The influence of the swimming sub-discipline upon the subsequent cycling/running performance seems to increase with the reduction of the triathlon's length. Thus, the purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of swimming upon the cycling and running performance during the super-sprint triathlon. Eight amateur triathletes performed a bout of super-sprint triathlon, consisting of swimming 375 m, cycling 10 km and running 2.5 km (Tri) and another bout consisting of only cycling 10 km and running 2.5 km (CR). Performing the swimming sub-discipline had a negative impact (p < 0.05) in the cycling performance (-8.4%) and total time (cycling + running; -5.4%) when compared to the performance achieved without the swimming sub-discipline. The running performance was not affected. Except running in CR protocol, all the other sub-disciplines presented high and significant correlations with the total time (r ≥ 0.84) for both protocols. In conclusion, performing the swimming sub-discipline has a negative impact in the subsequent cycling and total time (cycling + running) during the super-sprint triathlon.
Triathlon; Residual Effect; Exercise Performance
