issue 421
replaces them. phizz.co scienceinsport.com precisionhydration.com silverfish-uk.com styrkr.com

January 2025 / / 67
ADVERTISING
DOESN’T COST,

CALL TOM ON:

01732 446725
 BOOST YOUR PERFORMANCE - TODAY!

GETTY

P70 P75 P78 P79

HOW TO SIMPLE RECIPES ASK THE YOUR
SWIM OUTDOORS RICH IN GUT- TRIATHLON TRAINING
ALL WINTER FRIENDLY FIBRE COACH QUESTIONS

ANDREW SHEAFF, JAMES

WITTS, PHILIP HATZIZ &
HELEN WEBSTER KATE PERCY BEN BRIGHT HELEN WEBSTER
220’s Editor is also a Level 2 is a food for fitness expert and is a former triathlon Our experts answer Qs on
open-water swimming coach amateur athlete. She’s written Olympian (Sydney 2000) using a kick board, adapting
and RLSS open-water lifeguard three books on sports nutrition and head coach of British protein shakes, hill running
trainer/assessor. and founded Go Bites. Triathlon’s Olympic Programme. and swim skills.

January 2025 / / 69
 TRAINING

70 / / January 2025
 MASTERCLASS

HOW TO SWIM
OUTDOORS
ALL WINTER
FROSTY MORNINGS AND BALTIC WATER CAN MAKE
FOR MAGICAL (AND BENEFICIAL!) OPEN-WATER
SWIMS. HERE’S HOW TO DO THEM AND STAY SAFE
WORDS HELEN WEBSTER IMAGES GETTY IMAGES (LEAD) REMY WHITING (PRODUCTS)

G
iven this is our issue on sale in December, you might be questioning
why we’re talking about swimming outdoors. After all – there’s nice
warm swimming pools for all that once race season is over. Right?
I have to admit, when it comes to quality training sessions I would
absolutely agree with you. For focussing on technique or for distance
sessions, the pool is the place to go once water temperatures start dropping
in the winter months. After all, it’s near impossible for most of us to think
about tweaking our stroke when our whole body just wants to curl up
against the cold. Plus, unless you have truly exceptional acclimatisation
built up over years of cold water swimming, you aren’t going to be in there
for very long.
There are benefits to swimming outdoors all year round though. Perhaps
the main one for triathletes is that it will make things much easier when
spring rolls back round and outdoor training starts again. Dipping all
winter will mean you are more acclimatised and more able to cope with the
early season temperatures (plus your club mates will be complaining about
it being freezing, while to you it will feel warmer!).
Don’t discount the other benefits, too, which we can roughly break down
into the physical and the mental. Many open-water swimmers report a
boost to their feeling of health and wellbeing (nothing makes you feel alive
like cold water).
For more on this I recommend the book Chill by Dr Mark Harper MD PhD,
an expert anaesthetist and researcher who through his medical research
explains how cold water immersion can help conditions including chronic
pain, arthritis, anxiety, depression, PTSD and migraines.
Plus, in a season where days are short and time indoors long, being out
immersed in nature with friends gives an important boost to our mental
health. Please do check with your GP if you have any health concerns before
entering colder water, but otherwise if you’re all ready to go, then let’s
turn the page and dip in… ►

MEET THE WRITER

HELEN WEBSTER
As well as being 220’s Editor, Helen is also a qualified Level 2 Open-
Water Swim Coach focusing on confidence and runs regular workshops
GETTY IMAGES
at the South West Maritime Academy near Bristol. She is also an RLSS
UK Open Water Lifeguard trainer/assessor.

January 2025 / / 71
 TRAINING

WAYS
TO SWIM
SAFELY IN THE
COLD WATER
Cold water comes with benefits, but with risks.
Here’s how to look after yourself... ►Always buddy up
in open water and
use a tow float for
extra visibility.

01 03
Buddy up Check the weather tolerate colder water can be based
The first rule of open The weather can on many factors including
water swimming (and make a big difference experience, acclimatisation,
especially cold water swimming?) to your swim in winter, so check general health and physiology –
never go it alone. Even the best of weather reports carefully before plus what kit you are wearing. As a
us can get things wrong and you head out. I like the ‘Windy’ guide, in the UK the RLSS consider
having someone else with you app for a really thorough look at water under 15°C cold, under 10°C
reduces the risks of accidents and weather as well as sea conditions. very cold and under 5°C is referred
means that if the worst does If you’re worried about lightning, to as ‘ice swimming’ (or absolutely
happen, you can get help. Having a then lightning.org gives you blimmin’ brutal, depending on
buddy also means you have access to real time maps of how you feel about being that
someone to check in with – strikes. More generally, just cold!). It’s a good idea to keep
constant assessment of your own think about any weather that swims short in colder waters.
response to the water and of your might make swimming more Think ‘dip’ not ‘swim’ and keep a
friend’s can help prevent problems challenging or dangerous (wind, log of your time in water at
like hypothermia before they even rain, fog) and/or could make different temperatures to build up
begin. Plus, you have someone to you colder while you swim and a picture of your acclimatisation.
help you with kit (for example afterwards. Having warm, dry

05
neoprene gloves are a pain to get kit is crucial for after your swim, Layer up
off yourself when you’re cold) and so ensure it is covered. There’s no right or
to drink hot choc with afterwards. wrong with winter

04
Understand water swimming kit, but as a guide I

02
▼ Yes you’ll look
daft, but a
Make a plan temperatures neoprene balaclava usually advise swimmers to think
will keep you much
I would always How well you warmer overall! about two factors when choosing
recommend a managed their gear: core temperature and
venue for cold water swimming. thermal comfort. Core temperature
Having access to lifeguarded water, refers (as it sounds) to how warm
shelter and first aid equipment can our core stays as we swim. In
be invaluable. However if you are colder water our body sends more
planning to swim someone more blood to the core and to the head to
‘wild’ – or in the sea during winter protect the most important organs.
when less beaches are lifeguarded So wearing a wetsuit will help keep
– then take precautions and plan your core warmer for longer.
ahead. Always know and Winter ‘thermal’ wetsuits and
understand the conditions where neoprene vests will all help too.
you will swim including tide times When it comes to your head, we
and swell/currents as well as any lose a lot of heat through our head
hazards. Make sure you use a tow as the body will keep sending
float for visibility and be sure there warmth there to protect your
is mobile phone signal and you brain. So if you can reduce that
have a way of calling for help. heat loss you’ll stay warmer

72 / / January 2025
 MASTERCLASS

section of your body (legs, then

torso, then shoulders and finally
head) to acclimatise a little before
you move on. Use your breathing
to calm yourself and only start to
swim once your breathing is
controlled.

