GRAFMAN MIDDLE DISTANCE TRIATHLON 2019

PRE RACE BRIEFING

NON DRAFTING EVENT

DETAILS

Grafman Middle Distance Triathlon 2019 
Date: 19th May 2019
Distances: Middle Distance  
Venue: Grafham Water, Marlow Car Park, Buckden Road, Cambridgeshire, PE28 0BH  DIRECTIONS

Aqua Bike: The following race brief is the same. Your finish times will be as you cross the transition timing point when you finish the bike stage. You then return your bike to your rack and go tot he finish area where you will recieve a medal and post race refreshement.

RACE DAY SCHEDULE

• 06:00 Car park Opens
• 06:30 Race Day Registration Opens
• 06:30 Transition Opens
• 07:25 Registration Closes
• 07:30 Transition Closes
• 07:35 Race Brief (conducted in the rolling start area)
• 07:45 Race Starts

WEATHER

The weather seems as though it could be kind to you with a dry start and a tad chilly with light winds but as with all British weather this is subject to change.
See the predicted forecast HERE

PARKING

Parking is onsite and open from 06:00 on race day.
There is a venue car park charge, £3.50 for the day to be paid directly to the parking attendant as you arrive, so please bring your change  (I know, but that’s out of my hands!)

(Please be nice to our parking attendants they are volunteers. Anyone found being abusive to these guy’s will not be allowed to compete)

REGISTRATION & TRANSITION ENTRY

Will be open on Saturday evening from 16:00-18:00. at the venue PE28 0BH and on the morning of the event from 06:30 to 07:25. Don’t be late! Parking is onsite and open from 06:00, follow all signage. Its just 50 metres  from transition.

Please note: NOTHING WILL BE POSTED TO YOU;  Please ensure you arrive in plenty of time to register and prepare yourselves (the races will start with or without you).

At registration you will receive a race pack, which should contain the following items:

• 2 x stickers: one to be attached to your helmet, other to you bike handle bars or seat post, NO stickers attached means you will NOT be allowed in to transition.
• 1 x race number: to be attached to your back when biking and to be attached to your front when running- race belts are advisable. If you are not displaying a number you will not be allowed to continue from transition.
• 1 x timing chip and strap: This must be attached to your LEFT ankle, No chip, no time. If you are unsure of how to attach the chip please refer to the instructions at registration.(Please do not lose your chip it will cost you £10 for a replacement)
• Important: BTF Day race licences will need to be purchased at £5 on the day for those who are not members of the BTF.  Remember, no licence, no race (this is your insurance).

You will only be allowed into transition if you are wearing your race number as well as your bike and helmet having a corresponding number (all found in your registration pack). Your helmet must be on your head and fastened at the entrance to transition. Officials WILL BE checking that your helmet is correctly fitted, i.e. when fastened you should only be able to get two fingers under the strap. Please ensure it is adjusted correctly before trying to get in, you will be turned away if it’s not correct. NON Draft legal bike requirements / checks will be carried out. CHECK RULE BOOK 

COURSES

SWIM  (1900m) 

Swim hats will be provided and must be worn:
All swimmers will start with a rolling start. (Your race time will start when you cross the timing point under the start Gantry)

Throughout the clockwise swim you should keep the Large RED buoys to your Right. The route is 2 large 950m laps. When you reach the beach from your first lap, you will exit the water go around the australian exit sep up back into the water for your second lap. On the last lap when you turn round the final Bouy head back to the shore, you will be able to site from Inflatable race gantry and Zone 3 Flags  that will be on the edge of the lake as you exit the water. 

