Rainy/Windy Olympic distance

ironmtngrl

So my first triathlon of the season is this weekend.  The forcast in VA is calling for rain, turning into very serious thunderstorms and wind at some point.  I think that the really bad weather will hold off until at least during the run portion of the race.  Temps will start around 55 and rise to around 60.  So what advice do you have?

- Wheels: Should I leave the wheel covers off my Zipp 404s?  Winds during the bike will likely be in the 17-19 mile range.  The bike course is mostly rolling, and the roads should be pretty good.

- I just got the new Zipp wheels and they come with VITTORIA DIAMONTE PRO LITE tires.  They look really slick.  Should I be worried about tread and grip?  I don't like changing tires/tubes just before a race because I have had bad experiences with flats from doing that, but it might be worth the risk.  I could also just use my trainer tires (Mich Pro Race 3, but they are pretty worn from the trainer over the winter)

- Temps: Gloves?  I'm thinking I'll slip a pair of windstopper gloves on for the bike.  If your hands/feet are warm that seems to make a huge difference.

- Keeping stuff dry: I'm thinking I'll put running shoes in T2 in a bag so they are not soggy to start.

- Chop: With those winds, it will surely be quite choppy on the lake. 

 

I think this will be epic. I'll definitely post a report.  I'll be rockin the EN jersey in Bumpass, Va.

 

Coach Rich

If it were me:

• May or may not do the wheelcover, depending on how important the race was too me. I don't think you'll have problems with the winds.
• Rather than change tires, suggest you drop your tire pressure down to about 100psi.
• Gloves: sure, recommend you put them on while riding, if possible. Faster. Also, recommend you use them to wipe the tires quickly while you're riding, to prevent a flat. More stuff will stick to the tires due to the wetness and that stuff can sometimes work itself into the tires and give you a flat. More flats in/after a rain, generally.
• Shoes in a bag, yes. I would also not ride in socks but put on dry socks for the run...but may not make a difference if you have to run through puddles.
• Finally, if you plan to race in armwarmers, recommend you wear them under your wetsuit vs putting them on in transition. Lycra + wet skin = wrestling match.

Have fun!

Nemo Brauch

Just one thing to add to Rich's advice. Consider toe covers on your bike shoes. They will keep your feet warm and you will have dry feet to start the run. Also, consider light weight smartwool socks- they will keep your feet comfy even if they are wet.

Is this gonna be Lake Anna?

ironmtngrl

@Nemo & Rich - Thanks! Those are some great tips. I checked on the Vittoria's and the recommended pressure for my weight is 95/100. So I have been riding them to high to start with. Given the wet conditions, 90/95 would be good. I will definitely do the toe covers. I think I will use the wheel cover cuz this race is for major bragging rights in our club. I do it every year and think I have a massive PR possibility thanks to EN training/new bike & position/Coach Al swim clinic.

Yes - Lake Anna. I hope they do not switch it to a duathlon because of chop. Of course, I don't know how choppy it has to be before it becomes a risk for swimmers. Luckily I don't think that lightning during the swim will be a risk.

Al Truscott

As a "mudder" (horse-racing term for one who does well in poor conditions) and resident of the Pac NW, where riding in the rain is a way of life, two more comments:

1. Slick (treadless) tires are actually better in wet conditions than tread; there's more surface area available to grip the road. Same concept as dropping the pressure a bit.

2. A good aero position is better than sitting up. (1) your tri bike geometry is designed to be ridden that way and (2) you are less exposed to the wind, so there is less buffeting around if you're down low than sitting up. Even though psychologically it may seem better to sit up, you are more stable when riding aero.