08
Keep it short
Cold water swimming
is one of the few places
in sport we’ll ask you to leave your
ego at the door (or in the changing
rooms, at least!). It’s been
suggested that many of the ▲ Our feet really which case listen to your body and
feel the cold in
physical benefits of entering cold winter, so adding a don’t be afraid to cut a swim short
set of neoprene
water are achieved within the first booties will be if need be.
couple of minutes and that there much more

09
comfortable.
isn’t any need to do to long, Warm up safely
overall. A neoprene cap is a must punishing cold swims – unless you Swim or dip done and
for me in winter, or you could really enjoy them or are training your work’s not over. A
consider a neoprene balaclava to for an ice swimming challenge. phenomenon known as the after-
cover the sensitive neck area too. “The good news is, quite a lot of drop means that after leaving the
the beneficial effects of cold water water your core temperature will

06
Cover your hands immersion are obtained in the first continue to drop as the cold
and feet two minutes,” says Mike Tipton, continues to move through your
When it comes to hands Professor of Human and Applied body (Mike Tipton from
and feet, it’s more about ‘thermal Physiology at Portsmouth Portsmouth University
comfort’ as covering them up University. “There isn’t a need to demonstrates this superbly with a
won’t make a big difference to core stay in the water for a long time. melon and some cold water in an
temperature – the body already “If you want to do long distance, online video if you want to know
directs blood away from the just wear a wetsuit so you don’t get more!). This in mind, it’s
extremities anyway. As fingers and too cold. Whether with or without important not only to make sure
toes have a large surface area to a wetsuit, I think you probably get you don’t stay in too long but also
mass though, they really feel the the same benefits in terms of those to have a good rewarming routine.
cold – compounded if you’re initial responses as a wetsuit still Have warm layers, a changing robe
unlucky enough to suffer from allows water in, so your body is (see p54 for this month’s group
Reynaud’s Syndrome. Putting a set still exposed to it.” test) or big coat, a bobble hat and
of neoprene gloves and boots on Also remember every day is even a hot water bottle and
will make a huge difference different. If you are feeling run Thermos ready to go. One word of
▼ Cold water on
though. Just make sure they fit down, haven’t slept or are your hands can feel caution: avoid having a hot bath or
snugly, otherwise they’ll balloon as inadequately fed and hydrated you brutal, so add a set
of well-fitting
shower if you are very cold, as it
they fill with cold water! may be more sensitive to cold, in neoprene gloves. can exacerbate the after-drop and
make you very unwell/dizzy.

07
Don’t jump in…

10
Cold water shock is one Be consistent
of the main reasons Nailed your short winter
people get into trouble when swim routine? Then
swimming in open water. Put keep it consistent if you want to
simply, when you suddenly enter reap the benefits come open-water
cold water your blood pressure and swimming season next Summer.
heart rate will increase and your Little and often is the key here,
lungs will take a huge gulp of air rather than swimming several
(or water, if you’re submerged) times one week and then not
and as the name suggests, you can bothering again for a few weeks!
go into shock and lose the ability to Then you can look forward to
think clearly and care for yourself. March/April when the
The way to avoid it is fairly simple temperatures start to creep up
though – enter the water gradually again and things get gradually
yet purposefully, allowing each easier…

January 2025 / / 73
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& STORAGE
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 TRAINING

NUTRITION
FIBRE-RICH RECIPES
Keep your energy stores topped up, your digestive system happy
and reduce bloating with these four, fuller-for-longer recipes
IMAGES THE SECRET STUDIO

ibre is a type of complex fuller for longer (always a good thing for the
carbohydrate that’s found in constantly hungry triathlete) and prevent

F plant-based foods such as

peas, beans and lentils, fruit,
dried fruit, veg and grains as
you feeling bloated, heavy and lethargic.
1T]^_
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beans on seeded sourdough toast elevates
well as nuts and seeds. As a triathlete, that good old staple to new, giddy heights.
eating the 30g recommended daily dose of Made with big, fat butter beans, this dish
ʭ
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JANUARY 2025 / / 75
 TRAINING

sustaining carbohydrate, B
vitamins and minerals. It’s all
about the toast, though! Choose a
good quality sourdough from
your local bakers.
Next up, these lightly-spiced
?SLT
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in advance, refrigerate, then heat
them up for a post-training
treat. An excellent source of
vitamin A (beta-carotene),
vitamin C, manganese, copper,
[Z_L^^T`X
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^bPP_

potatoes are surprisingly
MOROCCAN HARIRA & CHICKEN STEW
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PREP 10mins COOK 40mins SERVES 4
garlicky-chilly-coconut sauce
you’ll get a great anti- INGREDIENTS • 3 tbsps olive oil • 4 boneless, SPL_
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skinless chicken thighs, diced • 1 red onion, peeled, Reduce the heat, add another tbsp oil and
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sliced finely • 3 cloves garlic, peeled, crushed • 2 gently fry the onion, garlic, celery and
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sticks celery, chopped • 3 carrots, chopped • 2 carrots until soft. Stir in the spices and
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tsps each cumin seeds, ground cumin & ground cook for 1min.
the gut. Try them in this coriander • 1 tsp each ground cinnamon, ground
Moroccan chicken harira, a
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bT_S
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turmeric & smoked paprika • 2 tbsp harissa • 2 x
400g tins chopped tomatoes • 1 x 400g tin
chickpeas, drained • 100g raw puy lentils, washed •
2 Return the chicken to the pan, add the
harissa, tomatoes, chickpeas and
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releasing carbs, excellent quality Juice of half a lemon • 1 tsp sugar • 1 chicken stock 9:?
LOO
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protein and a rich balance of cube To serve 25g bunch fresh coriander, Bring to the boil and simmer, covered, for
vitamins and minerals to keep chopped • Natural yoghurt about 30mins.
your immune system strong.
;]P[L]P
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ahead; it tends to taste even
better the next day, once the
METHOD

1 Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a heavy,

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about lentils and the like. It
comes in all sorts of guises,
including puddings! This
delicious Apple, apricot & date
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bT_S
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The crunchy crumble topping
includes a combo of ground
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aPLOLd

Sports nutrition cook and keen

amateur athlete Kate Percy set
up the #GoFaster campaign
in 2009 and, following the
publication of several sports
nutrition books, now
produces a range of
all-natural energy balls,
Go Bites (katepercys.com).

