Event Instructions and Useful Tips

 

Sunday 16 th July 2006

Adults: 440m pool swim 30km road bike 7.5km road run
Children 88 m pool Swim 2km off road bike 750m cross-country run

PLANNING AND ARRIVAL

Ensure your bike is in a road worthy condition and the handlebar tube ends have the plugs fitted (no exposed tubes).

Plan to arrive at Farleigh School at least 45 minutes before your start time.

Check you have packed your Race Bib Numbers and safety pins and that the self-adhesive Race Number label is attached to the frame of your bike (Transition Marshals will not let anyone take a bike out of the Transition Area if they do not have matching race bib & bike frame numbers).

Arrive with your swim costume on under your garments, as toilets and male/female segregated changing room facilities may be busy. Please note that once you start the race all other transition garment changes take place in full view of the other competitors and spectators.

Park your car in designated areas only. Event Marshals and signs will guide you on the day. IMPORTANT: Please do not park on the roads that form part of the bike/run route as this will cause a safety hazard to you and fellow participants

Report to the Registration Desk where your race number will be written on your upper arms and calves by the Race Marshal.

SETTING OUT YOUR TRANSITION AREA

Take only the equipment needed for the ‘swim to bike' and ‘bike to run' transition into the ‘Transition Area'. This will include:

Locate the bike rack that corresponds to your race number and hook either your handlebars or seat onto it.

Lay your towel on the floor at the side of your bike with cycle/running shoes at the top end, along with any other equipment/garment you intend to use in the bike/run phase. IMPORTANT: Personal audio devices may NOT be worn.

Place your cycle helmet on the bike seat or handlebars.

Leave the transition area once you have set out your equipment.

TIPS

Become familiar with the transition entry and exit points in relation to where your bike is racked. Try and form a mental picture of the routes you plan to take thorough the transition area. This will help to avoid any confusion later as the transition area will look very different on your return due to the addition and removal of other participants' bikes during the event! Please note: leaving non-essential items in transition to help you recognise your racking position is not allowed.

Pulling on a vest or top over a wet or even freshly towelled dry body in transition is very difficult. Female participants may wear their swim costume to complete the whole event but male participants are not allowed to compete the bike/run phases of the event topless. For those who do not have a tri-specific costume, we suggest you wear a close fitting running vest during the swim. Make sure the vest is made from a man-made fibre, such as polyester (not cotton), that will drain quickly once you exit the pool.

If you do not have a ‘number belt' we suggest you attach a single race bib number to a length of string that is long enough to tie around your waist and leave it in the Transition Area, making sure it is placed so it will not blow away. Once in the swim/bike transition you can then secure the string around your waist using simple secure knot. Alternatively you can fix the Race Bib Numbers to the front and back of any top you intend to put on during the Swim to Bike Transition. Do not swim with your bib race numbers fixed in place as they will rip during the swim.

Place plenty of talcum powder inside any shoes or garments you intend to put on in transition to help you get it on over your body. Garments such as tops or socks are easier to get on if rolled up first

SWIM

Report to the Swim Pool Assembly Area 15 minutes before the your start time and listen carefully to the safety briefing given by the Swim Marshal.

Participants will be given a coloured swim cap to wear to help the Lane Marshal identify the swimmers.

Each swim lane will have a maximum four swimmers and all will enter the pool when instructed by the Lane Marshal. (Swim starts and finishes at the shallow end of the pool)

Your Lane Marshal will then set each swimmer off at 10 second intervals (so no dive starts).

Swimmers may complete the swim distance using either front crawl and/or breast stroke (butterfly and backstroke are not allowed)

Tumble turns are allowed but not mandatory.

Swimmers may stop and rest at the end of pool, if they wish, but please ensure you do not obstruct the other swimmers.

If the swimmer behind catches you and they wish to pass, they will touch your toes. At the next end, you must stop, let them pass and then continue your own swim.

When you have just two lengths to go the ‘Lane Marshal' will gently tap you on the head with a swim float.

Exit the pool by climbing out the end of your lane (do not use the pool steps).

Hand your coloured swim cap to your ‘Lap Marshal' and then proceed swiftly to the Transition Area using the path marked for this purpose. IMPORTANT Do not run on the tiled floor as it will be very slippery!

TIPS

Swim goggles will help you to see during the swim.

Baggy swim shorts increase drag, tight fitting swim shorts or trunks are best.

SWIM TO BIKE TRANSITION

Put on cycle helmet and secure the strap!

Put on sunglasses, if you intend to wear them.

Tie your Race Number around your waist ensuring the number will be visible from behind.

Wipe your feet on the towel to remove any grit before putting on shoes/socks.

Remove bike from rack and push to the exit marked ‘BIKE OUT'.

TIPS

IMPORTANT: You are only allowed to hold a bike whilst wearing a secured cycle helmet. Make sure you put on your helmet and fastened the strap before you un-rack your bike!

Remember, the time spent in Transition is added to your overall race time so be as swift as possible.

Don't worry about being wet as you leave the Transition Area you will soon dry out once out on the bike!

BIKE

Once mounted on your bike, follow the signs guiding you along the cycle route.

For those competing on Sunday, the route will be along public roads open to normal traffic flow. Route Marshal will point out any turns or hazards but they are not authorised to interfere with traffic flow, it is your responsibility to follow the highway code at all times and be prepared to give way if necessary.

As you proceed along the bike route do not take shelter from wind resistance by riding close behind or alongside another cyclist even if they give you permission.

Carry any drink food you wish to consume during the event with you. Do not arrange for others to pass it to you on route.

If you are unable to complete the bike section for any reason either walk back to the last marshal you passed, or if you are close to another intersection, walk there to the next marshal. The marshal will then organize a car to come out to collect you and your bike.

TIPS

As the Junior Bike section is off road then a mountain bike would be best suited to the terrain.

Remember to keep hydrated.

BIKE TO RUN TRANSITION

Dismount bike in the designated DISMOUNT BIKE area just outside the Transition Area

Call out your race number as you pass the Transition Marshal

Proceed swiftly to your Rack Position

IMPORTANT: Rack your bike before you unfasten and remove your cycle helmet.

Store any discarded equipment next to your bike in a manner that does not impede or create a hazard to your fellow participants.

Turn your race number to face forwards.

Proceed swiftly to the RUN OUT exit

RUN

Follow the signs guiding you along the run route.

For those competing on Sunday, the route will be along public roads open to normal traffic flow. Route Marshal will point out any turns or hazards but they are not authorised to interfere with traffic flow, it is your responsibility to follow the highway code at all times and be prepared to give way if necessary.

Call out your race number as you pass the FINISH LINE.

If for any reason you do not complete the event please report this fact to the Marshal at the Finish Line.

TIPS

Remember to keep hydrated.

Be prepared for the strange feeling switching from cycling to running creates. Expect your legs feel like jelly or lead, but don't panic, after a while your running legs will return.

Be prepared for that immense feeling of elation that will wash over you as you cross the finish line. Take pride in your achievement and enjoy the day.

GOOD LUCK from the Andover Triathlon Club Committee

If you have any other queries regarding the event you can email the event organisers or ask a Race Marshal for clarification on the day.