TriShave Sydney Tri Series - Rnd 3 - PRE EVENT INFO

TriShave Sydney Tri Series - Rnd 3 - 7/02/2010 - INFO YOU NEED TO KNOW!

TriShave Sydney Triathlon Series - Rnd 3 - 7 February 2010

Registration Opens: 0515

Start time: 0700 - First Wave (Note: this may be held to 7:15am dependent on available light and weather conditions hampering layout of swim course...)

Presentation: 0945-1000

Hello and welcome to the TriShave Sydney Triathlon Series - Kurnell Rnd 3, organised by TNSW.

If this is your first ever triathlon, welcome, and we sincerely hope you have fun on the day and make many new friends.

If you have read these words before then congrats on going the distance at Kurnell before, and welcome back. Please note however that subtly every race is different... and Kurnell always surprises.

You'll meet a lot of people in this race and they, like you are here to enjoy themselves, make friends, find training buddies; build to the longer distances - and generally have fun being fit to race - that's what racing at Kurnell is all about!

We hope for all those competing Sunday February 7th that the day brings you a whole lot of fun and fitness, says you are training just fine and brings in a PB as a bonus.

We've set a great series this year, with some new faces and supporters, including our exciting sponsor in TriShave and we welcome back a great supporter of triathlon in Fast Gear, High 5 and K-Swiss, and of course our other supporters in Conti, BlackHeart, CompressSport, Cafe Express, the Cronulla Tri Club Bar BQ, Bates Bike Shop and others... there's a good little expo each race, so stay on a while and shop for some bargains whilst waiting the short while to our official presentations - we'll be done and dusted by 10:30am, leaving a lot of the rest of the day to yourself!

NOTE:  We also recommend staying on a while in 2010 and check out the sensational makeover the Botany Bay National Park has experienced in the last 12 months – there’s lots to do and see and the kids will love it too. Note that parking in the National Park is now controlled by the local council, who we found out at Race 1 did not know about the event. (Strange considering our permits are issued by counicl and the NPWS.)  However we have parking permits for this coming race so if you do not get one coming into the park; please see Ali at Registration or before 0930hrs to obtain one and display this on your dashboard as you may stay all day!

Sydney's favourite triathlon is certainly strong and TriNSW hopes you enjoy every race at Kurnell this year. Our team is once again 'ready to race' ready, and once again headed by Race Director, Nick Munting, with Vinnie Segewick and Phil Bates, who have and are instrumental in making it all happen on the day!

The TNSW organising team has three things we ask of you. Play by the rules; park properly, RESPECT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY, and have fun.

A quick summary :

Distance: 750 swim, 20km bike and 5km run..

Racing will commence at 7:00am for the first of the waves at – so be VERY early for parking and don't fret if the national park parking area fills quickly as there is a VERY big field this weekend and internal parking is at a premium.  We encourage parking outside the park – BUT NOT at the expense of the local community and when parking in local streets respect the fact people are still sleeping. DO NOT Arrive with car stereos blaring; nor yelling at one another as you slam car doors etc. AND IF CHALLENGED for being an idiot by the local populations DO NOT use foul language. We have worked hard to keep this event in Kurnell; we will ban competitiors identified as acting in an unsportman like manner before or after the race in any interaction with the local community!

PLEASE NOTE THAT IF CONDITIONS ARE WET PARKING COULD BE FURTHER LIMITED.

Please try to car pool or ride in to this race as with extended road works around Kurnell there is less parking than ever before. TNSW has done our part in answering your wishes for more starting spots and in local authorities have allowed more starters this season – now we need to ask you to play your part or racing here will be lost. PARKING IS A MAJOR CONCERN – plan to arrive early and be prepared to walk in a ways!

NOTE that parking along the shoreline is presently compromised with ongoing works... and there are many spots missing there.  DO NOT BLOCK traffic on Polo Street – or anywhere else!

Plan to arrive early enough to walk in if driving or plan car pool and / or ride in from Shark Park (Cronulla’s Football grounds – about 10kms out - where there is a lot of parking.

If you make the parking in the Park, PLEASE park only as directed and remember there’s a stiff fine if parking incorrectly in the National Park. If you are told parking in the National Park is full, please park in legal areas within the local suburban streets of Kurnell OFF THE COURSE, and do not hinder any local's egress or driveways to local properties. Cars parked illegally will be identified directly to the police working on course and they will be booked! If we identify anyone from an illegally park car entry to future rounds here will be denied.

Registration will commence at 5:15am and finish at 6:40am - so plan to be early and don't miss out! Race Briefing is at 6:45am and transition closes immediately before this.

