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2012 Race Briefing NotesThis is a first draft of this years brieifng notes, please re-read them in their entirity a week before the race to make sure you are aware of any updates. NEW for 2012 We are introducing an increaed
safety feature to the triathlon this year based on feedback from competitors,
motorists and the safety advisory group. All competitors are to be prepared
for poor weather conditions on both the bike section and the run section.
For the bike section all competitors will be required to have a working
back light on their bikes. On the run section all competitors will be
required to have prepared a race bag containing full body cover - long
arms and long legs, a map a compass and a whistle and knowledge of how
to use them. If weather conditions are poor you will be told in the
race breifing that this must be taken with you out on the run and spot
checks will be carried out around the course. You will not be allowed
into transition to rack your bike without both of these. It is important that you study these notes carefully so that you are fully aware of what you are taking on and that the race runs smoothly. The cycle route is long and hilly, but it is relatively straightforward. The run is as you should know a mix of track, fell and road. It will massively assist you if you study the course on a good map beforehand, OS Outdoor Leisure 5 is ideal; the map on the website is intended only as an indication and is not sufficient to navigate by effectively. Race Venue; is at Park Foot Camping and Caravan Site. Camping facilities are first rate. If you do plan to camp please use in the field set aside for the triathlon as indicated on the plan. You will need to be up early on race day and it is unfair to disturb other campers not connected with the race. This field should also be quieter the night before. Triathlon Field Plan Car Parking; Car parking is free of charge, however you must park in the designated triathlon field. Please do not park elsewhere on the camp site. Parking on Howtown road is not permitted as this will jeopardise safety, upset local residents and generate complaints to local police. There is a massive amount of room in the triathlon field and you couldn’t get closer. Please note; car park exit is via the main camp site exit. Once in, cars cannot exit the transition field until the last cyclist has cleared T1 and is on the course. Camping; Camping and caravan facilities are first rate. Before pitching please register and pay at the main site reception. Inform them that you are with the triathlon and they will direct you to the appropriate area. The camp field is next to the lake, I suggest insect repellent be included on your kit list. Toilets/Showers; There are toilets in the triathlon field as well as toilets and showers in the adjacent camping field. There is also a massive toilet and shower block behind the main site reception on the other side of Howtown Road approximately 300m away. You will need a 20p piece for a 6 minute hot shower. Registration; will be in the marquee on the triathlon field Saturday between 3-6pm and on Sunday between 7-8am. If at all possible please register on the Saturday. If you cannot produce a current BT race license and you have paid the BT members lower entry fee please bring the extra £4 for a day license. No exceptions. If you are not a British Triathlon member and have paid the correct entry fee you will be issued with a BT day license. This will provide you with British Triathlon insurance cover for the day. Timing Chip; You will be given an orange timing chip and neoprene ankle strap at registration. Please immediately attach the chip to the strap. If you find that you have to force it on you are doing it incorrectly, please ask rather than damage the strap. The chip must be worn around your ankle (either). If it’s not worn you won’t get a time. You will also be given 2 race numbers, one must be visible to the rear while cycling and the other must be visible to the front while running. Top Tip ~ Don’t wear the chip on top of your wetsuit. Relay Teams; Your timing chip is your baton. Your swimmer must wear it around the ankle first then hand it to your cyclist who must attach it to their ankle before moving his/her bike. Same procedure cyclist to runner transition, bike must be racked before handover. Cyclist must wear race number to the rear and runner to the front. Changeover point is at your bike position in transition. Chip must be fitted to the runners ankle before leaving your transition point. Pre-race Briefing; will be in the transition area at 8.10 on Sunday. Attendance is compulsory. Swim 1.2 mile; There will be 2 swim waves based on declared swim time given on your entry form. Wave 1 will contain the fastest swimmers, wave 2 the slowest. Please swim in your allocated wave, failure to do so will result in incorrect