New to Triathlon

Triathlon is a sport which combines swimming, cycling and running into a single continuous race with a transition between each, where you'll grab the necessary equipment for the next discipline. Triathlon's related sports are: aquathlon - combination of swimming and running; duathlon - combination of running and cycling; aquabike - swimming and cycling. You can learn more in this article: What does Triathlon involve? 

The basics for beginners are the normal equipment you might use for each individual sport i.e. swim costume, cap, goggles, bike and cycling helmet (mandatory) and shorts/leggings. Remember that transitions are part of the race so if you can avoid too much clothing change, you can be faster. For example, by wearing the same pair of lycra shorts for swimming, cycling and running. It is important to remember that bare chests are not allowed in triathlon and, in Qatar's races, women cannot cycle and run in a swim suit where legs and shoulders are uncovered.

The next step up is to wear a trisuit. This is a one-piece item that is designed for swimming, cycling and running. These can be bought in many of Doha's sports and specialist cycling shops. TriClub Doha has our own custom designed trisuit. Add a race belt to that and you have everything you need. A race belt is a simple piece of elastic to which a number is pinned and this makes it quicker to put on a number in the transition between swim and bike. For more detailed information, see this article What Equipment do I need? 

You will need a bike and TriClub Doha cannot provide you with this. The good news is that any road-worthy bike can be used until you get serious about the sport. That includes mountain bikes. The important thing is that word "road-worthy". Officials will check that brakes are functioning and that the ends of handlebars are properly plugged. You will be stopped from racing if your bike is deemed unsafe. An approved cycling helmet is also required. 

TriClub Doha organises triathlons and aquathlons at Education City where the swim is in the recreation centre pool. To get the most out of the sport (and Qatar's beautiful beaches) you may want to conquer you fears. Saturday morning training at the Sharq Village in the company of Triclub Doha is a good way to do that. Or stick to duathlon where there is no swim!

Modest trisuits which cover arms and legs are available online and in shops, and TriClub Doha also has its own custom designed modest suit. These are ordered on an as-required basis. See the TriClub Doha Kit page for details.

That depends... for most of the season Qatar's waters are warm enough to be either 'wetsuit optional' or 'non-wetsuit' according to World Triathlon rules. However, early morning races in January and February may be 'wetsuit mandartory'. If your goal is a longer event like T100 or Ironman 70.3, we do recommend that you consider buying a triathlon specific wetsuit as this will keep you warm, aid bouyancy and make you faster for less energy expendidture.

See this article Preparing for your first race 

See this article Where to train

First find out what is on by checking out the Events Calendar. This is updated regularly as events are announced. When available, links to registration are provided. TriClub Doha's races, both public and member-only can be found in the calendar too, but we also have our registration site where everything available for sign up is listed. To stay updated, be sure to follow TriClub Doha, Qatar Triathlon Federation and Q-Tri social media.