Statistics say that a lot of spectators watch ski competitions, or rather races, both on TV and live. This sport is most interesting to our compatriots. President Vladimir Putin himself tells reporters that he also likes to watch these competitions. The secret of such popularity is probably in proximity to ordinary people. Surely most people have skied and skated more than once and know what duathlon is, in contrast to curling, which we have not studied much.
Let's talk more about this sports discipline - duathlon. You can deal with it in the summer (cycling, running) and in winter. Competitions are held in several stages. In the summer season, the athlete first runs, then rides a bicycle and, in the third stage, runs again. Moreover, the change of all stages takes place in a separate zone, and each athlete has an individual place for equipment.
Almost everyone likes Duathlon, they can even be practiced by novice athletes who like an active form of recreation. It should be noted that the Olympic program includes only winter duathlon (skiing, skating or ski jumping). Before participation, athletes try a section of the route, and then begin to compete. The winner is the one who faster and cleaner overcome the distance.
Mandatory conditions
What is duathlon, in general terms, readers have already understood, and now we will tell you what requirements are imposed on athletes. Participants run the track in stages (sequentially), regardless of weather conditions. The route of the stages is indicated in advance on the map and posted on the day of the competition on the board. The track, which athletes will overcome, must be marked with special signs and marking tapes.
The change of all stages, as well as the start and finish should be at the indicated points. Athletes comply with all the rules and instructions of supervisors and the refereeing team at a distance. In case of non-compliance with at least one moment, the player is immediately disqualified (retires from the race). Overcoming the track is carried out only in a protective helmet.
Sport equipment
Ski duathlon is carried out only in special equipment. More specifically, the participant is given shoes that help him to stay while riding and running. Also needed are skis with mounts for boots and long sticks made of fiberglass, which sometimes reach the chin. They help the player move faster and distribute the load. As for the costumes, they are sewn from dense lycra, which allows the body to breathe during exertion and overcome the resistance of the air mass.
Distances
So what is a duathlon? This is an alternate ski race in which the first half of the path (for men - 15 km, for women - 7.5 km) is carried out in the classical style, the second stage, the participants go ice skating. Distances are long and short, the most common:
- sprint - running (5 km), bicycle (20 km), the third stage - running (2.5 km),
- standard - 10 km run, 40 km bike race, 5 km run completes the track,
- long - running for 20 km, bicycle (80 km), running (10 km).
The most popular is the sprint distance (10 km run, 150 km bike, 30 km run).
In the winter duathlon, other standards. The most important thing is the correctly selected equipment and physical fitness of the participant. All these important components will help to overcome the track and become a winner. So we explained to you what a duathlon is and how it goes. This sport is very interesting and quite complicated. After all, to go such long distances, especially in the cold is not so simple. Our athletes - honor and praise!
Conclusion
If you want to engage in duathlon, then first you need to undergo training according to a specially drawn up plan. You can start with cycling or swimming - this will strengthen your muscles. The main thing is not to rush to go to excessive loads, as this will negatively affect the heart. Speed increase smoothly with the observance of technology. Have fun!