As a triathlete you are probably familiar with the big ticket items. One item that’s often overlooked is a triathlon race belt. A race belt is a great piece of gear to include for your training and racing plans. In this article, we’ll explore why you should consider adding a race belt to your gear bag.
What is a Triathlon Race Belt?
A triathlon race belt is a belt designed to hold your race number. Some belts can also hold energy gels and other small items. A race belt will help you streamline transitions, which means faster times and more podium finishes!
- Race Number Belt: Pretty self explanatory. A race number will display your race bib for the run portion of the race. This is a handy piece of gear, because you won’t need to worry about cycling with your bib.
- Gear Storage Belt: These types of belts are multi purpose. You can use them to hold your gear, such as gels or electronics. I prefer gear storage belts, since they can be used for training and racing.
- Hydration Belt: There are a few options for hydration belts you can choose from. All of them are designed to make you comfortable running with hydration. A lot of hydration belts also include gear storage, but most do not have the option to hold a race bib.
Why You Should Add a Triathlon Race Belt to Your Gear Bag
Streamlined Transitions
Pros like to call transitions the “fourth discipline” of triathlons. A race belt will give you an advantage over other triathletes who have to clip their race bib manually. It may not seem like a big difference, but if you’re competing for your age group, every second counts.
Versatility
Triathlon race belts are designed to be rotated. During the bike section of a race, your number needs to be visible from the back. During the run, it must be seen from the front. The race belt can be swiveled around your waist to comply with USAT rules. Many race belts also come with loops or pouches to carry gels, and energy bars.
Safety
Safety pins, can damage technical triathlon apparel. They can also cause discomfort and injury if they come undone during the race. With a race belt, these problems are do not exist.
Choosing Your Race Belt
- Comfort and Fit: The belt should sit comfortably on your waist without causing chafing or discomfort. It should be easily adjustable without restricting your movement.
- Durability: The belt should withstand not the rigors of the race and also exposure to water, sweat, and sun.
- Features: Do you need a simple belt to hold your race number, or do you want extra features like gel loops or a small pouch? Some belts also come with toggles to hold your race bib without using safety pins.
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