While triathlon is a combination of swim, bike and run, focusing on each sport periodically will help take your racing to a new level. One good way to do this is try your hand at bike racing.

Before attempting bike races, you should already have experience riding in a group, and also, you will need to loose the aero bars and just have a normal drop bar only on your bike.

Bike racing in the US is governed by USA Cycling (www.usacycling.org). It is run similarly to USA Triathlon, with races being sanctioned and participants are required to possess an annual or one-day license. Races can also found at the website (www.usacycling.org/events/). Races are broken out by age groups and categories. Categories start at Cat. 5 (which all one day licensees race at) all the way up to Cat. 1 (elite). Age groups are usually 10 years, starting at 30 or 35, depending on your location. Be aware that if racing in your age group-all categories races together, so if a beginner, it's best to stick with the Cat. 5 or 4/5 race, as its based on ability.

Bike racing will help take your riding to a new level. While solo or even group training rides can work, there's nothing like trying to hang in the pack or not get dropped on a climb to get you motivated! It will also improve your cornering and descending skills by enabling you to follow more experienced racers.

Races come in all shapes in sizes, but obviously Time Trials and Road Races fit the bill more than Criteriums. Time Trials are just that, time trials, riding alone against the clock, as in a triathlon. While similar to a tri, it can be refreshing to do a time trial as hard as you can, without the swim first and run after. Approach a TT as you would a hard interval workout, Allow time for a proper warm-up, including a few short race pace efforts, and be sure to cool-down after.

Road races come in all shapes and sizes-flat, hilly, long or short. Depending on your primary triathlon race distance-sprint, Oly, half IM (I would limit or eliminate bike racing if focusing on Ironmans), try to find road races similar in time duration and terrain to your events. For example, if Oly triathlon focused, using 2-3 hour road races will train you over the time of your event, while providing a serious boost to your bike fitness. Also, finding races that challenge your weaknesses (climbing, speed on flats) will give you an extra kick to your training.

Criteriums are multi-lap races held on short (usually a mile or less). Crits can be fun and certainly emphasize bike handling and cornering. Not for the faint at heart, if confident of your skills, they can be a fun workout. Just be aware of the added danger!

With any of the above events, if feeling up to it, brick runs can be added after a race. Keep in mind that bike racing can by very intensive, so aim to enter events after your base is built and you are building to a peak or coming into your main part of your tri race season.