CHOLMONDELEY CASTLE CHOLMONDELEY CASTLE TRIATHLON COMPETITOR Guide 2015 w: castletriathlonseries.co.uk t: +44 (0)1892 870 681 National Sponsors:
Contents The Castle Triathlon Series is now the biggest series in the country and it just keeps getting better. It stands out from other races because of its festival feel. At other events you turn up, race and leave, here you want to stay and just soak it all in. David Bishop Loughborough Development Squad 03. Welcome 04. Pre-event preparation 06. Registration 07. Relay teams 09. On the day 10. Race information 11. The swim course 13. The cycle course 15. The run course 17. Junior Triathlon 19. After your race 21. Frequently asked questions 23. Race day admin notes 26. More information 27. Thanks Event dates in 2015: Lough Cutra Castle, Galway (Ireland) Sunday 24th May 2015 Cholmondeley Castle, Cheshire (UK) Sunday 28th June 2015 The Bastion, Kent (UK) Sunday 12th July 2015: Full Iron Distance at Hever Castle Castle Howard, York (UK) Saturday 25th/Sunday 26th July 2015 Chateau de Chantilly, Chantilly (France) Saturday 29th/Sunday 30th August 2015 Hever Castle, Kent (UK) Saturday 26th/Sunday 27th September 2015
03 Welcome Dear Competitors, Congratulations on entering the Cholmondeley Castle Triathlon festival, we look forward to seeing you soon. It s incredible to see the size of the event doubling over the past years. We are thrilled to welcome so many of you, and your friends and family, as our courses promise to impress, along with the massive festival offering. This is the seventh year of the Castle Triathlon Series, now involving six stunning weekend triathlon festivals, which keep getting bigger and better! 2014 was a great year with over 10,000 competitors taking part; aged 7-70 years old and first timers to top GB elites including Lucy Gossage and David McNamee. We saw the World s largest children s triathlon take place at Hever Castle Triathlon, our first half iron distance (The Gauntlet) successfully launched and Channel 4 broadcasting a programme on us. This year entries are flooding in and we expect 15,000 of you to compete we are really pleased that you will be joining us. Best wishes, This year highlights include our first full iron distance (The Bastion) at Hever Castle, The Gauntlet being hosted at all our castles and the launch of Tri-Knights, the first curriculum linked primary school resource. Not only are the courses looking stunning, the festival offering has expanded to make the event an exhilarating experience for you and your friends and family cheering you on. This Competitor Guide aims to give you a step-by-step overview of what is involved in taking part in a triathlon, and in particular one of our events, with some key tips to help you enjoy the experience and have a speedy transition. We hope to help you visualise the run up to your race by helping you prepare and eliminate any stress or worry. On top of this pre information we have a team of staff and volunteers who are only too happy to provide plenty of help before, during and after race day. A detailed briefing will be provided on the day by myself but we appreciate the adrenalin will be running and as much information beforehand is helpful! Best of luck with your training and races and look forward to seeing you this Summer. Brian Adcock Race Director Castle Triathlon Series
04 Pre-event preparation You have now signed up for your race with no turning back! SO what will you hear from us? Full race details uploaded on the specific Castle Race Admin page of our website. Individual wave times will be sent out via email two weeks prior to the race. Water temp/wetsuit info via text message (sent shortly before your race). Equipment Ensure that you either have a wetsuit or have a rental/purchase of one lined up please see our hiring page here. Adults, road/hybrid bike is recommended (however mountain or cyclo-cross bikes can be used). 8-15 year old races, we strongly recommend mountain or cyclo-cross bike. Race day information The latest race admin is uploaded 2 weeks before the event, visit this page for up to date info about your race. Accommodation and travel Camping is available at all of the venues (this can be booked online when you login to your account) excluding Chateau de Chantilly. We have a comprehensive list of alternative accommodation please see here. There are specific directions on how to get to the Castle on our website. Currency deals for those of you travelling abroad, we have partnered with City Forex to offer you the best foreign exchange rates. Click here for more information and to place orders in advance of your tri break. Fundraising If you choose to raise money for a charity or good cause you may wish to set up a Just Giving page. If you would like to fundraise and looking for a charity to support, we support a number of local and national charities. Training We would always recommend training in preparation for any event, but how much you do, and the style you take is down to you. You might find it helpful to sign up for a triathlon training package with our partner thetrilife.com who provide you with a bespoke plan and emails answering any of your questions. The key thing is to be comfortable cycling on an open road and if possible we would recommend a practice swim in the open water with your wetsuit on before the event. Please look at our website for details of training days at our castle venues.
