Frequently asked questions in advance of your first Triathlon

Do you have to swim front crawl in the Triathlon?

In short no, you can swim any stroke you want as long as you make it to the end of the swim. You can swim backstroke but please note this can lead to some sighting issues. 

I’m not a strong swimmer and hate people swimming over me in the open water. How can I avoid the scrum?

Stay over to one side of the pack or at the back if you’re not racing competitively. If possible before Triathlon race day find a group that swim in open water. Practising in a group will not only ease you into the large expense of water, it’s also safer and you’ll learn how to swim with others around you. It’s only natural that there will be a bit of squishing and touching off each other but if you’re nervous of this it’s advised you stay to the back. 

Also remember that it’s all part of the racing experience and no triathlete would put you at risk on purpose. 

What do I wear under my Tri suit?

Females only need to wear a Sports Bra. There is no need to wear knickers as there is enough padding in the Tri suit to ensure you’re comfortable on the bike. Usually males don’t wear anything under their Tri suit but it’s your preference. 

If I don’t have a Tri suit what should I wear? 

You must wear a T-shirt/singlet and shorts. Note: you are not allowed expose your chest (male or female) at any time during the race. If you do you will be disqualified. This is often referred to as a no nudity policy

Where do I put my race timing chip?

Put the timing chip on your left leg – on the right leg it could catch on the bike. Ensure the timing chip is comfortable; it shouldn’t be too tight as it will cut you and neither do you want it too loose. Once you finish the race the timing chip will be removed by one of the marshals at the finish line of the run. 

Does Transition area close before the race is due to commence? 

Yes transition area will close approximately 30-45 minutes before the race is due to commence. Hence, you need to have your bike, helmet, runners, towel, drink etc.. set up in transition before the transition area closes before the race starts. 

It is your responsibility to arrive the morning of the race in time and find a space in transition area to rack your bike and neatly lay out your belongings. 

Can I leave whatever I want in the transition area during the race? 

No, you only leave what you require for racing in the transition area. Any items that you have which are not required should be placed in your own bag and placed in the bagging area with your race number located on the bag. When you leave transition area on the morning of the race you will have your wetsuit, hat and goggles with you as this is the first leg.  

If I panic or get tired during the swim what should I do?

If for any reason you panic or get tired during the swim it is suggested you take a moment to settle yourself by threading the water and get your bearings. If you want to flick over on your back if that feels more comfortable for a few moments. Take a few deep breaths and get plenty of oxygen into your lungs. If you have any questions one of the lifeguards can assist you. The lifeguards are also there to encourage you during the swim. Once you have your bearings try putting your head down and swim again. Just because you have to take a break doesn’t mean you need to be rescued from the water. 

If after all the above you still feel uncomfortable lie on your back, and raise your arm in the air with a closed fist and a lifeguard will arrive to rescue you. 

This is my first Triathlon; I’m average at all 3 disciplines, if I want to make up time which discipline is the easiest? 

Given that the cycle takes the longest time (circa 50% of the overall average competitors’ race time) it is easiest to make up time if you’re strong on the bike. Hence, why competitors are often reminded not to forget about the bike as a lot of athletes about to embark on their first Triathlon are very much focused on the swim. 

How do I get out of my wetsuit quickly?

Before you race you should have lubricated your shins, calves and ankles with wetsuit lube or Vaseline. When you get out of the water, you’ll be dizzy. Take a second to get your bearings and get your breath back. Push your goggles up so you can see, but don’t pull them off just yet – you’re going to need both hands. 

Start running towards transition (the swim-to-bike transition is known as T1). As you go, pull the zip of your wetsuit down and yank your arms out of your wetsuit. At this stage pull your hat and goggles off. Some athletes like to remove their cap and goggles just before pulling their arms out, and then leave them in the sleeve of the wetsuit for later. 

Still running, pull your wetsuit down to your hips. This should leave your legs free to sprint up to your bike. Once you’re in Transition area in one forceful movement, pull your wetsuit down as far as it will go. Do this quickly – once water drains out of the suit it becomes harder to get off. 

Now you have to get your feet out. This is the tricky bit. Hold onto the racking and stand on your wetsuit, yanking the other foot up and out. You may have to hook a thumb in to release your heels. 

Why do I need a Race Belt? 

You need a race belt as this is where you put your race number that is provided to you. It is your decision when you want to put on the race belt with the race number. Some athletes wear this during the swim under their wetsuit; others prefer to put it on in transition (T1) once their wetsuit is off after the swim. During the cycle the race number is shown to the rear and during the run the race number is shown to the front.  If you don’t have a race belt, there will be pins supplied with your race number.

Where do I put all the stickers that include my race number which I receive when I register? 

Once you register you will receive your race No. and 3 stickers which detail your Race Number. The 3 stickers should be placed as follows: 

1. To the front of your bicycle helmet, this should be clearly visible on your helmet to marshals and supporters on the day. 
2. The second stickers is located on your bike under your saddle, in the event that a bike is missing we can trace the bike to the competitor.
3. The third sticker is located on your race bag, once you leave your bag into the “Bag Area” after the transition area closes before the race begins. Sports Bags etc… Are not allowed to be left in transition during the race for Health & Safety reasons. Hence, why there will be a designated area to leave bags. 

What do I do after I get out of the water?

Once you’re out of the water you have the first leg of the Triathlon complete, you need to run to transition and on your way you can remove your swim hat, goggles and wet suit. You leave these in the Transition area. You then put on your socks and runners/cycling shoes. Some competitors like to have a towel waiting for them in transition to dry off. Ensure your race number is also on ensuring the Number is visible to anyone to your rear. 

One of the most important rules on race day is that you do not touch your bike until you have your helmet on safely. If you do you will be disqualified. Sunnies are a good idea also even on a cloudy day.  Once your helmet is on and fastened you can then take your bike and run out of transition to the Mount line. You must not mount on your bike until you’ve gone through mount line. 

During the cycle am I allowed cycle right behind another competitor? 

Strictly NO, under no circumstances should you cycle right behind another competitor (or tuck in close) during the race. This is commonly referred to as “drafting”; it is seen as an unfair advantage as you expend less energy with up to 27% less wind resistance. If you Draft on race day you will be disqualified. 

Where do I dismount once the cycle leg of the race is finished? 

The marshals will notify you where you dismount from your bike. Once you dismount you run back into the transition area with your bike. You must not remove your helmet until your bicycle is racked up. Once your bicycle is on the rack you can then remove your helmet. If you have cycles shoes on you need to then remove the cycle shoes and put on your runners. Once you’re ready for the run you run out of Transition and begin the last leg of your race. 

Why it is important to listen to the briefing before the race commences? 

There are numerous reasons why you should listen to the briefing on race morning. One of the most important reasons being to know where to enter and exit in transition for the cycle and run. 

The briefing session often highlights areas of the cycle and run route which may be dangerous and if there are parts of the route where extra caution is required. e.g. hazardous bends, road conditions, steep decline etc.. 

You will be briefed on the format of entering the water. For example, how many waves, time between each wave etc… 

Once we enter the water will I have time to acclimatize before the race starts? 

Yes, all competitors are given a few minutes to get familiar with the water and surroundings before the race commences. Should you require additional time to acclimatize it is recommended you get into the water as early as possible in your wave. This will ensure you have the longest amount of time possible. 

Will there be water provided along the cycle and run routes?

Water is not provided to athletes on the cycle route but there will be water stations on the run route. 

It is expected that athletes carry a water bottle with them on the bike. It is recommended you have a drink ready at transition for when you come out of the river.