Decathlon enters triathlon

Decathlon, the sports retail giant founded in the late 70s, needs no introduction. Today, the company from northern France designs products through its various brands in many different fields. Aptonia, developed notably for the nutrition segment, will now focus on discovery triathlon. We were in Lille at the beginning of April to discover the company’s development strategies in this area and the project dubbed #Tryathlon.

By Sylvain Pigeau. Photos: S.P. and Decathlon

Decathlon is establishing itself in the world of triathlon, notably through the Chtriman. The event, organized in Gravelines at the beginning of July, has been supported by the brand for several seasons. And what company could be better placed than Decathlon to support this type of event and discipline?

#Tryathlon is therefore aimed at beginners and athletes wishing to embark on the adventure of the triple effort and: “show that it’s much simpler than you think.”

Triathlon is much simpler than you think

For several years, the company, whose parent company is based in Lille, has been interested in triathlon and offers dedicated products. Naturally, at very attractive prices, which has always been the brand’s hallmark. Also, the “smart” and practical aspects of the items are not forgotten, a philosophy dear to the brand. This is achieved through the power of the design offices and the many product engineers present on site.

The B’Twin village in Lille is a gigantic complex dedicated to cycling and sports. The former cigarette factory also houses Decathlon’s development offices.

To create (or complete, as it previously focused on nutrition) the Aptonia universe, Decathlon decided to bring together several of its brands. The cycling division, now called Van Rysel for road bikes, the swimming division (Nabaiji), and running through Kalenji and Kiprun (the competition part of the discipline).

Alexandre Chenivesse presented the Van Rysel range (formerly B’Twin) to us.

Decathlon explores all avenues. From preparation with the Decathlon Coach application (available on Android and Appstore), to nutrition (Aptonia), to products for the race, and finally, to items for massage and recovery. The latter are also referenced at Domyos.

“Smart” and accessible products

On the cycling side, the time trial bike is not yet on the program. “It takes about two years of development,” explains Alexandre Chenivesse at Van Rysel. Decathlon remains true to its values and its focus by offering quality, mass-market equipment at affordable prices. And to meet the needs of the budding triathlete, extensions are available.

Decathlon has its own “torture” lab to test the reliability of its products and standardize them.

The same goes for footwear. Whether for cycling, where a specific “tri” shoe is not yet available, or for running, where products need to be adapted for the triple effort.

While the water sports sectors are located in the South West, and Queshua in the Alps, the other Decathlon brands are installed in the B’Twin village where nearly 2,000 people work.

So, these are the only discipline-specific items that Decathlon does not yet offer. Eventually, we might expect “starter packs,” a complete beginner triathlete kit, consisting of “basic” items (wetsuit, race number belt, shoes…). “It’s under consideration, we’re thinking about it…”, we were told in Lille.

Aptonia and products dedicated to triathlon

Short-distance specific trisuit, full front zip, 2 back pockets. Thigh bands with silicone for optimal support. Price: €30 (one-piece for men, two-piece for women)
Short-distance race number belt (pink or black) Price: €6
Long-distance race number belt compatible with Geasy gels (the gel is inserted into a separate pocket attached with Velcro). Price: €10
Neoprene triathlon wetsuit. Aids buoyancy with 4mm neoprene, great freedom of movement at the joints, inverted zip and short cut to facilitate removal. Designed for men and women starting short-distance triathlon. The Aptonia SD wetsuit, thanks to its flexibility and controlled horizontality, allows for both types of swimming to provide maximum peace of mind. Price: €99 (men and women)
Transition bag. Before the race, the bag allows you to clearly organize all your triathlon gear. With its checklist, the preparation ritual is even easier. During transport, its compact format allows you to carry all your equipment compactly, even in an airplane cabin. During the race, its compartments make it easy to find your equipment during transitions, without wasting time or stress. Price: €50
Extensions for the bike. Adjustable bar length and armrests. 5mm thick armrest pads. 40° angle for a natural grip. Accessible screws, graduations on 6061 aluminum bars. Weight: 490 gramsPrice: €40
Storage bag for nutrition. Very practical bag to install on the top tube of the frame to store gels, energy bars and used wrappers. Price: €10