QUESTIONS YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO ASK?

• DO I NEED A LICENSE?
  All participants must either be a current member of USA Triathlon or purchase a one-day license. Only one-day licenses can be purchased at the race during registration on Friday or on Saturday morning at packet pickup.



• CAN I WEAR MY IPOD/HEADPHONES?
  Absolutely Not. Ipods have become a particular problem at races around the country in recent years. It seems everyone owns one, and they make a race very unsafe. Most races are contested on roads that are open to traffic. An ipod limits your ability to hear cars, other participants, and the instructions of race officials. Wearing an ipod in a race will result in a disqualification. Please leave your ipod in your car.



• TEAM PROTOCOL
  The first runner will wear a timing chip (that will be picked up on race morning at the race site) around the ankle on a small velcro strap. If the runner is not doing the bike, then the runner will transfer the ankle bracelet to the cyclist inside the (TA). The cyclist will go into the (TA) as soon as the team runner approaches the TA. The cyclists will wait beside the racked bike until the runner runs to the cyclists. The runner transfers the chip to the cyclist who straps it on their ankle, then and only then can the cyclist un rack their bike where they will walk/run the bike out of (TA) to a mount/dismount line located just outside the (TA). FYI ...there is no riding inside the transition area for obvious safety reasons. Once the cyclist reaches the line, then they can mount and proceed on the bike course. The same applies to the runner as to cyclist about going into the (TA), they go in when the cyclist is returning to reduce congestion. When the cyclist returns after biking the course, they proceed back to the transition area where they dismount at the line and run/walk their bike to their spot on the bike rack. Once the bike has been racked, then the runner can transfer the timing bracelet to their ankle and proceed to the final run course. The cyclist leaves the (TA) and cannot re-enter until the last cyclist has returned from the bike course. What most individuals do is place a towel on the ground next to their bike. They place cycling equipment first and then running equipment next. For teams of three you wouldn't follow this necessarily as each member would be wearing the necessary clothing/equipment, but for someone who is doing a 2-person team then you follow some of this protocol.



• WHAT DO I WEAR?
  What to wear in a duathlon really depends upon the weather on race day. If it is warm, then shorts and a shirt will do. If it is chilly, perhaps a jacket, long fingered gloves, or even tights might be required.Yes, all of that may seem pretty obvious, but when it comes to race clothing, a few tips can make your race day a whole lot more fun. First, we'll address the article of clothing we get the most questions about - shorts! Running shorts, while great for running, have no padding for the bike (a fearful thought to some), and blow about in the wind, thus slowing you down on the bike.Bike Shorts, on the other hand, are more aerodynamic and the padding is certainly a blessing when you might be on the bike for an hour or more. However if you have ever run in a pair of bike shorts, the feeling can only be described as what a toddler must feel like walking around with a diaper on .A great compromise is a pair of duathlon or tri shorts. These shorts are similar to a bike short, except they have slightly shorter legs, and a thinner pad that will not bother you when running. Fleet Feet Sports has several items to choose from. What you wear on your upper body, whether a Jogbra (not sure I like that name), a tank top, or a shirt is really your preference. The one thing to keep in mind is that you will not only be running in this article of clothing - you will be biking in it as well, and you do not want to be dressed in a sail when you are on a bike. Often a short sleeved or sleeveless bike jersey works best, and the zippered front will allow you to cool down if the temperatures rise before the second run. Remember There Are No Changing Room In The Transition Area!



• DO I NEED OR CAN I HAVE SUPPORT PERSON(S)?
  Not in the actual race! But, having friends and family cheer you on and provide moral support is a wonderful thing. Having them help you with your bike, fix a flat tire, or hand you food and water is a violation of the rules of multisport racing. Duathlon is an individual sport, and each athlete must be responsible for him/herself for the duration of the event. The only assistance a racer may receive is from designated race aid stations. TIP - it is a good idea for a future duathlete to learn how to repair a flat tire.



• HOW EARLY SHOULD I SHOW UP FOR MY FIRST RACE?
  This is a common question from first-time racers, and we usually recommend 60 to 90 minutes. You have to pick up your packet (with race numbers) and timing chip, go to the bathroom, warm-up and stretch, and unlike a single sport event like running, multisport racing requires you to stage your gear (in transition). Also, since it is your first time out, there will surely be questions you will have and things you will forget to do.



• HOW IS THE RACE TIMED?
  This race will be timed by Winning Time active-chip technology. Each participant will receive a small transponder (chip) attached to a soft, neoprene strap. You must fasten the strap to your ankle prior to the start of the event. The chip will automatically register your time when you cross the finish line. No chip means no times will be recorded. After crossing the finish line, you must return your timing chip or you will be charged a $45 replacement cost. If you drop out of the event, be sure to stop by the finish line and return your chip. Participants will also receive a paper bib number that must be worn on the front of the shirt, or on a race belt, with the number visible on the front when entering/exiting transition. You will also receive a bike frame number and a helmet number, both of which must be affixed prior to the start of the race.



• OTHER TIPS:
  • Wear your race number on the front by either positioning your race belt so that the number is in front or pin your number on the front of your shirt in plain view. This is how race photographers will identify you and race officials and scorers can double check your times.
  • If there is a tear-tag at the bottom of your number, please don't pin the tag to your shirt.
  • Don't wear extremely baggy clothing on the bike - this especially applies to nylon jackets.
  • Remember, headphones (ipods) are not allowed in a multisport event, and you will be disqualified if you use them.
  • MOST OF ALL HAVE FUN!!!