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Swim Positioning And Its Influence On Triathlon Outcome, Grant J. Landers†, Brian A. Blanksby‡, Timothy R. Ackland‡, Ronald Monson†

International Journal of Exercise Science

Questions have been raised regarding which of the three legs of a triathlon influences the final finishing position. Some coaches subjectively believe that the swim and run are more important than the cycle, especially since the introduction of drafting during the cycle. This study analysed race position shifts between each of the three disciplines to assess the importance of the swim finish position and final finish position during draft legal Olympic distance triathlon events. Ten male and 10 female triathlon world cup events during one season were analysed. The results suggested that the triathlon swim leg is important because the …