Aquabike was created in 2005 as a way to increase participation in athletes who suffered knee and hip injuries by eliminating the run portion of the event. Many long course triathlon events embraced this style of competition by hosting a 1.2 mile swim and 56 mile bike. The multisport world was surprised to find that not only were athletes with trouble running competing, but so were a new crop of participants, as this distance allowed them the endurance of a long course event without the pounding on the joints caused by the 13.1 miles (the run portion of long course triathlons).
Common distance for aquabike
• 1.2 mile swim; 56 mile bike
Getting Started
In 2006, USA Triathlon sanctioned about 30 Aquabike events with many taking place at the 70.3 events. Interested participants should visit the USAT website for calendar listings of all USAT-sanctioned aquabike events in the United States.
History
The Aquabike Series was a pilot program in 2005 in which athletes could compete in the swim and the bike portions of a half or ultra distance triathlon, but not the run. Race directors have agreed to provide times and placements for these athletes.
The idea for Aquabike was brought to USA Triathlon by one of its members: Dean Peterson of Peoria, Ariz. Peterson had talked to many triathletes who would be interested in such a format. He brought the idea to then USA Triathlon Interim Executive Director Mike Greer, who got the race directors on board.
"I want to emphasize that this is a pilot program," Greer said. "We thought it was an interesting idea and wanted to see how it would work out for a year. We do not expect it to take away from any of our other programs or races."
Future
USA Triathlon saw an increase from 11 events in 2005 to over 30 events in 2006 so the outlook for this discipline is positive. As the median age of USAT members gets older, the organization anticipates even more participants looking for competitive events that can help save some of their joints.
