James Witts
Freelance sports writer and author
Former 220 Triathlon magazine editor James is a cycling and sports writer and editor who's been riding bikes impressively slowly since his first iridescent-blue Peugeot road bike back in the 80s. He's a regular contributor to a number of cycling and endurance-sports publications, plus he's authored four books: The Science of the Tour de France: Training secrets of the world’s best cyclists, Bike Book: Complete Bicycle Maintenance, Training Secrets of the World's Greatest Footballers: How Science is Transforming the Modern Game, and Riding With The Rocketmen: One Man's Journey on the Shoulders of Cycling Giants
Recent articles by James Witts
How to get more aero on a bike on a budget
Costly wheels and drag-cheating frames are the key to becoming slippery on the bike, right? Think again with our guide to becoming aero on a budget
How to use heart rate in your swim training
Form’s new Smart Swim 2 goggles project your (accurate!) heart rate onto the goggle lens for on-the-fly feedback. It’s set to transform the performance of all levels of triathlete. We show you how…
Best triathlon bike shoes in 2024 reviewed
As well as a good fit and a stiff sole, triathletes also need bike shoes that are easy to get on and off in a hurry. Jack Sexty and James Witts test 17 of the best triathlon bike shoes to see which ones tick all the boxes...
Hardest Geezer set to complete run along the length of Africa
Ultramarathon legend and Sussex’s finest Russ Cook is set to complete his 16,000km run across Africa. Simply incredible…
Suunto Race review
The new Suunto Race comes with some great tech at a very reasonable price. But is it enough to put it above the competition? We find out
19 of the best triathlon watches reviewed
A well-chosen triathlon watch can revolutionise your performance, making you stronger, smarter and faster. But which triathlon watch is the best for you? We test and review 19 of the best multisport watches
Best heart rate monitors for running and triathlon in 2024
Looking for a heart rate monitor to help take your training to the next level? Here are some of our top picks...
Why you need to train in the heat
Lucy Charles-Barclay’s 2023 Ironman World Champs victory came off the back of training in artificial heat, but it’s something us mere mortals could try, as it has benefits in the cold, too. Here’s the thinking…
Wahoo Kickr Bike Shift review
In the market for an indoor bike and wondering if the Wahoo Kickr Bike Shift fits the bill? We take it for a spin to find out
Best cycling snacks for fuelling on the bike
Fed up of gels and looking for some alternative cycling snacks to keep you going on the bike? Here's some fresh inspiration...
What is jogger's nipple and how to prevent it?
Exercise is the elixir of life. But every now and then it causes one big problem: jogger’s nipple. Thankfully, not only are there simple ways to treat it, there are proven ways to prevent it, too…
How science can help us bike and run faster
Beating drag and heat on the bike and run is the ultimate goal of all competitive triathletes, so how is it achieved? James Witts, with the help of Huub Design, dives into the scientific detail…
Best running shoes to buy in 2024
Looking for some new running shoes to help you achieve your goals in 2024? Here are the shoes the 220 Triathlon test team rates highly right now...
Is Jetze Plat the most successful multisport athlete in the world?
Dutch paratriathlete Jetze Plat is an Ironman World Champs winner, four-time Paralympic gold medallist and is weighed down by world titles. Here, the 32-year-old reveals how wheelchair domination is next on his radar…
Best protein bars for post-exercise recovery in 2024
Looking for another way to get your protein fix throughout the day or after exercise? We put a range of bars to the (taste) test...
Supersapiens vs Levels: Continuous glucose monitors reviewed
Should you invest in a continuous glucose monitor to help with your training and racing? Former 220 editor James Witts tests two options to find out...
Best men's cycling jerseys
Looking for a short-sleeved bike jersey to see you through countless hours on the bike? We take to the road to find some of the best cycling jerseys around for men
How to race well in the heat
A deterioration in performance is inevitable when racing triathlon in the heat. But those losses can be minimised with our proven heat-beating toolbox…
How to fuel the sprint triathlon
Hydration is especially key when it comes to fuelling a sprint triathlon, but how much will depend on your bodyweight. James Witts explains…
What to eat during the week before your triathlon
You should spend race week stuffing yourself with pasta, right? Think again, as what you eat or drink in the week before can make or break your race…
How much should you eat during a half-Ironman?
Racing middle-distance this season and not sure how to stay fuelled on the day? Our experts share their answers...
How to fuel the Olympic-distance triathlon
Carbohydrate intake is increasingly important before and during an Olympic-distance triathlon. So adopt a carb-strategy and also grab some coffee to help you out…
Garmin Forerunner 965 review
Is an AMOLED screen reason enough for you to upgrade your multisport watch? James Witts reviews the Garmin Forerunner 965 to find out
How to fuel the Ironman
Timing is key when feeling and hydrating for and during a long-distance race. Here, James Witts explains when and what to eat and drink during an Ironman…