Hints and tips for the Auto & General Cross Triathlon 2024

A triathlon is the ultimate test of both your mental and physical capabilities.

While it is obvious that one needs to train for an event such as this, there is additional preparation which one tends to forget about, given that the focus is having your body and mind in top notch condition.

So, in a bid to help you focus on the race itself, we’ve gathered five tips on the other important aspects of taking part in a triathlon.

• Check your bike

It is important to ensure your bike is in perfect working order ahead of the race. Yes, you may have been training on it for hundreds of hours, but it is vital that you ensure all is sound the day before. Checking all the working components of your bike will also give you peace of mind. You wouldn’t forget to stretch before a triathlon, right? Well, checking your bike is another form of ‘stretching’.

READ: Rozanne McKenzie prepares for Auto & General Cross Triathlon 2024

• Brush up on the course

If you are wanting to give your best, you need to know what you are up against. Do some research of the course you are going to be tackling. This will help you to mentally prepare for any tough sections and understand which areas will allow you to really push yourself.

• Pack your essentials the night before

Don’t leave packing all your gear to the last minute. You are asking for trouble. Ideally, the time spent before your race should focus on relaxing and getting mentally prepared. Make a checklist of all the items you will need for race day and tick them off as you pack your bag. Don’t leave anything to chance here.

Another sound piece of advice comes from Barry Monaghan, a Northern Ireland-based triathlon coach. He told Red Bull’s website: "All of the equipment that you use on the day should be well tried and tested well before the race. There’s no point turning up trying something new on the day, or the day before. The sizing needs to be comfortable.”

READ: The Auto & General Cross Triathlon is back for 2024!

• Vaseline, Vaseline, and more Vaseline

This tip goes without saying. You are going to be pushing yourself to the limit, the last thing you want is chafing.

• Organise how you are getting to Steyn City

This may sound obvious, but you need to think of the logistics. Relying on a taxi in the early hours of the morning isn’t advisable – not to mention trying to fit your bike inside. Ask your family and friends for a lift or find out the parking situation close to the event in advance. If you are from out of town, book a hotel close to Steyn City and see if you can carpool with other athletes.

We wish you all the best on your Auto & General Cross Triathlon journey!

Everything you need to know about the A&G Cross Triathlon 2024

Joburg is gearing up for another exhilarating and exclusive X tri-event in the heart of Gauteng at Steyn City on 24 February 2024.

Following the huge success of the Auto & General Cross Triathlon in 2022 and 2023, 800 athletes are eagerly poised to confront the challenge as this year’s event - which is already sold out!

The full action kicks off with a 600-metre swim in the refreshing waters of the Steyn City lagoon, followed by a pulse-pounding 30-kilometre off-road cycle ride along the exhilarating trails within the estate. The event finishes off with a robust 7-kilometre run on secure pathways.

For those seeking shorter distances, the option for half distances allows younger participants to join in the fun.

Contestants could opt to enter individually or as a team, providing friends and colleagues with an enjoyable day out. 

What's more, our very own Rozanne McKenzie, who had a memorable debut in last year's triathlon amidst the beautiful and secure surroundings of Steyn City, is making a return this year.

SHOWS: The Drive with Rob & Roz

Stay tuned for updates on her incredible journey this year with the Auto & General Cross Triathlon 2024!

For more information on the event, CLICK HERE

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