In triathlon, transitions (known as T1 and T2) are often called the “fourth discipline.” While swimming, cycling, and running grab most of the attention, an efficient transition can save valuable minutes and sometimes make the difference between a podium finish and missing out.
The Transition Time Estimator helps athletes predict and plan for their expected transition durations based on typical averages and their level of experience. This allows for better race strategy and more accurate overall finish time predictions.
Transition times vary significantly depending on the distance of the triathlon and the athlete’s skill level. Here are typical ranges:
| Category | T1 (Swim → Bike) | T2 (Bike → Run) |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 4–6 min | 3–5 min |
| Intermediate | 3–4 min | 2–3 min |
| Advanced | 2–3 min | 1–2 min |
| Elite | 1–2 min | <1 min |
Elite triathletes are masters of transition efficiency. Many practice their gear changes as much as swimming, cycling, and running. Here are some well-known athletes and their typical transition performances:
| Athlete | Avg. T1 | Avg. T2 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan Frodeno | ~1:30 | ~0:45 | Olympic & Ironman champion |
| Daniela Ryf | ~2:00 | ~1:00 | Multiple Ironman world champion |
| Alistair Brownlee | ~1:10 | <1:00 | Two-time Olympic gold medalist |
| Lucy Charles-Barclay | ~1:50 | ~1:00 | Ironman & 70.3 champion |
| Javier Gómez Noya | ~1:20 | <1:00 | Olympic medalist, ITU legend |
Practicing transitions can lead to “free time savings” on race day. With planning and repetition, even amateur athletes can cut several minutes from their triathlon finish time.