By Brent Surratt
Triangle contributing writer
In the early morning hours, the hum of stationary bike wheels fills the training room at the Wingate University triathlon house, a residential brick ranch dwelling known as the “House of Tri” at the corner of North Main Street and Old Williams Road.
Sweat drips from the forehead of senior triathlete Carla Larrabeiti as she adjusts her pace, guided by real-time data on a screen in front of her. Nearby, her coach tracks her heart rate, cadence and power output, providing instant feedback. For the Wingate women’s triathlon team, technology has become as crucial as endurance in preparing for competition.
The Bulldogs saw the impact of their tech-focused approach two months ago (Nov. 9) at the 2024 USA Triathlon Collegiate National Championships in Clermont, Fla. Larrabeiti won the individual national title while leading Wingate to its first-ever national team crown in just the fourth year of the program’s existence. Larrabeiti said the team’s emphasis on data-driven training played a vital role in that achievement.
As triathlons grow in popularity and intensity, teams like Wingate are increasingly turning to advanced technology to gain an edge. From wearable devices that monitor performance to virtual training platforms, the Bulldogs are leveraging innovation to push their limits and redefine collegiate triathlon training.
Training for a triathlon is no small feat. Athletes must prepare for three distinct disciplines—swimming (1.5 kilometers), cycling (40K) and running (10K)—that require precision and stamina. For Wingate’s team, technology has streamlined the process, allowing athletes and coaches to target specific areas for improvement.
“Triathlon is unique because it demands so much versatility,” said Bulldogs Head Coach Nick Radkewich. “Technology gives us the ability to measure performance in ways that weren’t possible before, helping athletes make the most of every workout.”
Key tools include smartwatches and heart-rate monitors that track an athlete’s vital signs and overall activity. Platforms like Strava allow athletes to track and post their workouts on the app to connect with others, while GPS-enabled watches track running metrics such as pace, distance and elevation. In the pool, video analysis helps athletes refine their strokes by identifying inefficiencies.
At Wingate, technology isn’t just a supplement—it’s embedded in the team’s daily routine. The Bulldogs use platforms like Strava to plan and analyze workouts, ensuring every session aligns with their broader goals.
“Strava has been a game-changer,” Radkewich said. “It allows us to break down data from every discipline and tailor our approach for each athlete.”
The team also uses power meters on bikes to measure the effort athletes exert during rides. By analyzing this data, coaches can adjust training loads to prevent overtraining while optimizing performance.
For Larrabeiti, a History major from Spain who joined the team as a freshman in 2021, these tools have made a significant difference. “I used to train based on how I felt,” she said. “Now I have data to work with that shows me where I’m improving and where I need to work harder.”
While technology has brought clear benefits, it’s not without challenges. For some athletes, the shift to data-driven training required an adjustment period.
“At first, I felt overwhelmed by all the numbers,” said freshman triathlete Paula Auschill. “But once I learned how to use the information, it started to feel empowering.”
Auschill, an International Business major from Marburg, Germany, mentioned that technology has also fostered a sense of accountability within the team. With workouts logged and shared through apps, teammates can support and motivate one another. “It’s great knowing your teammates are rooting for you, even during solo sessions,” she said. “The data keeps us connected and competitive.”
However, Radkewich and the athletes emphasize the importance of balance, saying that over-reliance on technology can detract from the mental aspects of the sport.
“Sometimes, you have to trust your instincts,” Radkewich said. “Data is a tool, not a substitute for experience or grit.”
Wingate’s approach reflects a broader trend in endurance sports. According to Kenny Greenfield, the triathlon team’s athletic trainer, performance analytics and tools like wearable devices and virtual platforms have revolutionized training across disciplines.
“These technologies provide insights into an athlete’s physiology that were previously only available in lab settings,” Greenfield said. “For triathletes, who have to master three sports, this information is invaluable.”
Greenfield predicts that advancements like artificial-intelligence (AI) coaching and augmented-reality simulations will soon become more common. He believes these tools could further level the playing field for collegiate programs like Wingate, giving smaller teams access to resources previously reserved for elite athletes.
“The exciting thing about this tech is its scalability,” Greenfield said. “It’s not just for Olympians anymore.”
Radkewich and his team are also looking ahead, exploring additional tools such as wearable biosensors that track hydration levels and muscle fatigue in real time.
“The goal is always to improve, not just individually but as a team,” Radkewich said. “If technology helps us do that, we’re all in.”
For the Wingate triathlon team, technology is more than a trend—it’s a cornerstone of their strategy. By embracing innovation, the Bulldogs are not only improving their performance but also redefining what’s possible for a collegiate program.
“The numbers don’t lie,” Larrabeiti said. “With the right tools and the right mindset, we can keep reaching new heights.”
With a combination of determination, teamwork and technology, Wingate’s triathletes are proving that success in triathlon is as much about brains as it is about brawn.
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