Aero refers to aerodynamics, how air flows around a cyclist, runner, or gear. To endurance athletes, “being aero” is about minimizing wind resistance so that you can travel faster with less effort. Small adjustments in your position or your gear can make huge differences in your performance.
Aerodynamics plays an important role in triathlon and cycling, in particular in time trials or flat terrain when air resistance makes things tougher for competitors. Special bikes, helmets, aerodynamic outfits, and deep wheels are utilized in order to minimize drag. Time-trial bikes and triathlon bikes are set in order to have the rider low and narrow in relation to the wind. The position of the rider on the bicycle, with arms tucked in and back flat, as well as how he pedals, is as much an advantage as the gear. Triathletes view being aerodynamic on the bicycle as an opportunity to improve in the subsequent running. Pool swimmers as well as open-water swimmers attempt to draft in the rear of other swimmers in order to create less resistance. For endurance athletes, being aerodynamic equates to picking up speed for free—improved aerodynamics allows them to travel faster with less effort spent, which is useful for longer events.
