BIKE SKILLS Masterclass

Triathletes are regarded by those lazy-devil cyclists as terrible bikers. That in some way training for three disciplines dilutes how skilful, fast and powerful they are on two wheels. Well, Mr and Mrs Cyclist, let me introduce you to the likes of Jan Frodeno, whose 7:51:13 Ironman Hawaii 2019 record included a 4:16:03 bike leg. For 180km, that averages out at a rather impressive 42.2km/hr. Or take a look at Daniela Ryf’s 2018 Hawaii victory. The Swiss athlete’s 8:26:16 overall time included a record-breaking 4:26:07 bike leg thanks to an average 40.6km/hr. And remember, both times were recorded in non-drafting events, unlike road cycling where many events are drafting.

Which, a puritanical cyclist would tell you, is where they’re coming from. That race riding in groups requires a dexterity, a swiftness of thought and reaction, that many non-drafting triathletes lack. Our view? They’re simply incorrect. Huge numbers of triathletes spend at least one day a week riding in groups, learning to weave, brake and