time calculation and make you subject to an additional time penalty. If you did not include an estimated swim time I will be emailing you to ask for one. If the water temperature is below 13C the swim will have to be shortened, BT rules. There will be safety kayaks and a rescue launch. If you get into difficulty, don’t panic, it’s hard to sink in a wetsuit. Lie on your back and raise an arm toward one of the kayaks. They will then tow you to the shore or to the safety launch. Cycle 56 miles; see map A one lap bike circuit with a couple of challenging climbs. The roads will all be open to other traffic. It is your responsibility to negotiate safely around the route and to comply with all road traffic regulations. Arrangements have been made for the traffic lights on Pooley Bridge to be turned off between 8.45-10.00am. Everyone should all be clear of them by then. The Kirkstone Pass is a long hard climb with the steepest part very near the top, but it’s not as severe as The Struggle (Helvellyn Tri) profile. The descent from Kirkstone Top should be enjoyable, but there are corners that can catch you out, please take care. When you leave the A6 (approx 46miles) and head to Askham there are 2 right turns. They are both on quiet unclassified roads, but extra care is needed. They will be marshaled. NEW for 2012 you will need a working rear light on your bike in case of poor visibility on the higher points of the route. You will not be able to rack your bike in transition without this. Shortly after the first of these right turns and as you pass through the grounds of Lowther Castle where there are 3 cattle grids. The first two are straightforward enough, but beware that there is a third one at the bottom of the hill just after a left hand curve in the road. As this is a public road we can’t cover them, if you are not happy cycling over cattle grids I suggest you stop and walk over them, however they should not present a problem for any reasonably competent cyclist. The second right turn is in Askham. The route will be signed and all key points will be marshaled, however it is the competitor’s responsibility to know the route, so at least check it out on a reasonable map. It is a long hard ride, you will need food with you and I would suggest 2 drinks bottles which you should make sure you consume before arriving at T2. There will be an aid station on the top of Shap. If you would like a bottle taking there bring it along to the registration marquee on Sunday morning and we will transport it there for you. Run 13 miles; see map The run is a mix of road, path and fell. Footwear is your choice, I strongly recommend fell shoes, racing flats are not suitable. There will be an Aid Station which you will pass at about 5.5 miles and 9.5 miles. This will be situated where the two loops of the route come together near to the rear of the Howtown Hotel. Water and food will be available at the Aid Station. In the event of poor weather, particularly poor visibility, the run route may be changed. NEW for 2012 you will be requried to take into transition when you rack a run bag containing full body covr - long arms and long legs, a map of the route, a compass and whistle and know how to use them. There has been know to be snow in June in this area. It will be announced at race briefing whether it is mandatory to take this with or just advisable. Spot checks will arried out by marshals to ensure you have the correct equipment with you. The last 3 ½ miles of the run are on-road. Litter; This section should not be necessary, however it is. This race takes place in an environmentally sensitive area; it is not acceptable to drop any litter, energy bar/gel wrappers or anything else on any part of the course. It is a criminal offence and if caught doing so by any race official will result in disqualification. It is easy to tuck any wrappers etc into the leg of your shorts while you are racing and dispose of correctly when you finish. Race Start: Wave 1 8.30am, Wave 2 8.35am Cut-Off Times; It is our intention to give everyone who can finish the course the opportunity to do so; however it is unreasonable to expect marshals to stay on their posts for an indefinite period. You should be aware that if you pass a particular point after the cut-off time you will be doing so in the knowledge that there will be no further marshal assistance. We will however endeavor to give you a finish time even beyond the final cut off. Cycle Route Marshals; Are all volunteers, races can not happen without them. They are there purely to indicate the route and arrange assistance if required. They cannot in law stop or direct traffic and will be directed not to do so. Finally; I wish everyone taking part in this race the very best of luck in you final preparations and of course in the race itself. Have a great, safe and enjoyable race. Rob Wilkins
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