76 / January 2025
 NUTRITION

GREEK BEANS ON TOAST 1METHOD Heat 2 tbsps of oil in a

saucepan, gently fry the onion,
PREP 5mins COOK TIME 25mins SERVES 2 garlic, celery, paprika, cinnamon
and coriander seeds for 5mins.
INGREDIENTS • 1 small onion, finely Stir in the purée, cook for 1min.
chopped • 2 cloves garlic, crushed • 1 Add the tomatoes, beans, herbs
small stick celery, finely chopped • 1tsp and sugar, bring to the boil.
coriander seeds, crushed • ½ tsp paprika Reduce the heat, cover and
• Pinch ground cinnamon • 1 tbsp tomato simmer for 15mins. Remove
purée • 400g tin chopped tomatoes • the cover and cook for another
400g tin butter beans, drained • ½ tsp 5mins, until the sauce thickens.
sugar • Sprig of fresh thyme or 1tsp dried Season well.
oregano • 2 tsbps chopped curly-leaf
parsley • 3 tbsps extra virgin olive oil To
serve 2 thick slices seeded sourdough
• 1 clove garlic, peeled • Olive oil
2 Brush each slice of bread with
oil and garlic, and toast under
the grill until golden. Stir in the
parsley and another tbsp oil, pour
over the toast and serve.

THAI SWEET POTATOES

PREP 2mins COOK 50mins SERVES 2 APPLE, APRICOT & DATE CRUMBLE
INGREDIENTS 2 large sweet potatoes • 1 tsp olive oil • 1 tsp sea salt • 2-3 tsps Thai red PREP 10mins COOK 35-40mins SERVES 4
curry paste • ½ can coconut milk • Juice of half a lime • Handful of frozen peas • 1 red
chilli, deseeded and sliced • 2 tsps Thai fish sauce • 25g bunch fresh coriander, INGREDIENTS • 3 large Bramley apples, peeled, cored and
chopped • 20g cashews, chopped • 1 tbsp desiccated coconut cut into chunks • 8 dried apricots, halved • 8 dates,
halved • 100ml apple juice • 100g cold, unsalted butter,
METHOD cut into small cubes • 100g wholemeal spelt flour (I use

1 Preheat oven to 200°C. Rub potatoes with oil and salt. Prick with a fork
and bake in oven for about 50mins.
Sharphams) • 50g ground almonds • 50g oats • 2 tbsps
demerara sugar • 1 tsp ground cinnamon • Handful
chopped walnuts

2 Combine the curry paste with the coconut milk in a saucepan and
bring to the boil. Lower the heat, add the peas and chilli and cook for a METHOD
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cashews. Return to oven for about 5mins. Tuck in!
crumble mixture over the top, scatter with the
walnuts and bake for 35-40mins.

January 2025 / / 77
 TRAINING

HOW TO STAY HEALTHY COACH

BEN BRIGHT

ALL WINTER
Unfortunately the winter months not only bring shorter days
As the former head coach of
British Triathlon’s Olympic
Programme, Ben Bright
oversaw our most successful
Games to date. He’s also
a former triathlon Olympian
(Sydney 2000) and
is now the national coaching
and colder weather but also the increased risk of illness. Here consultant for British
Triathlon.

are a few tips to help you navigate this tricky time and
build a good base of fitness for the summer season.

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78 / / January 2025
 “I’d like to suggest you use TRAINING
your kickboard to improve
your fundamental skills”

GETTY IMAGES

aspect of improving your comfort your head, further away from

Q: ARE THERE ANY in the water, which sets the
foundation for improving your
your hips. Alternatively, you
can add another board or one
BENEFITS TO SWIM DRILLS freestyle swimming technique.
However, some individuals need a
with more buoyancy to increase
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WITH A KICK BOARD? Terry white

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US swim coach
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swimming for
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January 2025 / / 79
 TRAINING

manufacturers add a rather 3
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PROTEIN SHAKES TASTE substitutes like sucralose and
stevia to their formulations. Often,
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the palate. Cayenne pepper’s a

BETTER? Carrie Weston

this can make them worse. But
there are things that can be done
perfect partner for a chocolate
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hearty, healthy and energising with milk rather than water. Play succulence but also their
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80 / / January 2025 GETTY IMAGES

 Q&A
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January 2025 / / 81
 TRAINING

“Grab two lanes in a quiet

session and practise swim
starts, racing a friend to the
end of the lane”

REMY WHITING

function on the Form Smart Swim ,YO]Pb
>SPLʬɪ^
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Q: CAN I PRACTISE goggles for help with head
position, too, if you have a pair.
previous page!

OPEN-WATER SKILLS IN Swimming straight

Try out race starts
Most triathlons won’t see you

THE POOL? Henry Clarkson

This one could make you
unpopular in a busy session so
doing dive starts (phew!) so leave
the blocks alone… But a good
choose your moment… But thing to practise is deep water
swimming in a straight line is starts. To do these, head to the
Absolutely! Many triathletes invaluable in open water. In a deep end and tread water. Scull
head back to the pool during quiet pool swim with your eyes with your body weight tipped
the colder months, but that’s no closed for a few strokes and see forward, so you are in a more
reason to forget about the skills SZb
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you’ll need come the 2025 race veer to the right or let when ^bTX
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HELEN season. The good news is, adding you’re not looking at the black to give yourself space and count
WEBSTER a few lengths on each of these line? Use what you learn to tweak down to a race ‘start’, aiming to
Helen has been skills each time you head to the your stroke – check in on whether get into your freestyle stroke as
220’s editor since
[ZZW
bTWW
]PLWWd
[Ld
Zʬ
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you are crossing your hands over fast as possible… If you can, grab
July 2013, when
she made the few things to focus on: the centre line, which could cause two lanes and race a friend!
switch from you to snake or swim in circles.
marathons to Practise sighting Play with drafting
multisport. Helen
Arguably the most important skill Emulate body position You’ll need at least one other
is a qualified Level
2 Open-Water for open water, as well as the Most pools won’t let you train in a swimmer for this. Ideally use the
Swim Coach easiest to neglect when you have a wetsuit (you’d overheat) but you width of a full lane and practise
focusing on open- black line to follow. Get used to can create a similar body position OTʬP]PY_
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water confidence
doing some 25m or 50m repeats by using a pull buoy or buoyancy the feet and on the hip – with one,
and runs regular
workshops at the []LN_T^TYR
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shorts. These lift your hips, two or three other swimmers.
South West techniques (for example just allowing you to rest your legs and /]LQ_TYR
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Maritime before, or just after a breath) while work on the front of the stroke – a swimmer trying to get on the feet
Academy near aiming to keep your head as low similar feeling to wearing a of a slightly faster swimmer, or
Bristol. She is also
an RLSS UK Open as possible. Think ‘crocodile eyes’ bP_^`T_
,W^Z
`^P
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Zʬ^PL^ZY
four swimmers forming a
Water Lifeguard and try to focus on the end of the to work on getting those hips up ‘diamond’ formation so three
trainer/assessor. pool rather than lifting too high. naturally so you don’t have to rely people get a little free speed. Play
I really like the ‘head coach’ on a very buoyant wetsuit – see and see what works for you.

