Dengel, D. R., Flynn, M. G., Costill, D. L., & Kirwan, J. P. (1989). Determinants of success during triathlon competitions. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 60, 234-238.

The relationships between metabolic measures and triathlon performance were evaluated in male triathletes (N = 11).

Swimming, cycling, and running performances in a triathlon were not related to separate activity measures of VO2max. However, when VO2max was expressed as l/min it was related to cycling time. Triathlon performance sections were related to submaximal tests of VO2. Running and cycling time was related to overall triathlon time but swimming was not.

Movement economy at the submaximal levels required in triathlons appears to be a critical feature associated with overall performance.

Implication. Working on technique efficiency at submaximal levels of effort should be a major emphasis of triathlon training.

Return to Table of Contents for this issue.