Triathlon Fitting

The Special Challenge of Tri/Aero Fitting

Aero fitting is inherently difficult and should only ever be undertaken by the most skilled and experienced fitters.

Poor Tri-Fitting Is A Drag!

Triathlon also provides special fit-related challenges to the athlete and a delicate balance to optimise power, aerodynamics, function and comfort. Up to 80% of total drag is attributable to the rider - so it is right to focus here for the biggest slippery gains!

New Orthodoxy

Ten years ago it was best practice to fit the athlete to maximise speed on the cycle leg. New triathlon fit thinking is about preserving the athlete for the run as there is evidence that run splits area better predictor of overall success (Vleck et al., 2006).

A professional Triathlon fitting will:

• Reduce frontal surface area and optimise aerodynamic shape
• Maintain good breathing function
• Maintain open-hip with forward rotation
• Maintain good pedalling dynamics (especially through the top of the pedal stroke)
• Maintain pelvic stability
• Optimise knee-extension
• Adjust crank-length
• Calibrate tri-specific cleat-position
• Use a position that is appropriate for athlete's: flexibility, injury-history, aspiration, event-duration
• Tune overall position to preserve athlete for the run-leg to utilise marginal gains for overall success.

Triathlon Cyclefit Dartfish TV Report

Matt Brett comes in for an Aero Fitting in anticipation of his participation at The World Championships. It was a highly complex and technical session.

N.B. This is a quite big document and will take a while to download unless you have a fast connection.

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