82 / / January 2025
 Kelsey Media
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REVIEW OF THE YEAR

ISSUE 436 CONTRIBUTORS
Matthew Baird, Liz Barrett, Nikki Professional Triathletes Organisation,
Bartlett, Ben Bright, Martyn Brunt, Steve Sayers, Jack Sexty, Andrew
Fiona Carter, Michelle Farrow, Philip
Looking for some new year inspiration?
Sheaff, Rob Slade, Supertri, World
Hatzis, Tim Heming, Getty Images, Triathlon, James Witts,
Ironman Media, Kate Percy,
Our whistle-stop tour of the highlights
of 2024 should do the trick

KELSEYmedia VEGGIE TRAINING

Doing Veganuary? Find expert advice for athletes,
plus simple recipes to support recovery
Issue 437, January 2025 Every care is taken when compiling this
On sale 29 November 2024 magazine, but we accept no liability for

GEAR ON TEST
© Kelsey Media mistakes and no responsibility can be taken
for the contents of these pages.
ISSN: 14791500
Printed in the UK by William Gibbons
220 Triathlon is published 13 times
a year by Kelsey Media
Distributed by Frontline ’Tis the season to try out trail shoes, winter
To give feedback about our magazines,
Cover image: Getty Images please visit kelsey.co.uk. swimming kit and toasty run tights…

January 2025 / / 83
 how
was it
for you?

84 / / January 2025
 IRONMAN WORLD CHAMPS

how
was it
for you?

BACK IN
THE GAME
With new organisers and a capacity field, the
Bala Triathlon was back in 2024 hoping to
rekindle past glories. Also aiming for redemption
was 220’s Matt Baird aboard his Brompton.
Here’s how it unfolded… ►
WORDS MATT BAIRD IMAGE GERWYN ROBERTS

January 2025 / / 85
 how
was it
for you?

My race bike isn’t

allowed on the bus. I’m
going to have to race
on my Brompton...

hampagne Supernova’ by Oasis blasts over

The 15°C water proved a bit too
the Bala Triathlon transition’s loudspeaker, bracing for 220’s Matt, who was
glad he only had 750m to do.
the Britpop band having enticed half the
nation the previous day into staring at a
spinning wheel of doom on Ticketmaster’s
website. This is probably the closest most
of us will get to hearing Oasis in an outdoor
setting this decade, and far cheaper too. Like those
mono-browed chart botherers, the Bala Tri was also
born in the 1990s and has been a regular presence on
the UK tri circuit alongside the likes of the Vitruvian
and Windsor Triathlon ever since.
Times have been tough recently for the race,
however, with 2020’s cancelled even before Covid did
its thing and 2023 seeing the dawn fog curtailing the
MATT swim leg. With the 2023 organiser Tough Runner UK
BAIRD no longer tough nor running, Welsh event supremos
Bristol-based
Matt was on the Always Aim High of Slate/Sand/Snowman fame have
220 staff for 13 stepped in to save the race from being consigned to
years. He has the history books.
raced everything I’ve signed up late to Bala in a bid to rescue my
from super-sprint
to off-road racing season. Due to both a torn knee ligament and
duathlons and subsequent lethargy, my 2024 has been limited to a
Iron-distance DNF on the run leg at Challenge Wales and being
races around the swept up by the broomwagon at a recent GFNY gran
world, often very
slowly and often
fondo in Sweden.
involving eating a In my enthusiasm, I’ve forgotten that my partner
sandwich in T1. needs the car to take my son to triathlon club on the
Saturday before Bala, so embark on a 300km

86 / / January 2025
 BALA TRIATHLON

adventure to get to Bala from Bristol via a Cross

Country train and the T3 bus from Ruabon to Bala in
south-eastern Eryri/Snowdonia. The upshot, apart
from the environmental benefits, is that I have six
hours of quiet time each way to sip a chardonnay and
read the collected works of Shakespeare (okay, a
lukewarm Kronenbourg and the Beano) before
the majestic mountains of Wales’ biggest National
Park arrive. The downside is my road bike isn’t
allowed on the T3 bus. I’m going to have to race on my
folding Brompton bike.

MORNING GLORY
The town of Bala is pretty much booked-up for hotels,
so I step back into my twenties and find a bed in a ▲ Under new
organisers,
The 9:30am start time of the sprint-distance race is
shared dorm room at the local backpackers, where I everyone was glad positively luxurious, although my far-too-handsome
to see the race
meet a lovely chap named Tyler who has entered the back again. new friend and I are woken at 4am, 4:10am and 4:20am
Olympic-distance option on a whim the week before. by the phone of someone in our dorm room and their
It’s Tyler’s first triathlon to boot, and he already has an belated snoozing of the alarm. They leave just before
Ironman booked in. I admire his enthusiasm and their phone is tossed out the window, but I fail to sleep
bravery, although I like him less when I later discover again, ill-founded concerns about the safety of my
that he’s recorded a 2:46hr finish on his multisport beloved Brompton in the hostel’s storage cupboard
debut to break my own Olympic-distance PB at the ▼ Bala is the spinning in my sleep-addled brain.
first attempt. A quick Instagram scan to say congrats biggest lake in I arrive at the race HQ on the shores of Llyn Tegid
Wales and
after the race reveals that I’ve been sharing my dorm dominated the race early and promptly downgrade my Olympic-distance
scenery through
room with Hollyoaks’ current bad boy Abe Fielding! bike and run too. entry for the sprint at registration, with half an eye on

January 2025 / / 87
 how
was it
for you?

my tender knee ligament, another on catching the

11:35am bus from Bala back to Ruabon. This gives me
two hours to race, clear transition of my soggy wares
and find a pasty outlet before the T3 bus rolls in.
I’m usually introspective ahead of racing, the usual
pre-race worries nudging me towards a quiet corner of
transition. Happily, the Brompton acts as the ultimate
icebreaker and nerve-soother, bringing an array of
people wanting to chat, while a regular Always Aim
High steward tells me that he’s never seen a Brompton
at their races before. I love highlighting the virtues of
my folding wonder and how I managed to get here
from Bristol, while it’s fun to hear the tri tales of both
the beginners and experienced triathletes alike amid
their pre-race kit faffing.

