Transition Tips and Advice You Have to Know

Save time during your race with these transition tips

Transition is where all of your gear is set up for switching between sports. This can be a really chaotic place, but an organized transition area can save you time and help you achieve your goals. There are two transition areas (T1 and T2) at Kerrville Triathlon. There are also different gear bags for T1 and T2. This gear bag guide will help you get everything you need in the right spot!  Review the weekend schedule to ensure you know when transition opens and closes for your race. Shoutout to Michelle Bonathan, Kerrville Tri Ambassador, for putting together these transition tips.

Setting up T1 for cycling

This is where you will drop off your swim gear after the swim and get ready to bike. Your cycling essentials are your bike (packed with the water/nutrition), shoes, and helmet. Laying a small, bright-colored towel down can make it easier to spot your setup in transition after the swim. On the towel, have an area to stand on to dry/wipe your feet. Place your helmet and shoes close by and make sure they’re ready to slip on. Arrive early for bike check at T1 to increase the chances you get a good spot. USAT rules are that bikes should be racked by the saddle and the front wheel goes down on the side with your stuff.

The first of your three gear bags will be the Green “Morning Clothes Bag.” Place anything you’ve worn to the race site that you will not use during your race in this bag. Drop it off at the assigned box truck at T1.

Your “Bike Gear Bag” is red. You’ll put your swim gear (goggles, swim cap, wetsuit, towel) in the bag when you get out of the water. This bag will be delivered to T2 by awesome volunteers. Thank them as you head out with your bike! 

Packing T2 for the run

Your last bag is the Blue “Run Gear Bag.” This is for all your run gear when you get to T2. This bag will hang from a designated spot corresponding to your bib number. It must be dropped off before race day! The absolute essentials for this bag are your run shoes (if you don’t ride with them) and your race bib. You might also want some nutrition, a second bottle, or a hat.

Speed tips

• consider riding sockless, but don’t do this for the first time on race day
• have shoes open and ready to pull on with socks open and stuffed in each shoe
• consider getting a race belt to hold your bib and avoid safety pins (they can also hold your gels)

These transition tips will make your race weekend that much easier. Follow the weekend schedule and use the gear bag guide to make sure you’re doing everything correctly. Now you just need to be at the start line and swim! All your gear will be waiting for you when you need it once you properly set up your transition area on race day.