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It's Race Time
Starting Your Race
You are now ready to race. It is very important to listen to
the race announcer at all times when you arrive at the race
site. There will be continual announcements relating to race
start
times, general rules and information and any last minute
changes. If you are racing in a Duathlon you will be instructed
as to
where to go to start your first run. Triathletes will be
directed to the water for the swim.
The Swim
The swim start is usually broken down into several age groups
staring at the same time. These are called waves. Generally our
races will not have waves with more than 100 athletes starting
at one time. This is a very safe and comfortable number and should
leave you lots of room when you start your swim. You should try
and seed yourself according to your ability, i.e. if you are not
the strongest swimmer you might start a little further in the back
of the pack and might want to consider wearing a wetsuit. There
will be swim buoys clearly marking the swim course. You will
be
advised
on race
day
whether
to keep
the
buoys
to your right or left. Every swim course will have lifeguards,
paddle boards and/or boats. If you are unable to continue or are
having difficulty and can’t get back to shore on your own
then you should move away from the other swimmers, take off your
swim cap and wave it in the air so that lifeguards can see you
and come to your aid. Once you have finished the swim you will
enter the Transition Area and proceed out on to the bike course.
The Bike
Once you have finished the swim you will run into the transition
are and find your bike. (Remember those age group signs at
the end of each bike rack.) Take off your wetsuit, get into your
bike gear and make sure you do up the helmet strap before you
un-rack your bike. Remember you are NOT ALLOWED to ride your
bike in the transition area. All participants must walk or
run
their bike to the bike mounting and dismounting lines at the
exit and entrance of the transition area.
All bike courses will be have distance markers and signage indicating turns. Cyclists should keep to the right at all times, except when passing. (See Top 10 Violations below.) There will be volunteers to tell you of an upcoming corner or turn-around. Please obey all volunteer instructions. There will be Police at all intersections where cyclists DO NOT have the right of way or it is necessary for safety reasons. Bike course are “controlled” to traffic but not “closed” to traffic. A “controlled” course means may vehicles may be on the course during the race. Police will stop vehicular traffic at all intersections to give cyclists the right of way. It is your responsibility to follow all traffic rules and be aware of any traffic that may be on the course.
Drafting is following another cyclist closer than 5 metres. Drafting is not permitted in any race. Riding next to someone is blocking. This is not permitted. Both blocking and drafting have time penalties. Repeated penalties will results in disqualification.
Visit the Ontario Association of Triathletes website and look under Technical for more details on all drafting and blocking rules.
The Run
Once you have finished the bike and racked your bike you need
to change into your run gear and head out onto the run. There will
be aid stations along each run course (see below) along with
KM distance markers and signage to direct you. There will be
volunteers at key intersections or turning points. Please obey
volunteer instructions.
Aid stations
On all run courses there will be water and HEED. On longer courses
such as MultiMan/SoloMan there
will be
water, HEED, Hammer Gel and fruit and/or flat coke. Please DO
NOT LITTER
on the course. Carry gel pouches to the finis or drop any trash
at or near an aid station.
There will be a bottle drop on the bike courses for SoloMan. Full details are on the event pages.
Injuries/Emergencies
If you have a medical condition that requires special consideration or information for the Race Director please advise prior to race day. All races will have St. John’s ambulance, EMS units and/or Medical Doctors on site. There will also be massage therapists and chiropractors at some races. All of these people will be located at or near the Medical Tent.
Post Race
Every race will have a main meal whether Pizza or Maple Lodge Farms chicken products. We also have lots of fresh fruit and bagels and snacks. Some events will have a free massage area. Please pick up all your litter and place it in the garbage or recycling containers. Also make sure that you have all of your race gear before you leave.
Rules
As with most things there are certain rules that must be followed. Rather than give you a long list of rules here are the Top 10 Frequently Violated Rules. Please visit the OAT or Triathlon Canada websites for more information.
- All competitors must wear the Swim Caps provided by the race organizer.
- Helmets: Helmets are compulsory and must be ANSI/SNELL approved Chin straps must be fastened anytime the athlete is in possession of the bicycle. This means that before the bike is removed from the rack, the chin strap must be fastened and remain fastened until the bike is placed back on the racks.
- Riding of bicycles in the transition zone is strictly prohibited at all times. The bike can only be mounted or dismounted at the mount/dismount line outside of the Transition Zone.
- Outside Assistance: Competitors may not receive assistance at any time during the race, or in the transition zone. (This excludes medical or safety assistance given by designated race volunteers or qualified staff.)
- Drafting: Drafting of another competitor or motor vehicle is prohibited on the bike course. The draft zone surrounding each competitor measures 5 metres X 2 metres from the front edge of the front wheel. Competitors have 15 seconds to pass through this zone when overtaking another athlete.
- Blocking: Cyclists should keep to the right at all times, unless passing. Alert fellow cyclists of your intention to pass by saying, "on your left".
- Race Course: Competitors must follow the prescribed course route in all segments of the race as defined by the race organization.
- Race Instructions: It is the Competitor's responsibility to read all supplied information given in the race kits, posted at the race site and listen to verbal announcements given by the Race Director and Race Officials.
- Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Verbal or physical abuse of officials and race volunteers is not acceptable or tolerated.
- Torsos: All athletes must have their torsos covered on the bike and run portions of the event. Bib numbers must be visible on the bike and run courses.