Feet coverings are allowed during the swim if it is wetsuit compulsory. If it is above 14 degrees on the day they will be banned. Neoprene under hats may be worn below your supplied hat.
Please ensure you understand how the rolling swim start works CLICK HERE

SWIM SAFETY
This is a natural enviroment, so as you enter and exit the water take your time and be aware of slips, trips and falls. At the water exit there will be a marshal at the waters edge to give you assistance if you require it.
Medical Water Safety UK  will be on the water for your safety.  Please abide by their directions. There will also be rescue launches from “Grafham Water Sailing Club” for your safety, again please abide by any directions given.
If during the swim you find your self or witness another athlete getting into difficulty, simply turn on your back and raise one arm into the air and raise a vocal alarm.  Canoeists, resue launces or bank rescue staff will come to your aid. If you appear to be struggling in the swim or have been in the water for a long time you may be pulled out at the discretion of the safety crews.
In windy conditions the water can get a bit choppy, which will make swimming more difficult, please, use your common sense assess the conditions on the day and swim accordingly.
*Note that water safety is only provided during the race itself. Do not swim outside the race*

WATER TEMPERATURE

Is currently cold (11.5) which means wetsuits are compulsory. (See the rule book HERE.) Please bring suitable clothing for the bike section after getting out of the water. The air temperature is forecast to become colder again next week.

OPEN WATER SWIMMING STANDARDS

Please ensure that you are competant at swimming this distance. Ensure that you have practised and completed this distance in “OPEN COLD WATER” prior to attending this event. If the saftey teams decide that you are not a competant enough swimmer you will be removed from the swim section. This is not only for your own saftey but the others around you. 

 *YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO SWIM “BACKSTROKE” AT OUR EVENTS*

You will be disqualified if found doing so.
*Note that water safety is only provided during the race itself. Do not swim 
in the river outside the swim race and allocated warm up times.*

TRANSITION AND MOUNT (Racks will be numbered)

*After the sucess during previous years, You will have the option to use a Male and Female changing tent and 1x Toilet within transition for use during the race not prior to.  Please note this is not a baggage tent it is just for changing, all clothing must be returned to your bike racking area or baggage area at the side of transition.*

We operate a clean transition, please only bring essential equipment into transition, bags will not be allowed next to your bikes and will be removed to the edge of transition. Bright coloured towels, talc, or any other forms of obvious position marking will be dealt with by the “Transition Official” potentially resulting in time penalties. You have been warned.

From the swim, run into transition and find your bike, do not touch your bike until you have put you cycle helmet on and done it up. Remember when removing your wet suit to consider others, do not leave where it will be tripped over by your fellow competitors. (Wet suits are not allowed to hang over the racking it must be left on the floor next to your bike). Run with your bike out of transition via the “Bike Out” gantry. Do not get on your bike until you reach the marked “Mount Line”  Remember at this point your race number should be displayed on your back.

BIKE (91km)

Once on your bike leave the park with a left hand turn taking extreme care as you join the carriage way. The bike course is on open roads with no road closures, so ensure you follow the Highway Code at all times. Look out for the signs and marshals to keep you on the right course. Pay particular attention on the lanes and at the junctions. It’s YOUR responsibility to know the course, do not rely on signs and marshals. Although it is very well signed and marshalled.

THERE IS A MADATORY “FOOTDOWN” POINT AT 6 MILES, JUNCTION JOINING ONTO MAIN ROAD, IT IS WELL MARKED AND MARSHALED, ANYONE CAUGHT NOT PUTTING THEIR FOOT DOWN HERE WILL BE INSTANTLY DISQUALIFIED.

Footdown Means:  Stop, Uncleating and touching one foot on the ground within the marked box. You may then proceeed if safe to do so  
NB: This is a live T Juction. There are marshals present but they will NOT help you with road safety this is your responsibility and yours alone 
 
BIKE ROUTE

This route is slightly undulating in places, but can be and is very fast in the right conditions. Roads are in very good condition which means the cars go fast too, so take extra care when using the road to negotiate bends etc. This is a middle distance race, please come prepared with all the nessasary equipment to fix your bike should you have a mechanical or a puncture. There are sweep vans and BTF motorcycles patroling the route. If you are unable to continue with your race please inform a marshal or one of the Motorcycles and they will arrange a pick up, but this could take some time to get to you.

