T100 Sam Laidlow No Wetsuit Body Temperature

Watching the pro athletes at Challenge Roth coming out of the water and into T1, I noticed that none of them had their trisuits pulled up under their wetsuits. It seemed illogical to me: putting a trisuit on a wet body might be difficult. The fabric clings to the skin, making it difficult to pull up quickly, which can waste precious seconds during the transition. It happened to me recently when trying to put on arm warmers after a swim.

This brings us to another intriguing case: Sam Laidlow at the T100 London event. Sam was the only triathlete racing without a wetsuit. Initially, this decision seemed to backfire. He lost significant time during the swim, and the commentators didn’t hold back their criticism, suggesting he was making a fool of himself.

However, the narrative swiftly changes once Sam hits the bike leg. Despite being three minutes behind, he bridged the gap within a few kilometres, astonishing everyone. He then went on to win the event, leaving spectators and competitors alike in awe.

Sam’s unconventional approach highlighted a critical yet often overlooked aspect of triathlon racing: body temperature regulation. By not wearing a wetsuit, Sam allowed his body to stay cooler during the swim. While he did lose time in the water, his body did not overheat when he transitioned to the bike. This allowed him to perform at a higher intensity earlier than his competitors, who were still cooling down from the swim.

The Science Behind Body Temperature and Performance

The relationship between body temperature and athletic performance is well-documented in sports science. Maintaining an optimal body temperature is crucial for endurance sports like triathlon for several reasons:

1. Thermoregulation and Metabolism:
   • When the body overheats, it diverts blood away from the muscles to the skin to help cool down, which can reduce muscular efficiency and endurance. A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology demonstrated that muscular strength and endurance decrease significantly as core body temperature increases.
2. Hydration and Electrolyte Balance:
   • Elevated body temperature increases sweat production, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Dehydration of just 2% of body weight can impair performance by reducing blood volume, thus decreasing the efficiency of the cardiovascular system.
3. Neuromuscular Function:
   • Heat stress can affect the central nervous system, decreasing motor control and coordination. Research in Sports Medicine indicates that prolonged exposure to high temperatures can impair cognitive functions and decision-making skills, which are crucial in high-stakes competitions.
4. Recovery and Fatigue:
   • High body temperatures can accelerate the onset of fatigue by increasing the rate of muscle glycogen depletion. A cooler body temperature helps in conserving glycogen stores, thereby prolonging endurance.

Sam Laidlow’s performance at T100 London is a powerful reminder of the importance of body temperature management. It challenges conventional wisdom and opens the door for more innovative approaches to triathlon racing. As the sport continues to evolve, mastering body temperature could very well be the next big breakthrough, helping athletes push the boundaries of human endurance and performance.

Practical Applications

Athletes are experimenting with various strategies to manage their core body temperature effectively. These include:

• Pre-Cooling Techniques:
  • Ice vests or cold water immersion should be used before the race to lower core body temperature.
• Hydration Strategies:
  • Consuming cold fluids and ice slurries during the race to help maintain a lower core temperature.
• Breathable and Reflective Gear:
  • Wearing fabrics that enhance sweat evaporation and reflect heat.
• Post-Race Cooling:
  • Utilizing cooling baths or showers immediately after the race to accelerate recovery.

In conclusion, what might seem like a minor detail—whether to wear a wetsuit, how to handle transitions, and what gear to use—can significantly impact race outcomes. As triathletes and enthusiasts, we should pay close attention to these evolving trends and learn from pioneers like Sam Laidlow, who dare to challenge the norm and set new benchmarks in the sport.