Swim
You will save time in the transition from swimming to cycling if you wear swim clothing you can also bike in. This could be a pair of swimming shorts that you can also cycle in, or cycling shorts in which you can swim. Many triathletes wear tri-shorts for all sections of the race -- these are similar to bike shorts, but have a fast-drying pad in the crotch area so you dry off faster during the cycle ride. In some races, you will be either allowed or required to wear a wetsuit during the open-water swim. Whether a race is wetsuit-legal or wetsuit-required will depend on race-day water temperature. You will also need swim goggles -- swim caps are typically provided at the race.
Bike
When you emerge dripping from the lake or ocean after the open-water swim, you'll need to add clothing for the bike ride. Triathletes have the option of continuing shirtless (male) for the cycling portion of the race, or putting on a triathlon top. You'll need to towel off and put on your sock and bike shoes -- these can be bike-specific shoes that clip to your cycle pedals, or the same shoes as you will wear for the run. Sunglasses are a good idea, and official triathlons require all cyclists to wear approved safety helmets for the duration of the bike ride.
Dressing for Speed
Clothing choices during a triathlon involve compromises between speed, comfort and modesty. If you want to minimize transition times and maximize overall speed, you can complete the whole race in just a pair of triathlon shorts. At longer distances, you might need additional clothing to avoid getting saddle-sore in the bike ride and chafed during the run. Tri-suits are swimming suits that have a small amount of built-in padding and are a popular choice for speedy triathletes.
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