This an open road event, Please ensure you ride to the left at all times except when over taking Do not ride in the midddle of the road,  please treat all other road users with respect, even if they don’t deserve it. Abuse of any kind from competitors will not be tolerated, please bite your tounge. 

BIKE FEED STATION (Eco Zones)

Contents:

• 500ml water bottles (Grafman Branded)
• 500ml High 5 energy source pre filled bottles (Grafman Branded)
• High 5 gels 

Before you reach each feed station there will be a Hippo Bag for you to dispose of any water bottles or Gel / Feed wrappers you have,  before you collect a fresh one from the feed station. (Please note, any water bottles that are disgarded in the hippos bags cannot be returned).

Please do not litter the countryside with your Gel wrappers. If you can carry them full, you can carry them empty untill you reach the ECO ZONE (Feed station) where you can dispose of them into the Hippo Bags.

THIS IS A NON DRAFTING RACE 

Please make sure you undestand the requirements / format of  NON draft legal racing CLICK HERE FOR RULES. “I did not know” is not an acceptable excuse.

TRANSITION 2 & DISMOUNT

*After the sucess during previous years, You will have the option to use a Male and Female changing tent and 1x Toilet within transition for use during the race not prior to …. Please note this is not a baggage tent it is just for changing, all clothing must be returned to your bike racking area or baggage area at the side of transition.*

Once back in the park you will dismount your bike in the marked “Dismount Line”, run with your bike to the “BIKE IN” gantry, rack it the same place you removed it from, you may then remove you helmet. Then run out at the opposite end of transition “RUN OUT” gantry. Remember your number should now be on your front 
 

RUN  (13.1 miles)

Your race number should now be displayed on your front, exit the transition at the run out sign and turn immediately left and follow the marked course (flags/ arrows/ and tapes) through the gate and out along the dam wall for one mile, there you will turn at the water station and come back, passing transition following the marked course, out and around Grafham lake, for another 4 miles staying on the natural walkers and cycle path all the way round until you get to the marked turn around point.  Marshals will be on all turns, Please remember the paths are open to the public, please be courteous. As you near the final stages of the run please ensure you turn to go down the finish straight. This will be marshalled. Stay on the cycle path at all times and you won’t go wrong.

Again this is an open venue used by the public, please be “NICE”  even if people are ignorant to your needs, abuse from any competitors will not be tolerated. Please bite your tounge.

Please see clothing rules HERE (Dont get caught out)

RUN WATER & FEED STATIONS (Eco Zones)

Contents:

• Dam Wall Turn Point : Water bottles & Gels 
• Transition: Cups of water / High 5 energy source 
• Turn Point: Cups of water and High 5 energy source
• Finish: Water / High 5 / Erdinger / Bananas / Coke /’ Sweets (Wine gums etc.)
• After each feed station there will be a Hippo Bag for you to dispose of any water bottles or Gel / Feed wrappers you have

Please do not litter the countryside with your Gel wrappers. If you can carry them full, you can carry them empty untill you reach the ECO ZONE (Feed station) where you can dispose of them into the Hippo Bags.

PRIZES & PRESENTATION 

This will take place as soon as the race is over outside registration or sooner if results become available.

Nicetri Prizes: 

Triathlon:

• 1st Male / Female
• 2nd Male / Female
• 3rd Male / Female
• 1st vet 40 Male / Female
• 1st vet 50 Male / Female
• 1st vet 60 Male / Female
• 1st vet 70 Male / Female
• 1st Team
• 2nd Team
• 3rd Team

Aquabike:

• 1st Male / Female
• 2nd Male / Female
• 3rd Male / Female

FINISH

Well done you have finished… Here you will find refreshments (Pint of erdinger bananas/water and High5 recovery etc)
Prior to leaving the finish area can you please ensure your chip is removed and placed in the bin provided. There will be marshals to assist you with this.
There will be a TV screen for you to get instant results and splits.

