Triathlon rules, for watching
Start with how a match works. Then the rules you see every few minutes, then the ones that change results.
Settling an argument? Search all 13 rules
- How does a triathlon work?
- How long is a triathlon?
- How does a triathlon start, and what happens after a false start?
- What are the rules of the swim in triathlon?
- When are wetsuits allowed in a triathlon?
- What are the rules in the transition area of a triathlon?
- When must a triathlete have their helmet on?
- What is drafting in triathlon, and when is it allowed?
- What else can go wrong on the bike in a triathlon?
- What are the rules on the run in a triathlon?
- How do time penalties work in triathlon?
- What gets a triathlete disqualified?
- How does the triathlon mixed relay work?
Where these rules come from
| Tag | Document |
|---|---|
| WT plus section number | World Triathlon, Competition Rules, 2026 edition with amendments to 29 April 2026. Read for this set: sections 3.1 to 3.8 (penalties), 4.1 to 4.4 and 4.7 (swimming), 5.1, 5.2 g, 5.4 to 5.8 (cycling), 6.1 to 6.4 (running), 7.1 (transition), 16.1 to 16.11 (team and relay events) and the distance table in the appendices |
| R | "Why the rule exists", or a point reasoned from the rule, not stated in it |
| C | Common usage or general knowledge, not a rule |
All checked on 14 October 2026.
The copy used. The saved PDF is a copy of World Triathlon's master document hosted by a provincial federation (see the source notes).
Two text problems. The draft-legal table loses a column for the standard-distance row, so the pages do not say from the table whether elite standard-distance racing is draft-legal. The draft zone behind a motorbike prints as "2015 meters" and is left out.
Not covered: Appendix K, the list of infringements with their penalties, so several pages say an offence "is a time penalty" from the body text without the exact entry; section 2 (conduct, uniform, race numbers, briefings); the bike specification rules in 5.2 other than helmets; wheel stations and outside assistance; section 10 (water quality, heat, cut-off times); protests and appeals; para triathlon (section 17), which has its own glossary; duathlon, aquathlon, winter and cross triathlon beyond a mention; the Olympic format.
Not covered: Appendix K, the list of infringements with their penalties, so several pages say an offence "is a time penalty" from the body text without the exact entry; section 2 (conduct, uniform, race numbers, briefings); the bike specification rules in 5.2 other than helmets; wheel stations and outside assistance; section 10 (water quality, heat, cut-off times); protests and appeals; para triathlon (section 17), which has its own glossary; duathlon, aquathlon, winter and cross triathlon beyond a mention; the Olympic format.