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The United States of America may be able to take credit as the birthplace of modern triathlon, but like almost everything, the sport has transcended national borders to embrace a truly global identity. Case in point: Since 2014, the Ironman 70.3 world championships have rotated globally with athletes traveling from all over the world to compete in places as far afield as Australia, Finland, and South Africa.
In 2023, another (almost previously unthinkable) global milestone was reached when an Ironman World Championship race took place outside the U.S. for the first time ever, when the men’s world championship was held in Nice, France.
For many, racing an international tri is on the bucket list, but even if that’s not on your radar, you might still end up traveling abroad and hoping to stick to your triathlon routine while away. As you contemplate the possibility of swimming, biking, or running in a foreign country, prepare to be endeared (but also shocked) by some of the cultural nuances of training for and racing triathlon outside the U.S.
We reached out to members of the global triathlon community to discover what surprised them during their travels, and here are some of the shocking, delightful, and quirky experiences they shared.
“Swimming clockwise is just bizarre for Americans.” – Jennifer Harrison, Chicago
Pools in the U.K. and Australia often require swimmers to alternate directions between clockwise and counterclockwise when circle swimming. By switching, it helps prevent “arm to arm” collisions by swimmers in adjacent lanes. Follow the directions posted by each lane or ask the lifeguard if it’s not clear.
“Grabbing a water bottle with your left hand takes practice.” – Pam Goodley, Truckee
If you tuned in to the recent live coverage of T100 Singapore, you likely witnessed Chelsea Sodaro and Youri Keulen struggling to grab bottles multiple times while on the bike. In countries that drive on the left, for example, the U.K., New Zealand, Australia, and Singapore, aid stations are placed on the left-hand side of the road. Therefore, you’ll need to get accustomed to grabbing bottles and food with your left hand. Practice it!
“Post-race showers and the post-race party in Roth.” – Laura Siddall, Boulder
Professional triathlete (and author of Triathlete’s “The Insider” column), Laura Siddall, has been on the podium several times at Challenge Roth. One aspect of the race she particularly values is the post-race showers. The facilities permit competitors to freshen up post-race and enjoy the post-race beer garden and food trucks while cheering on athletes as they complete their race. The on-site showers are an important but possibly underappreciated contributor to the race’s vibe.
“Nudity.” – Noel Mulkey, Vermont; Katarina Gois, San Francisco
Given that public nudity is illegal in many parts of the U.S., it’s understandable that Americans are taken aback by the contrasting social norms regarding public nudity in Europe. Expect to see people of all ages changing in the open air for open-water swimming at beaches and lakes. You will also find mixed-gender “change tents” at races where athletes make full outfit changes without concern for their surroundings.
“The distances are all measured in kilometers.” – Liz Davis, San Francisco
The U.S. may arguably be the last bastion of the imperial system, where miles remain the primary unit of distance measurement on the racecourse. If you’re planning to do a full iron-distance tri outside of the U.S., forget 140.6 miles (and the corresponding bumper stickers) and acquaint yourself with 226 kilometers.
“More bike lanes and less aggression towards cyclists in Europe.” – Grace Thek, Palos Verdes & Melbourne, Australia
In European cities and towns, cycling infrastructure is notably more developed than in much of the U.S., featuring extensive cycling paths and dedicated bike lanes for residents. This seems to lead to better driver behavior, with motorists giving cyclists more space and displaying friendlier attitudes towards them while driving.
“Silky smooth roads with significantly less traffic in Europe.” – Matt Sharpe, Boulder
Americans are often surprised by the hilly nature of Challenge Roth and other European bike courses, unaware that the fast bike times stem from the excellent road surface, which minimizes rolling resistance, rather than the elevation of the course itself. Additionally, Europe tends to have more minor roads with lower levels of car traffic, making them ideal for cycling.
“Smoking in transition or at a café stop.” – John Tan, Napa Valley
Generally, you will notice a higher prevalence of smoking in Europe and Asia, with smoking rates among the adult population ranging from 25-35% in countries like Germany and Japan, compared to less than 20% in the U.S. While the triathlon community typically avoids smoking, it’s not uncommon to see an athlete light up post-race in Europe!