Abstract

To assess reliability of simulated sprint-distance triathlon seven non-elite, male triathletes completed three trials (750 m swim, 20 km bike, 5 km run), using a 25 m pool, an electromagnetically braked cycle ergometer and motorised treadmill. Total times (h, min and s) were 1:17:37 ± 0:06:41, 1:18:22 ± 0:08:59 and 1:18:47 ± 0:09:56. Coefficient of variation (CV) for total performance time was 2.7% between trials 1&2 (CI = 1.7-6.0) and 2.3% between trials 2&3 (CI = 1.5-5.1). Performance CV’s for swim, cycle and run phases were also <5% between trials 2&3. These results show that for non-elite, competitive male triathletes, performance time in simulated sprint-distance triathlon is highly reproducible, with a CV comparable to endurance performances of similar duration (<5%).