Glasgow 2014 - Commonwealth Games Sports Guide: Triathlon

By Steven Oldham

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Triathlon's global popularity continues to grow and after being absent from the last Games, returns to make a third appearance since debuting in 2002 in Manchester.

A 1.5km swim, 43km bike ride and 10km run stand between triathletes and Commonwealth glory, with all competitors starting together with no heats.

A mixed relay team event - a first for the Games - will also happen this summer.

WHEN?

The individual runs take place on July 24. The team event is two days later.

WHERE?

The triathlon takes place at Strathclyde Country Park on the outskirts of Glasgow.

WHO?

The Brownlee brothers - Alistair and Jonny - are both contenders for the men's title having traded victories and form in the past few years. Older brother Alistair has the ultimate prize, as he was crowned Olympic champion two years ago. They both compete for England.

Welsh triathlete Helen Jenkins will miss out on the Commonwealths though due to a foot injury. It's another blow to Wales' hopes of taking medals in this sport, with World Series champion Non Stanford already ruled out with a fractured ankle.

Historically, Australia and New Zealand have proved strong at the Games and will be looking to be so again. Australian Emma Moffatt is both a double world champion and Olympic bronze medallist, while New Zealand's best chance lies with Andrea Hewitt, a Commonwealth bronze medallist and a world champion at under 23 level.

LET ME SOUND LIKE I KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT...

• The different disciplines are undertaken consecutively - no half time, or breaks in this sport
• Being a good all-rounder is more important than being a world class swimmer or cyclist.
• Don't be confused by hearing triathletes or commentators saying T1, T2 - it simply means 'transistion' - i.e. the stages in between the disciplines. T1 is the stage between swimming and cycling, while T2 is the final swap between cycling and running.
• Transition happens in a designated area where bikes, running shoes and so on are prepared ready for a quick turnaround.
• Both the Olympic and Commonwealth Games follow the 'standard' triathlon. Ironman triathlons are the toughest, taking in a 3.8km swim, 180.2km bike ride and 42.2km run - a full marathon distance.

CAN I STILL BUY TICKETS?

Not at the moment. Keep checking here for the latest ticket information.

Australia's two time world champion Emma Moffatt