So you want to be a triathlete...

See what Dominique has to say about being a pro triathlete....

The opportunity to travel the World and experience many nations and cultures, under the guise of being a pro triathlete, has been a priceless gift. I have seen and done things I would never have had the chance to experience otherwise.

In France, for example, it's common for dozens of cyclists to escort the lead runner to the finish line and then receive bottles of fine wine and foie gras from the region for your victory.
In Japan, the aid stations aren't complete without seaweed and coffee.
In Mexico, the spectators dance to the music of the mariaches as they cheer you on your way.
Racing in plus 40 degree heat in Malaysia.
And...Racing during a thunderstorm in Canada....the water a freezing 9 degrees!

THE STRANGEST THINGS I HAVE SEEN WHILE RACING:

1 During an Energade race a camera man hanging on the back of a motor bike filming, fell off at about 50km's per hour and rolled to a stop only a few feet from me.
2 I had to stop for a flock of sheep one time in France. About one hundred of those chops weren't about to move quickly either!
3 Starting a race in a nudist colony on the outskirts of Frankfurt. It was not a pretty site!
4 Then watching the race broadcast on national TV later that evening, depicting all the naked supporters! Very bazaar!
5 A couple of men in grey jackets lurking beneath me during the swim leg in Gordon's Bay.
6 A World Cup in Hungary. The first 400m of an out and back swim took us 2 minutes with the current and on the return back 9 minutes! Very very scary!!!!!!
7 Running the entire 1500m swim leg in a race in Hermanus because the race organizer didn't take into consideration the timing of the tides!
8 In France, the lead Marshall in a car, directed me the wrong way and continued to do so for about 5km's. I couldn't believe the elite men who started 2 minutes behind me had not yet caught me!
9 Topless bathing is not uncommon in the south of France, but it's usually confined to the beach, but on one occasion a lady walked over to cheer the runners on. If you are not expecting it, it will take you aback!
10 The strangest looking woman in thick black socks suddenly appearing in front of the lead woman at the finish of the Argus cycle tour 2002!

And if you still interested in becoming a TRIATHLETE, there are a few things you should know.

1 Triathlon was started in San Diego by members of the San Diego Track Club in the mid 70's.
2 Actor Tom Cruise raced in the Malibu Triathlon.
3 Lance Armstrong was a triathlete before becoming the world's best cyclist.
4 It's OK to rub vaseline in your groin area in public if you are in the transition area.
5 It's OK to leave your race number on all week!
6 To improve you MUST over train.
7 To know the meaning of various sayings like "off the front" and "bonked" and "hit the wall".
8 When staying at the race hotel it's OK to fill your ruck sack with muffins and croissants at breakfast.

And then when you are a triathlete.... the HARDEST things to do...

1 Go to a triathlon to watch.
2 Get your picture on the cover of Triathlete Magazine.
3 Paying the airlines to take your bike on the plane.
4 Resist the temptation to have a third plate of spaghetti at the carbo dinner.
5 Resist using a hotel towel to clean your bike.
6 Remember that your bike is still on the roof-rack when you pull into the garage.
7 Finding room in you cupboard for another race finisher's T-shirt.
8 Searching for glass on the tarmac after you've "hit the wall".
9 Explaining to your father why you came only second and not first.
10 Walking down stairs the morning after the post-race party.