MYTHS & LEGENDS

If 2023 was the year of the fearsome heat on the Bala
run course, this year it’s the turn of the wince- is Wales’ answer to Loch Ness, with local mythology ▲ Some athletes
even raced on
inducing water on the swim leg, with the glacial Llyn suggesting that a coiled dragon-like creature exists in normal bikes, unlike
our man Matt...
Tegid recorded at 15°C on the morning of the race. its 40-metre depths. A legend so believable that a
While that’s positively bath-like for hardened open- Japanese film crew spent three days here searching the
water swimmers, I’m just thankful that we’re not lake in the nineties. I don’t stick around long enough to
racing in May. I don my neoprene swim hat under my find out, returning to the shallows after 22mins and
cap and leave it until the dying pre-race seconds before 250m more than I should’ve swum, before producing
tiptoeing into the lake on a sole-torturing jagged another Ministry of Silly Walks’ entry on the painful
underwater rock carpet. minerals below.
The freshwater of Wales’ largest natural lake is Due to originally entering the longer option, I’ve had
pancake flat, but the chill means I struggle to regulate to rack my bike with the Olympic-distance athletes and
my breathing, my heart rate also nudging into the red. must weave between them racking their gear to exit T1,
My goggles fog up and I struggle to sight the next buoy, the bell of my Brompton clearing a path. “What a
so I swim lens-less for much of the 750m, relieved I’m legend!” a man shouts (it was something finishing in
not doing the 1.5km Olympic-distance leg. Llyn Tegid ‘end’ anyway) when I leave transition for the bike leg.
Before I can tell him that I just didn’t sort my life
Matt wheels his trusty admin in time, we’re off onto the gently rolling 19km
Brompton into T2...
course (boasting just 145m of elevation gain), with the
route hugging the western shoreline of Llyn Tegid
before heading south to the turn at Pont Rhyd-sarn.

THE FOLD RUSH

What it lacks in aerodynamics, gears and 700c wheels,
the Brompton makes up for in extreme comfort, with
my back straight and the not dissimilar mechanics to
running mimicking the only tri discipline that I’m
semi-good at. My speed lingers at 25km/h throughout,
the gentle hills navigated with ease and any overtaking
causing double takes. The closed-road nature of the
course is a joy and we’re soon trading places with each
...then runs out
for a scenic last leg. other without the fear of motorised transport clipping
our wings. I manage to hold my own in this game of
wacky races, tinkling my bell at the supporters that
line the route before posting a 45min split (78th out of
127 sprint-distance racers) that’s in the same ballpark
as my regular road bike output.
The 5km run leg follows the same pretty lakeside
route as the bike course, with the 854m-high Arenig
Fawr mountain looming to the west of us, Aran
Fawddwy (906m) to the south. With blisters brewing
under my Hokas, I start to regret my decision to go
sockless on the bike and run to save a few seconds

88 / / January 2025
 BALA TRIATHLON

putting on socks in transition. My knee is just about Pen-y-Pass and run through the Dinorwig Slate Quarry
holding up and I post a solid 24:04min 5km split to (the latter surely one of triathlon’s best run courses).
savour the reward of a triathlon finishing chute for the That Llanberis-based wonder also trumps Bala in the
first time this season. I collect my slate coaster at the elevation stats, but Bala has to be the pick for both
finale, my overall finishing time of 1:38:06 ensuring speedsters and beginners alike, and I’d recommend
I’ve won my race against the T3 bus (if not the 70 anyone inspired by the Paris 2024 heroics of Alex Yee,
sprint-distance athletes who have finished before me). Dave Ellis or Megan Richter to enter the race in 2025
My win is so emphatic, in fact, that the T3 bus doesn’t (the event date is already set for 7 September). The
even show up for our 11:35am rendezvous. atmosphere conjured by the athletes and from the
After an hour of waiting, I give up and cycle 20km on crowds lining the route was joyous from start to finish,
the busy A494 road to Corwen to try and find an while the slick yet personable organisation was exactly
alternative bus, huffing, puffing and cursing what I’ve come to expect from Always Aim High.
TrawsCymru for the no show. I make it to Ruabon Twelve hours of travel for a 98-minute race might
with enough time for my regular post-race tradition seem excessive, but it was worth it to save my tri
of sinking a pint of Guinness and watching Spurs season and experience an event that’s long been
snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, before my n my bucket-list. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
six-hour Cross Country train back to Bristol gets me As for the Brompton, it’s coming with me on
home in time for a reheated roast and tonight’s any non-mountainous triathlons in the future
Malcolm and the Middle double bill with the kids. and, with any PBs now seemingly out of reach, I
can see a new lease of life and the next chapter of
THE MASTERPLAN my tri career. Perhaps I’ll even attempt an Ironman
▼ With less
elevation that
With Always Aim High now at the helm and the on it. I’ll just need to come up with a snappier title
other Welsh tris, Snowdonian setting, it’s hard not to compare Bala than the Brironman. Alternative suggestions on a
this is a great
option for all levels. to the Slateman’s more dramatic cycle route up postcard, please….

The atmosphere
was joyous from
start to finish

January 2025 / / 89
ADVERTORIAL

RUN TO
THE SUN
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year,
there was plenty to celebrate at the annual
TUI Palma Marathon Mallorca

T
here can’t be many sights marathon distance events. Uckel
like a true marathon in full dominated the race from the start,
flow. Incorporating three followed by Belgian Hannelore
distances, the full marathon, a half Polleunis, first runner up at the
marathon and a 9K, a whopping finish line in her debut at the
8,000 runners took part in the TUI marathon distance, and American
Palma Marathon Mallorca events Shannon Kelsey Schiltus took
day on 20th October 2024. third position. Aziz Boutoiz
In doing so, the race clocked in at 2:28:23 despite the
consolidated its position as the good performance of the Balearic
biggest running event in the Toni Roca, who held the lead
Balearic Islands, and one of the initially but then dropped to
biggest female participation events second place. Norwegian Thomas
in Europe with 44% of the field Kjetland was third.
female this year.
It’s a truly Global entry list too RUNNING TO VICTORY
with 75 nationalities represented. In the half marathon distance,
Annika Uckel (Germany) and the Britain’s Jemima Cooper and
Aziz Boutoiz (Morocco) won the Italy’s Luca Cantoni were the

