ZOOM ON THE TRIATHLETE BENOIT CHEVALIER AND THE DOLTCINI TRIFUNCTION

The trifunction suit is a must for swimming, pedalling and running. Its main advantages are that it dries quickly after swimming, it is comfortable to ride a bike and it can be forgotten when running thanks to its texture perfectly adapted to the body. A triathlon suit is worn like cycling shorts: without underwear. However, we advise women to wear a bra. The trifunction is a technical outfit, developed and studied to allow the triathlete to be comfortable in all three disciplines.

When you start sorting, you can sometimes get a little lost with the complexity and cost of the material to be purchased. No stress, Geofco proposes you to review all the triathlon equipment thanks to the interview of Benoît Chevalier, 34 years old, a nurse in life and an amateur triathlete in his spare time. We wanted to ask him a few questions about the triathlon equipment we offer for sale on our website.

How did you get into Triathlon and since when?

I was an amateur cyclist, I knew the name of the triathlon to go on holiday in the region of Embrun for several years, where the mythical Embrunman, long the hardest triathlon in the world, takes place. One day I started, it will be 8 years this year that the adventure began.

Can you retrace in a few lines your journey from your beginnings to the present day?

I started out with short distances and then moved on to longer events. I did my first Ironman in 2014 in Vichy. After that I continued to compete all over the world and finally realised my dream as a triathlete: the Ironman of Hawaii. Two years ago, I finished 72nd overall out of 2500 participants of which 80 were male and female professionals. I am proud of this result.

You've been using Doltcini's trifunction for a while now. What are the important criteria for a triathlete when choosing a trifunction?

A triathlon event lasts between 4 and 9 hours, see more. A combi must above all be comfortable!

Second, I'd say it has to be functional. Let me explain. During a competition, a trifunction must not in any way hinder movement and must be correctly maintained at thigh level.

It is also very important that the clothing is breathable and protects the athlete from heat and cold.

Could you tell us the strong points of this Doltcini trifunction?

One word comes directly to my lips: her comfort! The cut is meant to be close to the body without being oppressive. An undeniable asset in such a sport. The skin is of high quality, which sometimes poses a problem in some brands.

The Dolcini trifunction has a good zipper to ventilate the upper body. It has pockets in the back (great when refuelling).

The design is particularly nice, it is also a great asset.

Otherwise, in this so delicate period, how do you manage your time between your nursing work and your training?

I'm a nurse in a hospital in the Mons area, in intensive care. I do my best to avoid falling ill and to be able to continue my job. It's true that it's not easy in these times of the covid pandemic19 ; the days are long and tiring, but you have to stay on top of things!

I live in France, I have the chance to live in the country and take advantage of it to continue running. I continue my training on the home trainer and I replace the swimming pool by weight training.

Finally, hoping to maintain the competition in the second half of the season, we know that your goal was to return to Hawaii, what about it?

Initially, I had planned to do the Lanzarote and Nice ironman for a qualification for the Hawaii ironman next October.

Given the current situation, I don't think there will be a qualifying race before August.

The Nice Ironman is postponed to a date as yet undisclosed but it will probably be in September. If we are allowed to race, I will be there to try and qualify for Hawaii 2021 this time, with the qualifying period ending at the end of August for the 2020 edition.

We are going to close our article by advising you to wash the trifunction at low temperature, 30° maximum in the machine, and to spread it in a place sheltered from the light. Ban the tumble dryer, dry cleaning and ironing to preserve the qualities of your trifunction as much as possible. With all these precautions, it will last over time.

You have understood it, the trifunction is the equipment that will make your life easier on a triathlon, the outfit that will allow you to enjoy your race in the best conditions. Geofco is of course at your disposal if you need advice for your purchases on the site.

We would like to thank Benoit Chevalier for his opinions and advice and wish him every success in his future endeavours.

Take advantage of an additional -20% discount on the purchase of a trifunction by using the code --> benoitchevalier at the checkout.

You will then benefit from a quality trifunction from 65€!

--> https://geofco.be/collections/trifonction

One more little detail, this trifunction is mixed and is therefore also made for you ladies!