Triathlon Questions

Q: What are the rules for the use of wetsuits in the swim?

A: USAT rules make wetsuits illegal above 78 degrees. We will check the water temperature at least one hour before the start of the first wave; it is at that time when we decide if the water is wetsuit legal. As a precaution, I suggest bringing your wetsuit if the water temperature is questionable to day before.

Q: Can athletes use iPods during the bike and/or run portion of the race?

A: I'm sorry to say, but the answer is "no".  Unfortunatley, this is considered an "open course" to traffic and USATriathlon regulations consider it a safety issue.

You are allowed to sing out loud though!

Q: Please forgive me if this is covered on the website and I missed it, but what is the registration for "Fat Tire" for, a certain kind of bike?

A: Fat Tire designates either a Mountain Bike or Beach Cruiser type with a "Fat Tire". Most athletes ride a "road bike" similar to the classic "10-speed", with very skinny tires. These bike go much faster and require less effort, so it gives them a distinct advantage over the Mountain Bikes.

Which category you register for is a personal decision. Here are things to consider:
- Novice will have a variety of athletes with different levels of skill and equipment. (Presumably less than average due to their lack of experience)
- Fat Tire will have a variety of athletes with different skills with more of a level playing field as far as equipment.
- If the bike is not your best event, then I would go with Fat Tire. If you're a real good cyclist, then go with the novice, to exploit your best skill.

Q: This will be my first triathlon of any kind and I have a question about the attire. Do people wear the same shorts/swimsuit to run, bike, and swim in or do they change at the transition areas. (Is it mandatory to change clothes?) Also, for the swimming, do you need a head cap?

A: Most athletes swim/bike/run in the same shorts (especially during a sprint tri). A pair of spandex cycling shorts are the most common. Some guys wear speedo type swim shorts, but they don't give you any padding on the bike. Changing clothes (ie. Getting Naked) is not allowed in the transition area, so someone would have to run to the bathrooms to change (it's been done...).  Some guys bike and run with no shirt at all, but most put on some sort of top during the bike/run portion for sun protection.

As for the swim caps. We provide you with a colored cap that will designate your starting wave. So you don't have to bring one yourself.

Q: Could you please tell me what constitutes a relay team? Are they co-ed? 2 or 3 persons?

A: A relay team consists of 2 to 3 people of men and/or women.