Bristol Triathlon

The Bristol Triathlon will be held on Sunday 18th July 2010. The event is being held at Tockington Manor School. The first swim starts are at 7.00am.

Competitors’ start times will be posted on our web site approximately ten days prior to the event.

The Bristol Triathlon is based at Tockington Manor School

We have obtained an official road closure for Washingpool Hill Road in front of the school for the duration of the race. It is subject to traffic management controls.

Competitors can only arrive to park cars via the A38 and by following the marshalls instructions. Please do not approach the school through Tockington village. You will be turned away. This will avoid cars interfering with cyclists on the course and make the event as safe as is practically possibly.

Your cooperation in respecting this is greatly appreciated.

Competitors are asked to park only in the assigned car parking area on the cricket pitch on the opposite side of the school entrance. Please do not park in the road or on the cycle route. Car parking is free. However, the marshals will ask you for a donation to the charity we are supporting, but this is optional.

Registration is being held in the cricket pavilion directly adjacent to the car parking area. We ask that you to register at least 30 minutes before your allocated start time. Please note that you will not be able to rack your bike until you have registered.

At registration, the following is required of you:

• Provide your BTF Membership card. Any non-BTF members will be required to pay a day licence fee of £2.00.
• Read the race information and sign the disclaimer that you have done so.
• Collect two race numbers and be marked on the left leg and arm.
• Collect and be fitted with your race timing chip.

The transition area will be open from 6.20 onwards. Access to the transition area will only be possible on presentation of your race number. No number, no access!

The School’s pool is a four-lane 25m pool and you will be required to complete 16 lengths. Please arrive at the pool via the designated competitors and spectators entrance. Race marshals will be present to prevent access through the pool main entrance to keep the area clear for competitors coming out of the swim.

Race briefings will be carried out on the poolside in groups. You are advised to be on the poolside at least 20 minutes before start time to receive race briefing and be in position to start.

Swimmers will be starting at one minute intervals and you will be directed by the swim marshals to your assigned lane. You will be provided with a coloured swim cap to wear during the swim.

On completing the swim, please take care when leaving the swimming pool as the floor will be wet. Do not run on the poolside or at the main entrance.

The route to the transition area turns right on the path directly outside of the building. Please follow the taped and signed route. Please also be careful of slipping on the grass.

* The surface between the transition area and the road is not suitable for bare feet and we would advise against cycle shoes being pre-clipped into the pedal.

Please note that:

• No clothing or equipment to be left within the pool area or outside the pool exit.
• Take instruction from your lap counter and look out for the 2 lengths to go board.
• You are responsible for counting correctly the number of laps you swim. The lane counters are there to help, but cannot be held responsible for any miscounting on your part.
• You are not allowed to wear a wetsuit or other aids that improve buoyancy or propulsion.
• If you are not able to finish the swim and need assistance from a lifeguard, wave with an extended arm to a lifeguard and roll onto your back.
• Your race will begin from within the pool: NO diving.
• Time keepers are located directly outside of the swimming pool so please shout your number to them as they may have difficulty seeing your number markings.

The cycle route is on country roads and lanes. There is one hill in the first mile, approximately 400m in length. The remaining course is predominately flat and fast.

On leaving the transition area, you will exit the school grounds on foot through the rear entrance on to Washingpool Hill Road. Please follow the coned off route along the road out on to the course. Please listen to the race marshals instructions.

There are four right-hand turns on the course. Two of these are compulsory stops. The first is at the top of the hill – Junction 2. The second is on returning to Tockington village – Junction 11. The marshals at both these junctions will direct you to halt and place one foot on the ground. Even if clear, a failure to complete a compulsory stop will result in disqualification.

On returning to Washingpool Hill Road, you will be guided back into the coned off route to the rear entrance. Please follow the race marshals directions at all times as this is a narrow corridor and outgoing cyclists will be approaching you in the opposite direction.

Please note that:

• The bike course is exclusively on public roads and the usual highway laws must be obeyed at all times.
• Competitors must obey marshals at all times.
• Competitors must obey British Triathlon Federation race rules at all times.
• Competitors must ensure they have their helmets on and fastened at all times that their bikes are off the racking.
• Race number must be clearly visible on the back whilst on the bike.
• This is not a draft legal race. If competitors are deemed by the referees to be drafting, they will receive either a time penalty or disqualification at the referees' discretion.
• All turns will be marked with clear signage and at least one marshal. If in doubt, competitors should stay on the road they are on.
• The bike dismount point will be clearly marked and marshalled.
• Competitors must dismount completely before crossing the line.
• The Sprint Triathlon attracts beginners and seasoned athletes alike. If everyone observes the following riding etiquette, you can all have a safe and great ride:
  • Be considerate and respectful to your fellow cyclists.
  • Do not swerve or make sudden movements.
  • Stay left at all times - unless overtaking.
  • Never overtake someone on the inside (left) side.
  • Look over your shoulder for other traffic before you move over.

The first and last section of the run route is along Washingpool Hill Road. The route will be coned off to separate competitors from arriving cars. Please stay within the coned off corridor at all times.

The corridor leads you to a rural track and on to an off road route through undulating fields and trails. The route will be clearly sign posted and marshalled. The route is out and back. At the turn-around point, marshals will be making a note of your race number to confirm you have completed the full course.

On crossing the finish line, your tiing chip will be removed by race officials.

Please note that:

• Race number must be on the front for the run and clearly visible.
• The time keepers are located on the “Run Out” exit at transition so please shout your number out clearly to assist them.
• Whilst the run route is generally firm under foot, please beware of holes, mounds, tufts, ruts, stones, etc, etc. If the weather is damp on the day then the grassy and muddy parts of the run course will be slippery. Please take care.
• Always stay on the LEFT side to avoid collisions with oncoming runners. Please be considerate of your fellow competitors at all times.
• The drinks station is at the beginning and end of the run course. There are no drinks stations beyond the school grounds.

We are privileged to be able to use Tockington Manor School as a venue to host our annual race. We would ask all competitors and spectators to respect the School’s property at all times. In particular, please take all litter home with you or place it in one of the bins provided.

Toilets are provided within the school buildings in close proximity to the swimming pool. The swimming pool toilets are not in use.

We will have an information tent close to the finish line. This will contain all the race information, swim starts and eventually, the race results. Any changes to any aspect of the race will be posted on the board.

We will have food stand available on race day.

Results will be on display at the Information Tent as they are issued.

The prize presentation will be held outside in the main grounds, subject to the weather. In the event of bad weather this may be conducted in the school hall. We estimate the main race presentation being at 2.00pm. We regret we are unable to post prizes after the event. Please stay for the presentation if you have won a prize. Any uncollected prizes will be donated to a charity raffle.

All our marshals and other race officials are volunteers. Any competitor or associated person such as family or friends, abusing our marshals will be disqualified.

If you are bringing friends and/or family to the race, and they would like to volunteer on the day, please either email team@bristoltrifestival.org at least two weeks in advance of the race or on the day, ask registration to inform the Chief Marshal.

On behalf of the BAD Tri team, we hope you have an enjoyable day. Please help us to make this a successful race for all.