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.
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Last Updated on 13 December 2025 by the5krunner
My favourite kit and nutrition
- Injinji – Runners protect your toes. Avoid discomfort and minor injury. Run more. Run faster. I use them.
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter — The small adapter that keeps your charging cables tidy. Essential for race day. I use one.
- Garmin charging puck — the fastest and most reliable way to top up your Garmin before a session. I use one.
- Ravemen FR300 — Front light that mounts directly under your Garmin or Wahoo head unit. Keeps your bars clean and your beam pointed where it matters. I use one.
- Body Glide – The blue anti-chafe stick that all swimmers and many runners use. I use it.
- Maurten — The race nutrition trusted by elite athletes. Gels and drink mixes engineered to be easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Garmin Varia RTL515 — A radar rear light that alerts you to vehicles approaching from behind. Pairs with your Edge or Garmin watch. I use this model.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2 — The power-meter pedals most serious cyclists choose. Accurate, easy to move between bikes. I use this model.
- Garmin Forerunner 970 — A serious choice for a pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Polar H10 — My daily driver for accurate, waking HRV readings.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3 — The bike computer that has the feature Garmin lacks: usability. I use mine on most rides.
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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. ID
