Tri ing in the rain

I'll take an extra towel and use it to cover my gear in transition. 

You also may want to decrease your tire pressures 5-10 pounds if the roads are wet & slippery.   And watch out for the painted lines on the road.  I've tried using Rain-X on my sunglasses but am not really sure how much difference it made.

I also take along some extra towels and dry clothes to change into after the race.

Also good to clean and re-lube your bike as soon as you can afterwards.

Mark

Did the Chattanooga Oly in July in the pouring rain ... and PR'ed it.  It was actually fun - even if the descents were a bit harry.

The key, I believe, is to embrace the fact that everything will be wet and to not to try to prevent it.   Putting on socks will be challenge; a singlet or jersey almost impossible (best to swim in a singlet).  Wear sunglasses because it will keep the rain from pelting your eyes.

If there is a bottle drop, try your best to steer clear of it.  Those things are dangerous enough when it is dry, add a little water and it will be like a NASCAR pitstop without brakes.

Remember that whatever nutrition you have will be wet too, including Endurolyte caplets, Cliff bars and so forth.

Lastly, have a great time.  Rain provides a free hall-pass from the pressures of finishing times

Been there done that twice last year.  1st one the transition area was flooded with +1" of water during the bike ride and came back to 100% soaked shoes which were under a water resistant backpack that had my dry socks.  It was a total waste of time to change into the dry socks with the wet shoes, didn't figure that out until I left T2 and feet were already soaked!

2nd one had a very hard downpour during the bike.  I had everything in the water resistant backpack inside a plastic bag. I was lucky that it stopped raining by the time T2 came around so I had dry soaks and shoes for the run.

I have not had to race in the rain, but I have heard people get plastic tubs with lids to keep their stuff in.

Sungalsses don't always work so well in the rain. Mine just get so wet I can't see. Haven't tried any treatments to recommend one. I would keep my running shoes covered until you put them on. No reason for them to be water logged before you even start running.