Because forgetting your goggles is not the vibe.

Race week is here! Whether it’s your first triathlon or your tenth, the final few days before the start line can feel equal parts exciting and chaotic.

Between the logistics, the nerves, and the “did I pack my race belt?” moments, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

This guide walks you through exactly what to pack and how to keep your head clear so you can focus on racing your best.

Read the Athlete Guide

Read it once and then read it again. Everything you need to know about the race will be in there. If you’re unsure about anything, check with your coach if you have one or contact the race operators. The Athlete Guide will tell you key race rules and any intricacies related to the race that are important for you to succeed.

Study the Course

By now you should know exactly why you picked this race. It might be the location, the terrain or the climate. Now is a good time to check the course maps again. If you haven’t been to the area before use Google Street View to select parts of the course to see what scenery you can expect. Use this to help you visualize the course.

The course will usually be sign posted and may even have volunteers placed at key intersections, however it still your responsibility to know where to go! If it helps load the route on your Garmin.

What to Pack for Triathlon Race Week

Let’s keep it simple. Here’s your triathlon packing checklist, broken down by discipline:

Swim

Tri-suit or swimwear (you’ll race in this)

Goggles (pack 2 pairs just in case)

Wetsuit (if legal/expected)

Heart Rate Monitor (if not using the optical sensor in your watch)

Optional: swim cap (you’ll be given one too)

Anti-chafe cream or body glide

Towel for transition

Bike

Bike (clean and fully serviced)

Power meter and Di2 charged

Bike computer

Cycling shoes

Helmet (check for cracks)

Sunglasses or visor

Nutrition (bars/gels/liquids + bottles)

Flat repair kit (tubes, levers, CO2/pump)

Race belt (for your bib, sometimes worn on the run only)

Multitool

Socks (if you wear them on the bike)

Run

Running shoes

Fresh socks (if you like a sock change)

Hat or visor

Run nutrition (gels, chews, salt tabs)

Hydration bottle or flask

Transition & Extras

Sunscreen

Spares: goggles, socks

Watch / GPS device (charged!)

Towel for transition or feet

Bag to carry everything

Change of clothes for after the race

Recovery snack/drink

ID + race confirmation documents

Check and Double Check Your Gear

Is it maintained and working? Now’s the time to get things fixed. Pack early and lay all your gear out so you can visualize what you’ve got.

Charge your gear like Di2, power meters, HRMs and bike computer. Bring the cables in case any battery gets drained, especially if flying to a race.

When You Arrive at the Race City

If you’re travelling to a race away from home, whether that’s driving or flying, make sure to allow plenty of time to account for any delays and reduce stress.

When you arrive at your destination unpack your bike, rebuild it (if you packed it) and check for any damage during transit.

If there’s no visible damage take it for a brief spin on a quite street. Cycle through the gears and test the brakes. Now is the time to make sure you can fix any issues (if you know how) or take it to a mechanic. It’s not uncommon for gears and brakes to need to be readjusted after travel.

See our post here for tips when travelling abroad or flying to races.

Tips for Staying Calm

Packing is only part of it. The other half? Keeping your cool. Here’s how to manage the nerves and show up ready.

1. Stick to Familiar Routines

Don’t try anything new the week of the race, not new gear, not new nutrition, not a new bedtime routine. Keep things familiar to reduce stress and digestive surprises.

2. Plan Ahead

Pack a few days before leaving
Check weather forecasts and adjust clothing accordingly
Review race-day logistics: venue, wave starts, parking, bag drops

Confidence loves preparation.

3. Trust Your Training

You’ve already done the work. You’ve trained tired, practiced nutrition, and dialled in your gear. You don’t need another big workout, you need recovery, fueling, and sleep.

4. Breathe When You Feel the Nerves

It’s normal to feel anxious or wired the day before a race.

Take a walk
Do a short mobility session
Listen to calming music or your favorite podcast
Try 3 minutes of box breathing (4 sec inhale / 4 hold / 4 exhale / 4 hold)

5. Surround Yourself with Positivity

Race nerves love silence. So talk it out. Whether it’s with your coach, partner, training buddies, or teammates, share how you’re feeling. You’ll find that most athletes are dealing with the exact same pre-race emotions.

Final Thoughts

Race week should feel exciting not overwhelming. With a solid packing plan and a calm, prepared mindset, you’ll step onto the start line feeling ready, not rattled.

Race Week Checklist: What to Pack and How to Stay Calm