Matt Perkins Kills it, getting his 3rd World Tri Title!

You see so many types of pedal strokes these days, it gives the impression there is no "right" way, given all the different fitting ideas and systems. Maybe there isn't. But we think the pedal stroke is very complicated action just like golf and that it takes much time to prefect it!
Just like other sports, biomechanics and kinesiology can make a difference.

It should be pointed out that we accept the idea that there will be good days and bad days in any sport and therefore you should always work to get your stroke right. In fact, as in any sport study and perfect practice produce results. So if your address to the bike is off, how are you ever going to practice perfect moves?

A good pedal stroke requires smooth rhythm and a steady, repeating pace. That means time on the bike with great focus, and doing everything smoothly. Just understand, regardless of your routine, there are a lot of variations. The key is to perform exactly the same way on every single stroke.

"The only thing you can do if you don't address the bike according to your bones, is to manipulate the muscle to make the stroke."

Is there a "Sliver Bullet"? No! It can take years to obtain the perfect posture, the perfect routine. We view posture as the means of how you address the bike for the type of game you wish to play and then put the thought process/time into it every stroke. Not only do you gather information you need about the stroke itself, but you also get yourself in the best frame of mind. Understand, that muscles move the bones, and finding your best line of pull is key!

Due to the speed, you might look and think there's very little movement in your legs and torso during the stroke. But that is not the case! We want the body mechanically sound, but also in the degree of relaxation allowing you better feedback. We want both the bones & muscles working in concert! The bones have mass that need to be plugged into the moves, not just your muscles.

The biggest priority in the stroke is to establish a feeling of sensitivity, comfort and relaxation.
So if you only have one leg e.g. 3 time World Tri Champion Matt Perkins you would think he needs to really muscle it to keep things moving forward. Surprisingly, using the Myo-facts sEMG/Dartfish Matt has learned to lighten the foot pressure, lean how to make foot speed allowing him to focus more on his single foot with more relaxation.

Matt must have learned from it all, he has a better feel for the stroke now, as it has really paid off.

Congrats on your success!

Below is his email to us:

"I was waiting to get a look at the splits before sending this, but they messed up a lot of peoples times so the results are still not on line. but I of course know how I did.

They shortened the swim from a 1500m to a 1100m due to cold water and outside temps, otherwise all went well. The water got too choppy after about an hour or so of racing and they cancelled the swim for the other waves and made the race a duathlon, we were one of the few groups that got to race the course as it should be. I had a good swim, was closer to and ahead of some that I am usually not. The cold water didn’t bother me.

I had a good bike and kept changing leads with a Frenchman, before passing him one more time right before entering the transition. I left transition in the lead, I have never done that before, I usually have to pass everyone on the run. So the race was pretty much over as I started the run. I had a large lead on the other guys that are decent runners, and I only added to the lead. I had a good run, adding to the lead I already had, and ended up winning a 3rd world title by a solid 5 to 10 minutes.


I am not sure by how far until I see the results, but it was a serious beating, in large part due to what I think will be my fastest bike split. Thanks so much for your help.

Matt Perkins"