90 / / January 2025
 PALMA MARATHON MALLORCA

winners. The German international Marathon Mallorca is committed to

athlete René Menzel, who won the
half marathon in 2023, was the
being a benchmark for its
commitment to sustainability,
RESULTS
fastest in the shortest distance of thanks to innovative and
MARATHON
the day (9 kilometres) with 28:38, pioneering measures such as the MEN
and the French athlete Liv making of the 42k Running brand 1. Aziz Boutoiz 2:28:23
Westphal won the 9k in the finisher t-shirts with polyester 2. Toni Roca 2:31:05
3. Thomas Kjetland 2:35:39
women’s category with 32:37. thread fabric from recycled plastic
The organisers of the TUI Palma bottles and with the runner’s bag WOMEN
Marathon Mallorca have paid ▲ Race winners and the refreshment bag and 1. Annika Uckel 2:56:47
Aziz Boutoiz and
tribute to Mari Carmen Soler, a Annika Uckel medal ribbon also made of recycled 2. Hannelore Polleunis
3:01:46
visually impaired runner and celebrate. and biodegradable material. The
3. Shannon Kelsey
triathlete from the Balearic Islands, race has also eliminated paper Schilthuis 3:08:35
by awarding her this year’s documentation and improved the
‘Golden Bib’. Soler joins the club of resources available to runners. HALF MARATHON
MEN
Balearic athletes who have received Sounds good? Entries are now
1. Luca Cantoni 1:09:03
this award, succeeding Caridad open for next year’s event (see 2. Pau Mas 1:10:14
Jerez, Emilio de la Cámara, Miquel boxout for full details), so if you 3. James McKenzie 1:13:29
Capó and Toni Peña. fancy representing your nation at
WOMEN
one of the sunniest end of season
1. Jemima Cooper 1:23:50
CHASING THE SUN ▼ Racing with
sun, palm trees
races, you could find yourself 2. Karin Spjuth 1:24:12
It’s no wonder the races attract so and spectator booking a flight to Palma… 3. Linda Krantz 1:24:19
support?
many nationalities. As winter Yes please!
9k
starts to close in and race season
MEN
come to an end in other countries, 1. René Menzel 28:38
the TUI Palma Marathon offers 2. Conrad Franks 29:02
the opportunity to set a last PB, 3. José Liuis Lobay 29:57
or test that summer training out
WOMEN
one more time. 1. Liv Westphall 32:37
For two decades now ‘Chasing 2. Stine Gjelstrup Hansen
The Sun’ or the now mythical 34:26
3. Marion Hegge Langli 36:03
‘Follow The Sun’ has been used as
the slogan for the race, on an
island where one of the greatest
attractions is its almost 300 sunny
days a year. Respecting its
beautiful location, the TUI Palma

ENTER NEXT YEAR

Date:
19th October, 2025
Location:
Parc de la Mar, Palma, Mallorca
Distances:
Marathon, Half-marathon, 10km
Website:
palmamarathonmallorca.com
Facebook:
palmademallorcamarathon
Instagram:
With 8,000 runners taking part
@palmamarathon
over three distances, the TUI X: @PalmaMarathon
Pama Marathon is truly epic.

January 2025 / / 91
 2 0 2 5 P IC K Y O U R R A C E S A N D P L A N YO U R
O N W IT H T H E 2 2 0 E V ENT GU IDE
SE AS

OULTON PARK DUATHLON

30 MARCH 2025
Put a spring in your step with a choice of
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running and non-draft racing.

OP EVENTS

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EUROPEAN CHAMPS QUALIFIER WORLD CHAMPS QUALIFIER

92 / / January 2025
 2 0 2 5

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Edge Hill University, harrogatetriathlonclub.co.uk 5km R) Centre, Shropshire. (various distances)
Ormskirk. Ancholme Leisure telfordtri.co.uk Dorney Lake,
epicevents.co.uk
MAY Centre, Brigg, Lincs.
fastfwdsports.co.uk
17-18 OUTLAW
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19 ACTIVE TRAINING
WORLD MALLORY
PARK DUATHLON 4 HORWICH TRIATHLON
& DUATHLON
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Mallory Park Circuit, Centre, Bolton. East Grinstead, West Centre, Nottingham. Darley Moor Race Track,
Kirkby Mallory, epicevents.co.uk Sussex. Nottinghamshire. Ashbourne, Derbyshire.
Leicestershire. egtriclub.com/triathlon outlawtriathlon.com crazylegsevents.co.uk
atwevents.co.uk
5 TADCASTER TRI
(various dists)
ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT
SPRINT TRIATHLON
18 SOUTHPORT
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26 CLUMBER PARK
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Air Pool, London. co.uk Southport. Xcel Leisure Centre,

27 HARROGATE
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BLENHEIM PALACE TRIATHLON

7-8 JUNE 2025
One of the nation’s oldest and most popular
multisporting weekends, set in the grounds of
the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site.
BLENHEIM PALACE TRIATHLON

January 2025 / / 93
 2 0 2 5

IRONMAN 70.3 BOLTON

8 JUNE 2025
Experience a warm northern
welcome at this middle-
distance humdinger.

GETTY IMAGES FOR IRONMAN

DEVA TRIATHLON
( AQUABIKE) (various
distances and events)
(various distances
and events)
Blenheim Palace,
THE SLATEMAN
TRIATHLON AND
DUATHLON ( STANDARD
JULY 12 ARTIC ONE TRI
AND PARA-TRI
FESTIVAL ( AQUABIKE)
Grosvenor Park,
Chester, Cheshire.
chestertri.org.uk
Woodstock,
Oxfordshire.
blenheimtriathlon.com
DUATHLON)
(various distance and
events) Llanberis,
5-6 OUTLAW
HALF
HOLKHAM WEEKEND
(various distances and
events)
Dorney Lake, Windsor,
Wales. (various distances Berkshire. arctic1.co.uk

7-8
NORTHUMBERLAND
8 EASTBOURNE
TRIATHLON
( STANDARD) (various
alwaysaimhighevents.com

22 CARDIFF
TRIATHLON
and events)
Holkham Hall,
Wells-next-the-sea,
UPTON TRIATHLON
AND DUATHLON (
SPRINT DUATHLON)
FESTIVAL OF SPORT distances) Eastbourne, ( STANDARD) Norfolk. outlawtriathlon.com (various distances)
(various distances and East Sussex. (various distances WOODHORN MUSEUM Fish Meadow, Upton-
events) Druridge Bay eastbournetriathlon.co.uk and events) TRIATHLON ( SPRINT) upon-Severn, Worcs.
Country Park, Morpeth, IRONMAN 70.3 BOLTON Cardiff Bay, Wales. (various distances uptontriathlon.com
Northumberland. (1.9km S/90km B/21.1km alwaysaimhighevents.com and events) Woodhorn
vo2maxracingevents.co.uk
BLENHEIM PALACE
TRIATHLON ( SPRINT)
R) Bolton, Greater
Manchester. ironman.com
Museum, Ashington,
Northumberland
vo2maxracingevents.co.uk
13 IRONMAN 70.3
SWANSEA
(1.9km S/90km

