How to prevent Multisport Files from being split on Strava [Solved]

[GotoesUser]

Hi! I'm trying to upload a Garmin Fenix 7 Pro multisport FIT file (triathlon) to Strava as a single activity, instead of having Strava split it into separate swim, bike and run activities. My workflow is: Record the race as a multisport activity on my Garmin Fenix 7 Pro. Open the original FIT file in GOTOES. Use the Combine tool (even though there is only one FIT file). Save the output as a FIT file. Upload it manually to Strava. However, Strava always splits the activity into multiple activities. About a year ago, I was able to upload multisport FIT files through GOTOES and Strava imported them as a single activity. I'm therefore wondering whether something has changed in GOTOES or if this is due to changes in Strava. My questions are: Is it still possible to use GOTOES to create a FIT file that Strava imports as a single activity? If so, which settings should I use? If not, is there any way to remove or flatten the multisport/session/sport messages while preserving all the original record data (GPS, heart rate, power, cadence, etc.)? My goal is simply to preserve all sensor data while preventing Strava from splitting the activity. If this is no longer possible because of changes in Strava, I'd really appreciate knowing that as well. Thanks in advance!

[fulmar2]

Thanks for the detailed explanation. The important distinction is between:

1. A true multisport FIT file containing separate swim, transition, bike and run sessions; and
2. A single-session FIT file containing all of the same record data but classified as one activity type.

Strava currently detects conventionally formatted multisport FIT files and automatically separates them during upload. Strava describes that behavior here:

Strava: Activity Split Tool and automatic multisport splitting

GOTOES can work-around this new Strava behavior, but you must flatten it into a single sport rather than export it as “MultiSport.”

In GOTOES:

1. Upload the original FIT file to the Combine/Repair tool.
2. Select ANY other sport other than “MultiSport”.
3. Export the result as a FIT file and upload that file to Strava.

GOTOES will rebuild the file as a single activity/session while retaining the available record-level data, such as GPS, heart rate, power and cadence.

The compromise is that Strava must treat the entire activity as the single sport you selected. For example, choosing “Ride” means that the swim and run portions will also be interpreted as part of a ride.

“Workout” is probably the most neutral choice. Strava supports Workout as an activity type, although it will not receive all of the cycling, running or swimming-specific features, leaderboards and segment treatment:

Strava: Supported Sport Types

Therefore, I would suggest:

• Workout if representing the entire triathlon honestly as one generic activity is most important.
• Ride if cycling metrics, cycling segments and cycling totals are more important, with the understanding that Strava will treat the entire event as cycling.
• Run for the equivalent running-oriented compromise.

Unfortunately, Strava does not currently provide a true single-activity triathlon presentation comparable to Garmin Connect. A true multisport FIT export from GOTOES will therefore be split again by Strava.

There is also an existing discussion/feature request on Strava’s community site where you can add your support:

Strava Community: Multi-Sport Support

I hope that clarifies the difference. If the file still gets divided after you select Workout or another single sport, please send me the original file and the GOTOES output file so I can check whether any multisport session messages are unexpectedly surviving the conversion.