High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Off-road triathlon is a
form of triathlon, or three-stage race, consisting of a swim stage,
mountain-biking stage, and a trail-running stage. Off-road
triathlons are distinguished from conventional triathlons in that
the terrain for the cycling and running stages are generally
unpaved, rough, and very steep and hilly. They require different
techniques than conventional triathlon races, and in particular the
athletes employ mountain bikes rather than road bikes. An off-road
triathlon requires a higher degree of technical biking skill, as
opposed to the high speed and endurance demands of road biking in a
road triathlon. Distances for the bike portion of an off-road are
much less relevant than for a road triathlon. An off-road bike
course may have several severe vertical climbs and descents. It may
also have a high degree of technicality, meaning the number, pitch
and sharpness of turns through trees, rocks, logs, streams and
other obstacles on the bike trail.