EUROPEAN CHAMPS QUALIFIER WORLD CHAMPS QUALIFIER

94 / / January 2025
 2 0 2 5

B/21.1km R) Swansea,
Wales. ironman.com 27 IRONMAN LEEDS
(3.8km S/180km
b/42.2km R)
SEPTEMBER b/21.1km R) Weymouth,
Dorset. ironman.com
CHELTENHAM TRIATHLON
3km R) Salcombe,
Devon. letsgovelo.co.uk

19-20
BELVOIR CASTLE
Leeds, Yorkshire.
ironman.com
ETON DORNEY SPRINT
7 SWYD SPRINT
TRIATHLON (
SPRINT)
(various distances)
Sandford Parks Lido,
Cheltenham, Glos.
OCTOBER
MULTISPORT FESTIVAL
( STANDARD DUATHLON)
TRIATHLON ( SPRINT)
(750m S/20km B/
(750m S/20km B/
5km R) Barry
sandfordparkslido.org
5 THRUXTON MASS
ATTACK DUATHLON
(various distances and
events) Belvoir Castle,
Leicestershire.
5km R)
Dorney Lake,
Windsor, Berkshire.
Island, Wales.
allornothingevents.com
FLEET FEET TRIATHLETES
21 IRONMAN WALES
(3.8km S/180km
b/42.2km R) Tenby,
( SPRINT) (various
distances) Thruxton
Motor Circuit, Hants.
castleraceseries.com dbmax.co.uk ( STANDARD) (1.5km Wales. ironman.com challenging.events
S/42km B/10km R)

26-27
OUTLAW TRIATHLON
AUGUST Knockburn Loch,
Aberdeen, Scotland.
fleet-feet.com
28 HEVER CASTLE
TRIATHLON AND
MULTISPORT FESTIVAL
NOVEMBER
WEEKEND (various
distances and events)
National Water Sports
17 BLITHFIELD
TRIATHLON
( AQUABIKE)
NEWBURY TRIATHLON
(300m S (pool)/22km
B/5km R) Newbury.
( STANDARD TRI)
(various dists and
events) Hever
2 DEVON DUATHLON
( STANDARD)
(various distances)
Centre, Nottingham. (various distances triathlon@newburyvelo.cc Castle, Kent. Roadford Lake,
Nottinghamshire. and events) castleraceseries.com Broadwoodwidger,
outlawtriathlon.com Blithfield Reservoir
Staffordshire.
pma-racing.co.uk
14 IRONMAN 70.3
WEYMOUTH
(1900m S/90km
SALCOMBE GIN
SPRINT TRIATHLON
(700m S/19km B/
Devon.
sportivaevents.co.uk

HEVER CASTLE TRIATHLON

28 SEPTEMBER 2025
A great weekend for all the family,
with activities for all ages and
fantastic crowd support.

CASTLE TRIATHLON SERIES

WANT TO LIST YOUR 2025 RACE(S) IN THE NEXT ISSUE?

Simply email events@220triathlon.com with the event name, date, distance on offer (write ‘various dists’ and/or ‘and events’ if multiple),
location (venue, nearest town and county) and the website.

January 2025 / / 95
 2 0 2 5

quite expensive.

HOW CAN I WINTERPROOF Step two Fit wider and heavier tyres.
Soft compounds grip better but wear
quicker. Use tyres with some kind of

MY BIKE? puncture-prevention strip in them, like

Kevlar. Also use standard, not
lightweight, inner tubes. Worn tyres
Winter can be a worrying time for your bike. Spray from wet roads can puncture more easily so check regularly
be particularly corrosive, especially if salt has been spread to prevent ice. and replace them.
faq Punctures are a big problem, too – replacing an inner tube on the roadside Step three Inflate the tyres after
is much less fun in the cold. But, if you follow our plan to protect you and fitting, but not to as high a pressure as
your bike, you’ll storm through autumn/winter with plenty of miles in your legs ready you would use in summer. Lower tyre
for a summer of racing. pressures give extra grip and improve
traction – 80psi is a good winter
pressure for a 70kg rider. Fit valve caps
in winter to prevent salt water getting in,
oxidising the metal and causing them to
stick shut.

Protect your drivetrain

Step one Not only are the exposed parts
of your drivetrain (chain, chainset and
sprockets) attacked by water (and
ultimately corroded), dirt can also stick

Fit Mudguards Fit wider tyres

Mudguards cut down the amount of Step one If possible, buy a set of wheels
spray that hits you and your bike when for winter riding, especially if your bike to the lubricant and form a grinding
riding on wet roads. There are several has expensive race wheels. Look for ones paste that wears out these components.
types that can be fitted quickly and easily with standard spoking and wide rims so Degrease the whole drivetrain by
to a race bike, but always follow the you can fit wider tyres, which give good spraying it with de-greaser and
manufacturer’s instructions to assemble grip. Ceramic-coated rims are most leaving it to soak in.
the mudguards. durable and withstand salt water but Next, wash off with hot, soapy water.
Best for a road bike are mudguards require dedicated brake blocks and are Use a sponge on the chain, and brushes
that attach to the brake area and onto the to clean the sprockets and chainset.
seatstays and forks. The set pictured Work the brushes hard between the
above attaches to the brake pivots with sprockets. You can buy bike-specific
zip ties. Thread each mudguard under brushes but clean paintbrushes will do.
the brakes and secure tightly. Rotate the Apply heavier lubricant than you
wheels to check that the tyres don’t rub would use in summer so it doesn’t wash
on the mudguards. off quickly in wet weather. But
Line up the mudguard stays and frame remember that heavy lubricant isn’t
attachments so that the wheels rotate an all-winter fix. It still collects dirt,
without catching on the mudguards, so this process – all three steps – must
then secure them in place. be repeated often.