Finish Photos will be available for free to download from our facebook page, Click HERE. All we ask is that you like our page and share as much as you like. please leave us reviews as it helps us improve the events we bring to you.

POST RACE MASSAGE

Alan and his team from Massge in the St.Neots and the local area will be on hand to ease those tired muscles See their Facebook Page.

RESULTS

All race results will be live to the internet as you cross the finish line so spectators/family can see your results instantly on their mobile devices. They can be found HERE

(www.chiptimingsolutions.com)

POST RACE BIKE & EQUIPMENT REMOVAL 

Bike retrieval at the end of the race will only be allowed once the last cyclist has left for their run and only competitors will be allowed into transition. Or, when it’s deemed safe for competitors to enter transition.
  
COMPULSORY

Grafham Water has very small highly invasive shrimp infestation, which is currently being contained within their waters. (pin head size, you won’t see any, I am sure.)
The shrimp is totally harmless to humans and will not affect you in anyway.
BUT if it were to get into other rivers and water courses it could have an effect on fish and other wildlife, which can significantly alter the ecology of other water sources. (They eat other fresh water shrimp)
To enable us to use this wonderful facility we have to impose the following wash system for your wet suit.

WASH (After race completion)
Will consist of a dipping system, 1st dip will be a Milton solution and then just pure water to rinse and then bagged in a black liner for transport home, The washing will be done for you; Only 2 mins of your time. Please ensure your suit and any other equipment that has come in contact with the water is completely dried after use, this will kill any rouge shrimp that may have escaped…. trust me you won’t find any.
It’s probably the best wash your suit will ever get, the Milton is harmless to you and your suit and smellsgreat, if it’s ok for your babies bottle then it should be good for you! Look at it as a free wash for your smelly old triathlon suit!

 *YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE TRANSITION WITHOUT GOING THROUGH THE WASH*

 Your support in protecting the environment is appreciated

SPECTATORS

Where to go and watch

Grafham Water offers a lot for the children and family to do, while fellow family/friends are competing – there is an onsite cafe open all day that has food/drinks and those all important ice creams for the kids. Grafham cycles has an onsite shop and have hire bikes so you can cycle round the venue. For more information on things to do click HERE

The venue  offers fantastic viewing of the Swim & Run route – you can view the swim as they navigate their way around the Australian exit and into transition. Once they have come off the bike and started the run section you will see them pass through the venue 4 times before they cross the finish line, where you will be watching and cheering them on (a great competitor/spectator feeling).

FIRST AID

Nicetri & Water & safety Medical will be providing first aid cover for the event. If you are injured or witness a fellow competitor getting injured please alert your nearest marshal, who will call for assistance, there are also marshals out on the course that are first aid trained..

HEADPHONES NOT PERMITTED

THANKYOU

Nicetri thank you for your support and hope to see you at future events. Please leave comments on the race both good and bad on our web site, this will help us to improve the quality of events we bring to you.
 
There is camping for Saturday evening if required, Limited facilities. Toilets and a cold water tap. £10 for the night.  Food and drink facilities are open for the duration of the race
On race day there will be stalls selling Tri and associated equipment, There is also a place to buy that pre race bacon butty and a cup of tea/coffee.
 

The race referee’s/directors decision is final. Please refresh yourself with our T&C’s before racing Click HERE

IMPORTANT

Given the time of year and the unpredictable weather please ensure you check our web site www.nicetri.co.uk and your emails prior to the race, We hope nothing changes but we reserve the right to delay, change or even cancel the event at short notice if safety deems it nessasary.

We at Nicetri Events hope you all have a great day and achieve your goals

We “Nicetri Events “accept no responsibility for any loss or injury however so caused by entering this race, as agreed in your T&C’s you race knowing of the dangers and except full responsibility for your action/s / yourself and that of those around you. You standing on the start line means you have read and understood / accepted the risks as your own and that no liability will be placed on Nicetri Events Ltd.