06 Registration Our staff at registration will provide you with your race number and will body mark you. Please have your right hand ready. You will then receive a race pack (on the day) that contains; An individual race number that is worn during the cycle and the run (safety pins are provided if you don t have a race belt). Three numbered labels one for the front of your helmet, one for the back of your helmet and one for your bike frame. A coloured swim hat (the colour relates to the wave that you are in). A timing chip device to be worn around your left ankle - this must be worn throughout all 3 disciplines and will need to be handed in at the finish line. Children will get a wristband to be worn during their race to help marshals direct them accordingly on the cycle and run. We usually advise competitors to wear wetsuits however they are only compulsory if the water is less than 15 C No family or friends are allowed in the transition area. Please ensure that you arrive at registration at least an hour before the start of your race.
07 Relay teams Relay teams can enter both the adults or children s races but unfortunately not mixed together. How does the relay work? For each distance there is the option to enter as a relay team. Either in a group of 2 (1 of the team will do two disciplines), or a group of 3 (where you do a discipline each). These teams can be all male, all female or a mixed team. There are no specification on ages (or course children/junior relay participants must be of an age that falls in line with their race category) or abilities within the teams. Registration At registration, ideally the whole relay team arrives together for body marking and receiving the race pack. If this is not possible, one team member can pick up the race pack for the other (the relay team will be registered under the person who made the booking). However the other relay members will still need to go via registration once they arrive. Chip timing The chip (attached to a strap) given out at registration, to be worn on the left ankle, acts as a relay baton and must be passed between team members in transition, for the next part of the race. Race number Within your race pack, you will be given two separate numbers 1 for the cyclist and 1 for the runner. Please pin this on to the clothing you will wear for this part of the race. Cyclists put the race number on back. Runners put the race number on front.
Swim...bike...run... Surf...paddle...sail. Great fitting quality wetsuits and sun protection.
09 On the day In the week before the race itself you will receive (by email) your wave time and race day admin information for your specific race. (Please note we do not send anything out by post). On the day at registration you will need to arrive approximately 1 hour before your wave time. You will be given a number that will be body-marked on you (usually hand and arm) and then given a race pack (please see page six for what is in the race pack). Numbered labels must be placed on your bike and helmet before you enter the transition area. In transition your helmet and bike brakes will be checked and then you will be shown to your designated transition spot. Race day check-list Please ensure that you name your wetsuit and keep all your marked belongings together as all the wetsuits look the same it s very easy to pick up the wrong one! You are welcome to bring a box/container to keep all your things in for the duration of the race. Once you have racked your bike, you need to make your way to the Swim start. Ensure you leave time for the brief 15 minutes before your wave time for the briefing by the Race Director. All members of the relay team need to attend the brief Know your Wave Number/Time DIRECTIONS TO THE CASTLE WETSUIT AND GOGGLES Bike helmet, pump and repair kit CLOTHING FOR RUN/BIKE RACE BELT NUTRITION AND LIQUIDS TOWEL TRAINERS WARM CLOTHING FOR AFTER RACE PLASTIC BOX OR BAG (FOR KIT IN TRANSITION) CASH
10 Race information Always have your cycling helmet on before you ride out on your bike Transition After you have been through registration, head for transition to rack your bike. The team will guide you to your transition spot (depending on the number of competitors, this can be done by waves or by time of arrival). Chip timing You will receive a chiptiming device, which will be the same as your race number for the duration of the race. This must be put on before you start your swim. A marshal at the finishing line will take it off you when you finish. Bike helmets are compulsory Please ensure that your numbered labels (in your race pack) are put on your bike and cycle helmet before entering the transition area. The transition team will check your bike helmet, and your bike brakes before you will be allowed to rack up. Please note: You will not be able to leave transition with your equipment at any point unless the number on yourself and your bike matches. Please note that it is your responsibility to wear your timing device and we cannot be held responsible for any losses. If for any reason it is lost, or comes off your ankle during your race - please let the timing company know. In this case, we cannot ensure that your times can be accessed but we will endeavor to try. Race bag or box It s a good idea to arrive with an adequate sized container to keep all your belongings dry and together in transition.