The Venue: Botany Bay National Park, Captain Cook Drive, Kurnell

E-BRIEFING

Please note the following e-briefing DOES NOT REPLACE the verbal race briefing to take place at 6:45am on the grass in front of the Bate Bike stage adjacent to the TriNSW Registration tents, but is given as an advance information service to competitors in the TriShave Sydney Tri Series - Kurnell.

You need to be race ready, and out of transition in time for the compulsory briefing and Technical Officials will close Transition to ensure this happens.

Note that first light on Sunday January 17th is approx 5:55am with daybreak at 6:22am – so some of your preparation will be under lights. We have a falling tide (about half low) from a high at approx. 3:45am: Present weather conditions are forecast as a possible showers (60% chance) - but temperate at an expected high of 26C; wind strength on the day is presently forecast as from the east at 5 knots.

INTRODUCTION

Please go through these briefing notes carefully as they will provide you with a guide to your safe and fair participation in this race.

Should you have any queries, please make note of them and then check with the TriNSW Technical Officials on duty at the Transition Area on the morning of February 7th 

RACE REGISTRATION

The Race Registration is compulsory for all participants. At Race Registration, you will be able to pick up your race kit, and so complete registration for this event.

Bring along a print out of your e-ticket (proof of entry) and a photo ID / Triathlon TA license to registration, check the signage as to your age group and move through the line as called by our volunteer registration crew.

Please note there is no entry on the day – this race is oversubscribed.

RACE KIT

Your Race Kit will contain the following:

1. A timing chip together with a strap. This will need to be affixed to your left ankle.
2. A security bike tag for your bike, which must be properly secured on the seat post or the stem of your bicycle, before proceeding into Transition. Without this sticker you will not be allowed into the Transition Area nor will you be able to bring your bike out of transition.
3. A Competitor Bib with your Race Number, with safety pins for Individual participants and Relay Teams.
4. A swim cap for the swimmer, the colour of which is similar to the participants starting in your wave. See the Notice Board for Wave start times on the day
5. Various sponsor samples, fliers and information and a 25^th anniversary gift from TNSW.

BODY MARKING

Upon finalising registration please proceed to the “Body Marking” team to have your racing number marked on your upper right arm. Teams may also have legs marked subject to the call of the timing team.

TRANSITION AREA

The transition area will be opened at 5:15am, and participants may place their bicycles as they wish in transition, remembering that at least five to six  bikes are designated to each bike rack pole.

Participants may place their competition gear only at their designated area just below their bikes. PLEASE NOTE that all sports bags must be placed in the bag storage area, or handed to friends/family or supporters for safe keeping until after the event.

PLEASE NOTE: Only competitors and designated officials are permitted into the transition area – there is not allowance for friends, family or supporters to be there.

BRIEFING

At 6:45am all age group competitors need to have vacated the transition for the pre-race briefing. This briefing is in two parts and will cover ALL changes, safety concerns and conditions on the day PLUS technical aspects of the event. Information covered include the swim start area and swim conditions on the day (note that this race is a low tide event), any changes on the bike course due to on-going road works and also any changes to the run course. THIS BRIEFING IS COMPULSORY and will also cover the wave starts timings.

SWIM START ASSEMBLY AREA

Following the pre-race verbal briefing the first wave of participants need to immediately move to the right hand side of the beach start area. DO NOT STAND IN THE RUN EXIT AREA. This will be different to previous events as the TriNSW Board has moved to bring in bigger marker buoys for the outer limits of the swim, and also a finish arch, which will be positioned in the immediate area to assist marking the finish chute for the swim – we’ll also refine the swim run out chute to work with these enhancements.

Note that all swimmers entering the water need to do so in single file, and immediately swim straight ahead, on the right side of the floating lane ropes, approximately 25-30 metres, before turning right to the deepwater start line. DO NOT cross the rocks to enter the water as this is A: not allowed under our agreement with the NPWS and also B: these rocks contain oyster shells – that cut feet!

Please listen to the PA in the swim start area as you will be advised when to enter the water and how; and talked up to your start, which will be as for an ITU race. IE: You will be placed in the hands of the starter seconds before the start horn for your wave is sounded.

Swimmers need to leave all major turning buoys on course on their left shoulder and DO NOT CUT INSIDE BOUYS as you may be DQ’d for cutting the course! This rule will be reinforced as you enter the water.  Note that the outward leg follows orange and yellow buoys, the inner leg follows pink buoys and the turns are marked by large yellow ‘snakes’.  Leave all buoys on your left!

