You asked questions about triathlons and the Triathlon Duathlon event… we collected them, and put them all together in one place! With just over one month to go until TriDu 2022, here is a collection of answers, tips, and rules. Any other questions? Feel free to send UBC REC a message on Facebook and we’ll get right back to you.
What is package pick-up?
Race package pick-up: the collection of your essential triathlon goodies! You’ll grab your race number and wet bag here, as well as all the race day procedural equipment. Think of it as your race day preparation kit.
What do I do with my wet clothes/What is a wet bag?
The wet bag will store your dry clothes pre-swimming, and your wet clothes post-swimming! Once you get your wet bag at race package pick-up, you can put whatever you would like to have after your swim in it (i.e. dry clothes). You hand this wet bag in before your swim, and after you complete the swim portion of the race a volunteer will hand this bag back to you! You can then change in one of the change tents outside the pool and hand your wet clothes in your wet bag back to a volunteer. This wet bag will then be at the cycle transition area for you to pick up at the end of your race. Please note that you don’t have to use one if you don’t want to!
Are there bathrooms on the course?
Yes, there is a washroom in Cycle Transition and within the Pool. However, there are no washrooms along the Cycle or Run route, so plan ahead!
Where do you keep your biking clothes while swimming?
You can keep them in your wet bag that will be handed to you after your swim or you can leave them at your bike. There is about 30cm of room on either side of the bike frame where you are allowed to store anything you want… but watch out for rain!
How long is the triathlon overall/How long is each section of the race?
That depends on which race distance you are registered for!
Where can I find my triathlon time?
A few hours after the event, results will be published by Startline Timing on their website.
Am I allowed to change before each portion of the race?
Absolutely! There are change tents located outside the pool, as well as in cycle transition area for convenience!
How do people transition from the swim to the bike?
After the swim portion, you are able to change into run/bike attire (optional) in the change tents outside the pool. After, you will leave the pool and head to Cycle Trans Area, and retrieve your bike. You will first buckle your helmet (yes, these are required!) and then walk with your bike out of the transition area and towards the bike start. This is where you will mount your bike and start the cycle portion of the triathlon.
What are some useful training tips?
Train with what you will be using and consuming on race day and throughout the race (attire, energy gels, food, etc.)! Slowly build up your training intensity and duration – do not suddenly engage in very intense training, avoid injuries or muscle strain! See our blog post dedicated to training for more tips.
Is it only fit people competing in triathlons?
Definitely not! A base level of fitness definitely is helpful, but you can do anything you set your mind to! Mental toughness, a good attitude, and a training schedule building up to the race are all key factors!
Can I carry water with me?
You can if you want to! We recommend bringing a water bottle on the cycle on your bike, but we provide aid stations with water and other replenishments along the cycle and run route.
What are some ways of saving time in the transition zone?
Train for the transition – practice your transitions like you would practice for any other portion of the race! Have a plan and know what you are going to do, but know that volunteers will be on course to help assist you. Have a look at the route maps on our Facebook event page to familiarize yourself with the transition locations.
Which is the hardest leg of the race?
That depends what your individual strengths and weaknesses are! With some training and preparation, everyone can prepare themselves for success.
Does everyone get a medal at the end?
Yes, everyone will receive a finisher’s medal once they’ve completed their race!
How early do people start seriously training?
The earlier the better! Check out our other blog posts for training tips if you’re lacking inspiration.
What is the average time to complete?
It depends on the type of Triathlon! Here are last year’s calculated averages. It’s important to remember, however, that these are only averages and each person will race at their own pace. Be proud of your time – you did it!
- Standard Avg: 3h10m
- Sprint Avg: 1h40m
- Short Avg: 1h15m
- Duathlon Avg: 1h35m
What is a complete list of the gear I’ll need to compete?
Check out our gear blog post to make sure you have what you need!
What is the order of events (with transitions)?
Triathlon: Swim -> Transition -> Cycle -> Transition -> Run
Duathlon: Run -> Transition -> Cycle -> Transition -> Run
Aquathon: Swim -> Transition -> Run
What are some common mistakes/confusion in triathlons?
-Transition Zones – people don’t factor this into their training and don’t realize how much one activity affects your next. Practice swimming your race distance and then going for a short bike, even if it’s just 10 minutes. Practicing this transition will help you a lot on race day! (This applies for biking to running as well!)
-Read the race day procedures and look over the race maps! These are very helpful and will be posted online soon and included in your race package pick-up. You can also visit the aquatic center, bike the bike route and run the run route, being familiar with the route is very helpful!
-There are RULES! Be familiar with ‘em!
TriDu’s Rules
- Don’t draft off of another bike. You must remain 10 meters (or, 6 bike lengths) behind the bike in front of you, unless you are passing. You have 25 seconds to pass.
- Ride on the right, pass on the left.
- Do not ride beside someone. This also counts as drafting.
- Once you pass on a bike, move back to the right. This is important: not moving to the right is considered blocking and may earn you a penalty.
- You must ALWAYS have a helmet on and it must be buckled up when you have your bike. This isn’t just for riding, but before you take your bike from the rack until after you put it back. Safety is key.
- You should only store the equipment you need in the transition zone. All of your other bags, clothing, boxes, etc. must be stored elsewhere. You only need shoes, bike and run clothing, and a towel on the course with you.
- Do not mark your transition spot. This means that your towel must be folded up neatly, along with your shirt and jacket. Do not place your possessions on your bike. No equipment may extend past the front wheel when the bike is racked, or more than a foot away on either side.
- Mount your bike after the mount line. Likewise, get off before the line, and do not unbuckle your helmet until your bike is racked!
- Dress for the weather. The pool will be warm, but remember that your body will be wet. While on the bike, there will be cold air blowing on you, which can negatively affect your performance or even your health. Stay warm and dry on the bike and run portions!
- Stay safe and have fun!
If I don’t want to race, can I still get involved?
We would be more than happy to see you on the course as an Event Day Volunteer! It’s easy to sign up for, super fun, rewarding, and you get to be a part of the atmosphere (without sore muscles the next day!)