96 / / January 2025
 2 0 2 5

TRI SPEAK Wondering what the ‘washing machine’ is, or where to find your
M-dot?! Make things easy with our guide to common tri terms…

‘A’-Race The most important DOMS Delayed onset muscle Low glycogen training Training Sighting Looking ahead/at an
race of your season soreness (after racing or without taking on object while swimming to keep
training) carbohydrates to increase the on course
Age-grouper Non-pro triathlete body’s ability to burn fat
DQ Disqualified, abbreviation in Swimrun Partner race where you
Aerobic Aerobic exercise race results Main set A block lasting do multiple swims and runs
involves oxygen consumption 40-50% of a session where
by the body Drafting Hitching a ride on the heart rate is elevate.d T1/T2 Abbreviation for
someone else’s slipstream in ‘Transition 1’ (swim to bike) and
Anaerobic How much energy the bike or swim M-dot Abbreviation for the ‘Transition 2’ (bike to run)
your body can produce without Ironman logo
using oxygen Drag The amount of turbulent Taper Reducing your training in
displaced air that an object Midfoot strike When running, the days just before your race
Aquabike Race with just swim creates, resulting in a slowing your front foot strikes the
and bike elements, no run effect ground flat – as opposed to Tempo effort Challenging,
toe or heel first sustainable effort
Bilateral breathing Breathing Duathlon Usually a run/bike/run
every three strokes when Muscular endurance Your Threshold run A run at about
swimming Electrolyte drink Contains muscles’ ability to produce a 80% of your max heart rate for
sodium and potassium to given level of force for an no more than 20mins
Biomechanics The forces help your body hydrate extended duration
applied to your body during Time trials A set-distance
exercise Elite Another word for a Negative split Completing the session, where the aim is to
professional athlete second part, e.g a run lap, swim, bike or run as fast as you
Bonking Running out of energy faster than the first can over the distance
mid-race or training session Glycemic index A ranking system
for carbohydrates based on their Overpronation Foot rolls inwards Transition area The place where
Brick session When you ‘brick’ effect on blood glucose levels on impact rather than outwards you rack your bike and swap kit
two disciplines together, e.g. between disciplines
bike and run HIT High-intensity training Overtraining Common
symptoms of training too much Tri-bars Also known as
Cadence Pedal rate on bike, in HRmax Your maximum heart with inefficient recovery include aerobars, they help you race
revolutions per minute (rpm) rate. Occurs when digging insomnia, headaches, aerodynamically
deep! moodiness, loss of enthusiasm,
Carb-loading Eating a carb- and increased illness due to a Tumble turn Fast way of turning
heavy meal prior to a race to Hyponatremia A deficiency of suppressed immune system at the pool wall by performing
boost energy sodium found in the blood a forward roll, push off and a
PB Personal best twist to return to the initial
Catch The part of the swim Intervals Intensive training using stroke position
stroke where you pull on the repeated on/off efforts Pronation The natural ‘turning in’
water of the foot Turbo trainer A frame that
Kona Place in Hawaii where attaches to your bike, turning it
Core strength Development of Ironman World championships Power output Measured in into a static trainer
the stomach and lower back are held every October watts on your bike
area in support of strength Underpronation When your foot
Lactic acid Produced in high- Pull The mid part of the swim rolls outwards on impact
DNS/DNF Did not start, did not intensity workouts, it can inhibit stroke where the hands and
finish – abbreviations found oxygen movement around the arms accelerate using the V02 max A measure of the
in race results body and slow you down purchase from the catch body’s maximal ability to use
oxygen to produce energy
Reps Pre-fixed distances
covered and pre-fixed Washing machine Way to refer
recoveries maintained to a chaotic swim start!

Rest interval (RI) Period of rest Watt (w) The unit of measure in
between reps which power is expressed

Sculling Swim drills that use Waves The groups which

your hands alone to propel you triathletes are put in to
forward through the water start a race

DANIEL JAMES MEDIA January 2025 / / 97

 5. When you see the next yellow
mile marker in the distance which
never seems to get any nearer until
you can eventually just make out it
reads “Caution Runners”.
4. When your bike box disappears
through the rubber curtain on the
airport baggage check in, and you
wonder whether it will turn up in
the same continent as you.
3. When you go wide to try to avoid
the piranha pack at the start of the
swim and end up ploughing into the
thickest blanket of weeds ever,
which clutch at you ever more
tightly no matter how much you
GETTY IMAGES
thrash, and drag you down to your

TRIATHLON TERRORS
salty doom.
2. That moment when you are
completely pain free until someone
points at your nipple and says “oooh
that looks sore”, whereupon it
Not impressed by zombies or vampires or other immediately starts stinging like
MARTYN standard horrors, our man Brunty argues that some you’ve just been shot.
BRUNT 1. There is nothing – NOTHING –
Martyn is tri’s elements of triathlon are much more unsettling… scarier than…. The night before a
foremost
race. Ah, the number of times I have
average athlete
and is living proof Thanks to the time delay between what the most frightening aspect vainly set my alarm for 4am only to
that hours of writing and the mag going on sale of being a triathlete is. In fact the wake up at midnight, 1am, 1.30am,
training and this might be the issue on sale more you think about it, the more 2am, 2.15am, 2.45am before
endless
during the festive period, but as I you realise how nerve-jangling our eventually getting up at 3.30am
new kit are no
substitute write this month’s offering, I am sport can be, so here are my top ten rather than just lie there imagining
for ability. looking out of my front window tri terrors (with my personal hell at all the disasters and humiliations
watching hordes of zombies number one). Read on if you dare… that will inevitably befall me that
wearing blood-soaked bandages day. In my waking nightmares I
stagger past my house, demanding 10. Swimming face first into an have had to swim without my
money with menaces from Elastoplast floating in a pool. forgotten goggles, swum off in
terrified passers-by. 9. When someone at a club AGM completely the wrong direction,
I know this probably sounds says to the room “I think freestyled head first into a
like a normal night out in (insert your name) would be riverbank, done three laps of
Coventry, but on this a good at (insert transition looking for my bike, had
occasion, it is because it is Weekend committee role which more punctures than I carry
Hallowe’en. Warrior promises to rob all your spanner inner tubes, got into a
Not that I find zombies, free time and good mood tangle mounting and dismounting
witches and vampires very until you can shake it off)”. my bike and fallen flat on my face in
scary. After more than 20 years 8. When you’re flying downhill front of laughing crowds, run the
doing triathlons I’m well used to on your bike and you foolishly wrong way out of T2, been
the sight of people lurching around glance at your speedo, leading you overtaken on the run by someone
with sheet-white faces and bits to immediately ponder how much walking, and been struck by deadly
falling off their bodies. protection against high speed cramp while sitting naked on the
Triathlon, for all it’s gravel-rash Lycra provides. portable loo-of-horrors with my
wondrousness, can be scary 7. When a stranger at bike racking skinsuit around my ankles.
sometimes, something I had cause says “can I borrow your track
to reflect on recently when I decided pump?” and you know you’ll The fact that none of these has
probably never see it again. actually happened just goes to show
6. When you’re stalking a cyclist that what’s in your mind is much
Your bike box disappears and have just entered the dreaded scarier than real life. I’m sure you all
drafting zone when the hairs on have your own triathlon dreads ato
through the curtain... Will the back of your neck stand up at
the sound of the Race Marshal of
keep you awake at night nd if I made
them worse, then all I can say is:
you ever see it again? the Apocalypse draws near. woooah-ha-ha-ha-haaaaaa.

98 / / January 2025