IRONMAN Champion reveals why aero testing is key to success at the top of the sport

In a sport as complicated as triathlon, it can often prove difficult to sort through the myriad of kit and technology that people promise will level up your multisport performance.

For the professionals, this guessing game can sometimes be even harder, with the marginal gains that some quality pieces of equipment can bring making the difference at the highest level.

For IRONMAN Champion Joe Skipper, aero testing is a trend that’s here to stay, with the British star explaining why in his most recent YouTube video.

“I’m always in pursuit to find a few more watts”

Having dusted off the cobwebs from his time trial bike, which he’d left in the garage over the British winter, Skipper revealed that he plans on going to the wind tunnel before the season kicks off.

Joe Skipper wins IRONMAN Lake Placid 2023 (Patrick McDermott, Getty Images for IRONMAN).

“I’m actually heading to the wind tunnel, which is one of the reasons I wanted to get the bike sorted, so I’ll hopefully tweak the position a little bit and find a few more watts.”

To stay competitive, Skipper says, finding a few extra watts each year is crucial, as the rest of the professional field are also constantly looking for ways to get faster.

“I’m always in the pursuit to find a few more watts, as nowadays it seems like you always have to find a couple more each year to stop you going backwards, let alone forward against your competitors.”

Working hard for more success after a subpar 2023, Skipper looks to be covering all bases before he embarks on the journey to become the first winner of the IRONMAN Pro Series in 2024.

Written by

Tomos Land

Tomos Land is a triathlon & running journalist whose expertise lies in the professional world of short course & long distance triathlon, though he also boasts an extensive knowledge of ultra-running.

Discover more

TRI-FIT GEO Women’s Tri Suit Review – How does it fare in our quest for the ultimate long course kit?

5 race day mistakes that are sabotaging your triathlon times (and how to fix them)

Rouvy vs Zwift: our indoor cyclists put them to the test

Fastest triathlon courses: Best IRONMAN, long course and middle distance races for a sure-fire personal best

6 tips for taking on an Xtreme triathlon from a PATAGONMAN champion