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Swim with tri top

Jan SchorpionJan Schorpion
in Racing Forum 🏎

In the past I have always worn  a one piece tri suit, but this year I purchased an EN tri shorts and top. My very first tri I ever did ( sprint tri in Miami in 2009), I swam with a tri top and it caused significant drag. The top was not the most aero and definitely a size too big. However, I am worried that will happen again if I swim with this top. I don't have a speed suit and not sure if that would even be allowed in FL 70.3. My options are swim in EN kit, swim without the top or wear my regular Pearl Izumi tri suit? Whats recommended?

Comments

  • Al TruscottAl Truscott
    If the tri bottom is sufficient for swimming, here's a quick way to get into the top in T1. DO NOT try to put it on over your head. Instead, have the zipper 2/3rds down, and STEP INTO it. Prepping for IMLT, I found it took me less than ten seconds to get it up to my hips. If your stuff is at your bike, you'll have to pull it up there, otherwise, pull it up,over the shoulders and zip while moving from change tent to bike.

    I would be worried about the drag of the fabric. The top itself seems skin tight on me.

    I'd bet swim skin would be legal, as long as it meets published criteria. But it does take time to take off, so no benefit compared to wearing nothing and putting on top as above.
  • Jan SchorpionJan Schorpion

    Thanks Al, I'll practice stepping into the top a few times at home. 

  • Michael ByertsMichael Byerts
    You might try taking your tri top to the pool. Swim something like 10x100 on 30 seconds rest, trying to keep the same effort on each 100. Do the first 5 with the tri top and the second five without. Compare your times and see if the tri top actually slows you down.
  • Paul HoughPaul Hough
    With the cool front coming tonight and tomorrow night you would be wise to bring a wetsuit to the Fl 70.3 - preferably with no sleeves. It should cool down enough the next two nights that Fri/Sat warm weather won't be enough time to get it back to 76.1. And yes, speed suits are allowed at WTC races as long as they are 2nd generation without any rubber. If it isn't wetsuit legal you are going to see a lot of folks in speedsuits.
  • Jan SchorpionJan Schorpion

    What? A cool front? I was going to Florida because I am sick of the cold. But it does look like the weekend will be nice again. I only have a wetsuit with sleeves, so i think that may be a bit warm tho to swim in. And I have never used it. I bought it last year for a late October tri in MD, however wasnt able to race. So probably not a great idea to wear it for the first time in a race. I think I'll take both EN kit and my previously used tri suit with me and decide when I am there. Thanks for the replies .

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