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Fitness Components for Triathlon

In addition to the high level of skill required to compete in triathlon, to be successful you need at least good endurance! However, which is more important? Below is a discussion about the fitness requirements for triathlon, which can help with developing training programs for this sport, and for interpreting fitness testing results and determining the relative strengths and weaknesses of a triathlete.

You Need Endurance

We have a poll about the component of fitness most important for success in triathlon. Out of the options of Body Size and Composition, Muscle Strength, Muscular Endurance, Power, Speed / Quickness, Agility, Flexibility, Balance and Coordination, and Cardiovascular Endurance, the factors which are considered most important by the readers of this site are cardiovascular and muscular endurance. You can add your vote too, and see the latest results.



You Need Endurance, but also Highly Motivated

In a similar poll, we have asked people to rate the 12 factors of success for sports. Visitors to this site have rated each of these factors for the sport of triathlon, and the most important according to them are: aerobic endurance, with motivation, technique and coping with pressure also important. You can also add your ratings of Which Factors Make Successful Triathletes, and see the latest results.

Most Important Factors for Success in Order of Importance (data from 2018)

4.6 Aerobic Endurance
4.4 Motivation & Self Confidence
3.8 Skill and Technique
3.7 Coping with Pressure Situations
3.6 Strength & Power
3.5 Speed / Quickness
2.9 Body Size and Composition
2.9 Balance & Coordination
2.9 Analytic & Tactical Ability
2.6 Agility
2.5 Flexibility
2.5 Reaction Time

triathlon swim leg triathlon swim leg

Are You an Expert?

I have found that asking all site visitors for their opinion, while it is interesting, does not always lead to accurate results. We want to know what the experts think. If you consider yourself an expert in triathlon, go here to add your opinion.



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