Going into the water please stay right and swim out 10-15m to turn right to the start (avoid rocks this way). Coming into the finish chute (more snakes to guide you in) from the swim course – swim pink buoy to pink buoy to allow ease of following the course (look ahead to the large SWIM FINISH signs and / or Finish arch for the way directly in [and note if sunny this will be difficult]), you need to swim between the two orange buoys and yellow snakes marking the left and right sides of the finish chute for the swim, UNTIL your fingers hit the sand. If sea urchins are present you will be able to swim past them in this way,

Stay close to the lane rope, which the Swim safety team will work to the middle of the narrow chute,  to avoid rocks and oysters either side of the ropes...

PLEASE LISTEN to all instructions from the beach; which will be issued via a Public Address speaker system, as if conditions change in and around the swim (and this can and may happen in this venue) we will be able to advise you as we receive feedback from our safety team to act on these issues if they arise.

Once on land, follow instructions and lane ways back to Transition and the start of the bike leg.

Note that the wave starts will be displayed on the race notice board at registration together with information on water temperature and use or not of wetsuits..

RELAY TEAMS

Teams will be all cloistered at the very top of transition and note that your bikes racks are marked for teams. Note that the timing chip is the batten and must be passed from the swimmer to the cyclist BEFORE the cyclist un-racks the bike and must only be passed to the runner AFTER the cyclist racks the bike at the finish of the bike course. NOTE that all teams will be under direct instruction within transition from Technical Officials.

BIKE COURSE & ROAD CLOSURE:

Please note that under Triathlon Australian rules the cyclist must safely affix an approved helmet before un-racking the bike and walking/running this from Transition to the Technical Official manned Mount Line.

We highly recommend those competitors who are new to cycling to run your bike ahead of the mount line to achieve clear space in which to begin riding as there is a slight rise from transition to the first turn to the right.

Note that the BIKE OUT signs are at the Botany Bay end of Transition on the side closest to the TriNSW Registration Tents. That is where you need to go in order to exit the transition.

THIS IS A NON DRAFTING RACE. TOs will be on motorcycles to makes sure racing is fair, and raced by the TA rules! Do not be the first to check out the new penalty box banners!

Whilst riding this 20kms out and back course stay left in the bike lane at all times where these exist. The course will be swept shortly before the race and any pot holes will be marked and also mentioned in the pre-race briefing. There may be changes to the course due to road works underway in the area. These will also be covered in the pre-race briefing and also beforehand if sufficient warning is supplied to the race team. Currently the main road works are close to town and you can update your knowledge of this area by checking photos on the front page of the TNSW website – www.trinswrace.org   Expect a non-racing zone in the area of these works to be clarified at the race morning briefing..

NOTE  that roads on course are NOT closed and public vehicles will be on them. The Turnaround will be manned by police and all other turns and course points will be manned by traffic marshals; these marshals are to keep the traffic away from you; they are not race marshals to direct you. You will receive a course map in your Competitor Kit and it’s also available on the race website at www.trinswrace.org so under TA rules, make yourself familiar with the course.

Please take care when riding in and out of the National Park as there are speed humps and some sharp corners. On returning to the transition area please slow before negotiating the right and then left turn to the dismount line where there will be Technical Officials. Do not cross this line whilst still on the bike!

Please attend the briefing for updates on any road works and to learn where and if there are no passing zones. Remember it's your responsibility as a competitor to know the course. You will have time to ask questions of the TO officials following briefing. Claiming ignorance is not an excuse for flouting the rules and is not tolerated.

THE RUN COURSE

After racking your bike and preparing for the run, head towards the Discovery Centre and the Run Exit on the top right of the transition area. The run leg is three laps; please count them. It is relatively level to undulating with a wide mixture of surfaces varying from wood chip to grass, concrete and gravel. Note: There is a late change to a flatter run course – this will go down the old exit road from the Cricket Pitch carpark and emulates the run course of two years ago – it will be fenced and marked...

Enjoy your time in the finish chute and remember to remove your timing chip, AFTER you cross the line but before heading to the recovery station for cold drinks and fruit.

PARKING

Parking may be further affected by wet weather. PLEASE NOTE there are limited parking places in the NP at Botany Bay and that competitors are not allowed to park on the course. There is further (now limited) parking available along the bay front (from which to you can walk through the run course to the Captain Cook Memorial and then turn right to registration. Please be prepared to walk some distance to get to this race...

DO NOT WALK THROUGH TRANSITION to get to registration.

Note that any vehicles parked illegally in the Botany Bay National Park can be expected to be fined heavily. Abuse of parking will directly affect the future of this event. Please plan to arrive early and if not and the NP car parks are full you will be directed to park outside of the park.

