In the sport of triathlon the Transition Area is like the hub in the center of a wheel with the swim, bike, and run like wheel spokes. The athlete passes through the Transition Area twice in the event. In the Transition Area the athlete moves from swimming to biking and then from biking to running.

Every athlete has a spot in the Transition Area (by age-group) where his/her bike, helmet, shoes/sox, shirt, shorts, towel and other needed stuff is located. The triathlon begins at the pool. Following the swim the athlete moves to the Swim In entrance to the Transition Area. The athlete will find his/her spot, and he/she will remove any swim equipment such as goggles, and quickly dries off and puts on what is needed for the bike ride Bathing suit removal is not permitted.

Athletes put on shorts and a shirt over their bathing suit with their race number pinned on in advance. Some athletes just put on a shirt (with number) and ride with bathing suits instead of shorts-over-suits. The athlete takes his/her bike and (walking the bike) exits the Transition Area following the sign that says Bike Out. The bike can not be mounted until the athlete passes the Bike Mount Line, which will be clearly marked. Bike helmets must be worn at all times while the athlete is in contact with the bike, even when dismounted.

After the ride the athlete returns to the Bike In entrance to the Transition Area. The athlete must dismount the bike prior to crossing the Bike Dismount Line. Then (walking the bike) goes back to where his/her equipment is located. The bike is placed in the rack, helmet and other riding equipment is removed, and the athlete prepares for the run. Generally young athletes ride their bikes in their running shoes so after removing the bike stuff they are ready for the run. Runners may jog to the Run Out sign in the Transition Area, watching for bikes and other runners. The triathlon finishes at the end of the run near the transition area.

A few notes on the Transition Area: