and the high expense keeps most good athletes away. I did one once. I didn’t even buy a tri bike but the costs mount:
race entry
travel and accommodations for race
wetsuit
Bike parts and repairs (even if you don’t buy a bike you chew through components, tires, etc)
food, both for during the training rides and to account for the massive calorie consumption
access to a pool to train (many public pools are $5/session). I temporarily joined my university rec center
all told I could have taken a luxurious international vacation for the price. And I did it on the cheap! No special coaching or tri suit or fancy bike.
funny thing was that all the other guys looked effing amazing, in shape, fancy gear, kitted up. I was super intimidated at the expo but finished in the top 10%