Starting Out

GETTING STARTED IS EASY

Triathlon is a great sport for all ages and abilities. All you need is a bike, running shoes and some goggles. There are races with a range of distances to suit a variety of fitness levels.

WHAT IS A TRIATHLON

Swim - The triathlon starts with a swim, most likely being open water (either the beach or a lake). Triathletes are to swim around the buoys and back to the start.

Bike – After the swim the athletes then enter the Transition Area, this is where they change into their shoes and helmet. They then enter the cycling leg of the course.

Run -  Once the cycle leg is finished, triathletes enter into another Transition Area and dismount the bike, shoes are put on and helmet is taken off. This is the final leg of the race.

Here are some things to help with preparation:

Pre Race

• Practise entering a "Transition Area" from the swim. Put on your helmet, take off your wetsuit (if using one). Put on your shoes (if not already attached to the bike). Unrack your bike and run with your bike to the Mount line. 
• Practise dismounting at the Dismount line, and finding your rack. Rack your bike and then put on shoes. Only then take off your helmet.

Race Day

• Get to know the Transition Area - where the Entry and Exit points are. 
• Look over the course so you are confident of where you are going. 
• Have a well-laid out personal area: shoes, water, helmet, towel. 
• Remember to always have the top half of your body covered Register at the venue and get your race number 
• Be at the briefing, so you know what is expected
• Have fun.

After the Race

• Collect your gear, when permitted to enter the Transition Area
• Drink plenty of water
   

Gear that you will need

• Swim: wetsuit, goggles, cap
• Cycle: bike, helmet, shoes, water/gels, pump, sunglasses
• Run: shoes (with elastic laces), hat, towel, sunglasses.
   

Before your Race

Before you start your Triathlon on the Race Day there are some guidelines you have to obey.We all need to abide by the following Guidelines at all times.

Before the Race

Arrive in Time - It is every athlete's responsibility to arrive at the race venue in good time to register, rack your bike and set up transition in time to attend the race briefing.

• Arriving at the last minute or as registration closes puts pressure on the organisers and often delays the race start thus inconveniences your fellow athletes. 
• Plan your morning to arrive in time to enjoy your race.

Race Briefing - Every athlete must attend the race briefing AND LISTEN to the announcements, course advice and details.

• The Race Briefing is for everyone's benefit and ensures that everyone knows all details, changes, start times etc. for the race etc. 
• If you miss information provided in the briefing it is your problem

In Transition

• Your helmet must be fastened BEFORE you remove your bike from the rack (as you start your ride) and remain fastened until you replace your bike on the rack (after your ride)
• Do not ride your bike in the transition area 
• You must mount and dismount at the marked zones only and as advised by the marshal. 
• Your bike must be returned to exactly the same position you were racked in at the start.

 On the Bike

Obey road rules at all times. This includes:

• Stop at all stop signs and give way when signed. 
• Never overtake another cyclist on the inside (to their left.) 
• Never cross double lines. 
• Always keep to the left unless overtaking.

Note that failure to obey road rules in a race will result in disqualification. For the sake of the club and its members and for your own safety please obey road rules at all times.

Drafting

Drafting is when you follow the bike in front too closely and gain advantage.

• Drafting is cheating. 
• You must maintain a draft zone of 7 metres (about the size of a Commodore or roughly four bike lengths) between yourself and any rider in front of you.
• You have 15 seconds in the drafting zone to accomplish an overtaking move.

The Bleeding Obvious

• It is the athlete's responsibility to know the course including, all entry and exit points to transition. 
• Never throw anything (goggles, wrappers, water bottles etc) onto the course or to spectators. 
• You may not receive outside assistance of any kind (drinks, food, cap, clothing etc.) from anyone (family, friends, coach etc.) during the race. 
• Be courteous at all times to your fellow competitors, marshals and race officials.