PRIZE WINNERS

All age group first, second and third place getters will be recognised in the official presentations on the day and there will be lucky draws also.

The fastest mixed, male and female competitors will be recognised.

Winners must collect their prizes and / or trophies within thirty (30) days from the event day. Prizes unclaimed after thirty (30) days of the Event will be forfeited.

THINGS TO KNOW:

Race Day Schedule:

VOLUNTEERS:

With the expansion of the Kurnell race field we NEED more volunteers to help strengthen your race experience. Volunteers may sign on at www.trinswrace.org > Volunteers and go to the Kurnell Volunteer sign on... we'll look after then on the day and they even get their own special lucky draw!

COMPETITORS:

Don't forget to check out the Coffee from Cafe Express and the Cronulla Club Bar BQ. Also our sensational supporters in Trishave, Bates Bikes, Blackheart,  Zoot/Conti Australia, and of course FastGear with High 5, the official hydration and K-Swiss. Most will be on hand or will have fliers in the athlete kit bag. Note that Glenn, our masseur will be at Round 2.

CAR PARKING:

The future of racing at Kurnell rests entirely on how you park your car and how you conduct yourselves on course at all times!

We can't EVER emphasise this enough and with a big field this weekend, allied with a lot of wet weather recently, parking will be VERY tight. Please - if you are too late to fit in the National Park Parking, please park with respect for the local community and local residents!!!

 Please make sure that where ever possible you car pool, or even ride in to the event, and try to bring at least two to three athletes into the Botany Bay National Park in each vehicle. There is very adequate car parking at Shark Park to allow this to happen but note that we have over 400 athletes and only 250 car parks open to competitors in the National Park - if you are running late please try to park in the public parking on Charles Street.

 Please park ONLY as indicated in the National Park and note that FURTHER parking restrictions may occur in or following wet weather SO please obey the parking marshals at all times. Competitors caught ignoring marshals will be denied a race start!

PLEASE DO NOT BLOCK PUBLIC DRIVEWAYS and note that the course route in Kurnell is a no parking zone for the triathlon.

Observe all road and parking rules as council and park rangers will be VERY active!

PLEASE SHOW COURTESY to all residents, volunteers and especially EACH OTHER! Anything less will not be tolerated!

 RULES TO REMEMBER:

-          Competitors only in transition areas

-          Bike helmets must be on and fastened BEFORE you un-rack your bike, and must remain fastened on return until the bike is re-racked!

-          DO NOT RIDE your bike in transition area

-          Mount and dismount your bike at the designated line.

-          Obey all road rules

-          Keep to the left of the cycle course unless overtaking

-          DO NOT ride on the wrong side of the roadway

-          DO NOT ride side by side (this is drafting)

-          DRAFTING IS CHEATING in this race.

-          This is a non-drafting race. Technical Officials can explain the rules to you before the race!

-          IF YOU DRAFT you will be shown a yellow card, and this means you must stop in the penalty box. A second such card means an automatic DQ - so please follow ALL directions of officials at ALL times

-          You must ride in the CYCLE LANE during the bike leg, it is swept Sunday morning especially for you!

-          YOUR UPPER body must be covered AT ALL TIMES in the cycle and run legs!
Shoes MUST be worn on the run leg

-       Note: No MP3 players, Ipods, phones or radios are allowed to be used whilst competing. These are a major safety hazard in competition.

-      Bikes are to remain in Transition until you are advised through the PA system they may be removed. DO not re-enter T2 before we tell you.

-          PLEASE RESPECT ALL SPECTATORS, OFFICIALS, VOLUNTEERS AND YOUR FELLOW ATHLETES!

 PRIZES:

Round One podium place getters will receive medals (first, second and third) and there will be lucky draws on the day, so place your bib number in the box supplied for the chance to win prizes.

 Please stick around for the presentations - usually on by 10:00am or close to that time and cheer on our winners and grinners on the day... plenty of hot coffee and the Cronulla great bar b q breakfast to be had – not to mention the sensational changes in the National Park to catch up on!

 NOTE:

Categories are divided equally between male and female - age groups are  14-17; 18-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64; 65-69 and 70+

 Teams will make up three categories for Male, Female and Mixed teams

 TEAMS:

Please note that ALL team racing in the Sydney Triathlon Series is in the form of relay racing - that is that one person races one leg only; or a maximum of two legs if a two person team. There is a marked set of racks for the Teams in transition and TOs will walk you through the transition process for each changeover.

 Have a great race and we look forward to seeing each and every one of you score a PB in this round of the TriShave Sydney Triathlon Series – Kurnell.

 So here's to a fun Sunday, safe racing and safe training to all!

Cheers

The TNSW Race Team

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