Moving to a new country often comes with surprises, and as triathletes, we’ve had quite a few since arriving in Sweden. Here are some things we’ve learned about the Swedish triathlon scene that may be helpful if you’re new to the sport or to the country.
1. Free Swimming and Easy Access to Outdoor Training
One of the first shocks we had was discovering that it’s free to swim in Sweden’s lakes! Back in the UK, finding a nice open water spot often meant driving for miles and paying a hefty fee. In Sweden, you're never far from a lake or an outdoor track, and most of them are accessible without cost. This freedom has made training so much easier and more spontaneous—though the chilly water might require a little extra courage!
2. Starting with an Ironman Is Totally Normal
In the UK, athletes often start with sprint or Olympic-distance triathlons and gradually build up to the Ironman. But here in Sweden, many people dive right into their first triathlon with a full Ironman! We believe this stems from a culture of embracing epic challenges like the Svenska Klassiker (The Swedish Classic), which involves completing a series of endurance events over the course of a year. These traditions normalize long, grueling events and encourage people to push their limits from the outset.
3. Zwift Is Your Best Friend
The long Swedish winters mean that outdoor training isn't always possible. For quality bike sessions, Zwift has become a must-have for many triathletes here. If you don’t have access to sunny training camps in Spain, the “pain cave” (aka your indoor setup) is where you’ll spend a lot of time building your fitness during the colder months.
4. Expect to Travel for Races
Sweden is a big country, and races are often spread far apart. If you’re eyeing a triathlon event, expect to drive—what counts as a local race here may still mean a 2-hour drive! That said, the journey is usually worth it, with incredible races like Ironman 70.3 Jönköping and Ironman Kalmar, both of which offer beautiful courses and fantastic support. There are also smaller races worth checking out, like the Bauer Triathlon or Sala Silverman.
5. A Short Race Season but No July Races!
Due to the long winters, the triathlon season in Sweden is relatively short, with most events packed between May and September. And even though July typically has the best weather, you won’t find many races that month because so many people are on vacation. It’s a uniquely Swedish experience, and something to keep in mind when planning your race calendar.
6. Training During Work Hours? Totally Acceptable
Another pleasant surprise has been the culture of wellness in the workplace. In many jobs here, it’s common to take time during work hours for health-related activities like physiotherapy or bike fitting. Some employers even provide an allowance to cover part of these costs, which really shows how much Sweden prioritizes health and well-being.
7. Friendly Triathletes, but Don’t Expect Waves on the Bike
Sweden’s triathlon and cycling communities are incredibly welcoming, but one thing that still baffles us is that nobody waves when you're out cycling. Coming from the UK, where a friendly nod or wave is the norm, this has been an adjustment. But despite the lack of waves, we’ve found Swedish triathletes and cyclists to be supportive and encouraging.
8. An Amazing Triathlon Community
Finally, the triathlon community here is fantastic. Sweden’s focus on health and well-being really shines through in the way athletes support each other, even during grueling events like Ironman. It’s no wonder that both Ironman Kalmar and Ironman 70.3 Jönköping consistently rank as two of the best races globally in terms of experience and community vibe.
So, if you’re considering jumping into triathlon in Sweden, you won’t regret it! Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned athlete, the community here is welcoming, and the opportunities for training and racing are plentiful. And remember, if you ever need advice or guidance, we at Pain Free Power are here to help you along the way!