I’d always go aero.
There’s even a benefit at slower speeds. I think aero bars aren’t allowed in ‘races’ (as opposed to time trials) for safety reasons – otherwise they would be used.
I guess the Gijondilema is the hill(s). I think from memory it’s a 150m ascent (and descent) per lap…that’s not huge but I seem to also remember that the climb was all within one 5km section of the course. And climbing is one of those factors where weight might make a difference.
So will the extra weight of SOME FULL/DISC rear wheels causing a slower uphill time offset the shorter time from extra speed gained going downhill with those wheels? Probably not. At least I hope not, as I haven’t got a disc myself and I am counting on the hills as ‘the great technological equalizer’ in this event. Which is a bit crazy as I haven’t done that much ‘hill’ training and I’ve tried to lose weight but haven’t! Oh well.
Related articles
- Duathlon – The Cost Of Competing For Your Country (the5krunner.com)
- Can you wear running shoes to bike the duathlon or triathalon? (the5krunner.com)
- Duathlon vs Triathlon – Which is best or hardest? (the5krunner.com)
- Sprint And Standard Duathlon – Age Group ITU ETU World European Championships 2012-2013 (the5krunner.com)
- Tips and Tricks to reduce bike time in duathlon (the5krunner.com)
- How Much Do I Sweat During Strenuous 5k & Duathlon Exercise – & So What? (the5krunner.com)
- What Do The British Triathlon Abbreviations Mean On The Qualification Pages? (the5krunner.com)
- Nutrition Plan + Hydration Plan: 5k, 10k, Standard Duathlon, Sprint Duathlon (the5krunner.com)
Last Updated on 13 December 2025 by the5krunner
Reader-Powered Content
This content is not sponsored. It’s mostly me behind the labour of love, which is this site, and I appreciate everyone who supports it.
Support the site: Follow (free, fewer ads) · Subscribe (paid, ad-free) · Buy Me A Coffee ❤️
All articles are written by real people, fact-checked, and verified for originality. See the Editorial Policy. FTC: Affiliate Disclosure — some links pay commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors.
