What is triathlon? Triathlon is a multi-sport consisting of
swimming, followed by cycling, followed by running. Races are
continuous with no break between the three disciplines. The
standard distance (commonly referred to as Olympic distance) is
1500m (swim), 40km (bike), 10km (run). The swim section can be
held in a pool or open-water, the bike on roads or trails (for
off-road triathlons) and the run on roads or trails. Elite
triathletes are professionals who compete at international
level. Age group triathletes are non-professionals, who may also
compete at international and domestic level in their own age
category (age categories cover a five-year band). At Elite
level, the cycle section of the race is draft legal (ie
competitors can slipstream each other) whereas at age group
level, competitors must not draft during the cycle. Triathlon
and duathlon World Championships have an age group category as
well as an elite category. Great Britain can enter 20 women and
20 men in each Age Group (for a total of ove