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RACE RULES TO REMEMBER
3. Cycling Conduct

3.3 Bicycle helmets are compulsory and must be approved by a testing authority which is recognised by a national federation that is an affiliate of the International Triathlon Union (ITU).

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What is a Triathlon?

The first recorded triathlon was in California on September 24, 1974. It was organised by the San Diego Track and Field Club at Mission Bay and was created as an alternative to the rigors of athletic training on the track. Since this, Triathlon has developed into one of the fastest growing sports in the world, and one that can be enjoyed by all ages and abilities.

Triathlon is an activity that combines swimming, cycling, and running in one event. The Olympic, or “standard” distance in triathlon is a 1500 metre swim, 40 kilometre bike, and 10 kilometre run.

There are many variations of a Triathlon or multisport event, the table below gives a good overview of the various types of events and distances:

Type	Name	Distance
Triathlon	Enticer / Novice	Swim – less than 750m Ride – less than 20km Run – less than 5km
	Sprint	Swim – 750m Ride – 20km Run – 5km
	Olympic or Classic	Swim – 1500m Ride – 40km Run – 10km
	Long Course / Half Iron Distance	Swim – between 2500 and 3800m Ride – between 80km and 120km Run – between 20km and 30km
	Iron Distance	Swim – 3800m Ride – 180km Run – 42km
Duathlon	Enticer / Novice	Run – less than 5km Ride – less than 30km Run – less than 5km
	Sprint Distance	Run – 5km Ride – 30km Run – 5km
	Standard Distance	Run – 10km Ride – 40km Run – 5km
	Long Course	Run – 10km Ride – 60km Run – 10km
Aquathlon	Various Distances	Swim - run or Swim – run - swim

Triathlons can be completed as an individual event, or a team event.

Triathlons are organised through independent events organisers, state triathlon associations and clubs. They are run at local, state, national and international levels. Triathlon events in Australia range from enticer or novice events right through to ITU World Championship races.

One reason why Triathlon is so appealing to all is because of its unique “age group” concept that is built into the very fabric of the sport. All Triathlon events are traditionally divided into 5 year age categories, so you will take part in the same race as your friends, your colleagues and your family regardless of their age and ability.

Triathlon truly is a proud sport for all. Have a read of the Triathlon Pathway to see how you can get involved.