11 The swim course official swim partner All of our events provide a stunning open water swim opportunity in unique Castle lakes. A wetsuit will be compulsory if the temperature of the lake is less than 15 degrees. A wetsuit will not only keep you warm, but it will help you swim faster as it provides you with extra buoyancy. For the dedicated triathlete Speedo offer a stunning range. If you are dipping your toe in the triathlon water, you may prefer to hire, see here for more details including weekly and season hire. If your little one fancies a cool new animal print wetsuit, we love this range from Saltskin, check them out here. Swimming checklist Wetsuit Goggles Towel The Castle Tri team will provide you with a swimming hat on the day Either a short sleeved or long sleeved wetsuit is fine for both Adults and Juniors We recommend you try swimming in a wetsuit before your race if you can Speedo will have swim support team at all of our events this year helping with pre swim equipment needs, or jitters, and a smooth swim exit. Top Swimming Tips from Speedo Choose your environment Swim in safe and controlled environments such as warm shallow pools which are supervised by lifeguards, or in supervised swims at your local lake or swimming pond. Training with a friend will also help to keep motivated through your swim sessions. Make use of training aids Using training aids is a great way to mix up your sessions, as well as to target specific areas of your swim. For example, if you need to work on your arm technique, try using a pull buoy to isolate your legs so you can really concentrate on getting your stroke right. Breathing right Before you go swimming, do some deep breathing especially if you ve had a particularly stressful day. You work better in the water when you re more relaxed The right gear Ensure you are prepared with the right kit for your race, practice with these items and ensure you are comfortable with everything. It may seem obvious but don t wait to try out any new kit at the race itself! On the day Confidence is key If you re not a confident swimmer or this is your first triathlon it s a good idea to start at the back of the pack for the swim start. This will allow you to ease into your rhythm and avoid the mayhem of the swim start. Putting training into practice If you ve done all the training and know you can swim the distance, but something goes wrong on the day, try swimming a bit of breaststroke to help you catch your breath a bit, or increase your bilateral breathing so that you swim three strokes then take a breath, swim one stroke and take a breath and repeat. See our Speedo Swim Tutorial page here for some great video tips on swimming techniques.
13 The cycle course The adult course goes out on to the open road, which is heavily marshaled. For all the routes, we would recommend either a road bike, or a hybrid. The junior courses are within the Castle estate and would require a mountain bike or a road bike with the thicker grippier tyres. Cycle checklist Race belt/safety pins (to attach your race number) Bike Cycle helmet Cycle repair kit (know how to fix a puncture!) Cycle shoes (if necessary) Bottled drink Bike pump Trisuit/clothing Socks Sunglasses (if necessary) Gloves (if necessary) Visor/hat (if necessary) Please wear your race number (given to you in registration) on your back for this section of the race. If you have a race belt then this is easy to do, but if you have safety pins then please pin the number to the front. All cyclists must wear a cycle helmet (British/Irish Safety Standard) and will not be able to leave transition without one properly affixed. There will be water provided on the bike course, but we recommend you take a drink with you also. Drafting is NOT allowed at any point and will be enforced by both marshals and the motorcycle referees out on the cycle course. For latest course maps go to your chosen venue on our website. On your way out to the cycle, please make sure you secure your helmet before you take your bike off the rack. Similarly when you return, please rack your bike before you take your helmet off-
15 The run course Both the adult and junior run courses are within the Castle estate so are a mixture of terrain. Although running shoes are adequate, adults may want to wear trail shoes as much of our run routes are off road. (This can depend on the venue so please also see our website for more information). Run checklist Race belt/safety pins Running shoes Trisuit/clothing Socks Sunglasses (if necessary) Visor/hat (if necessary) Please wear your race number (given to you in registration) on your front for this section of the race. If you have a race belt then this is easy to do, but if you have safety pins then please pin the number to the front.
17 Junior Triathlon Children in the 8-10 years race are allowed one adult in the Transition area with them to help them at one stage of the race We offer races for 7* 15 year olds at five amazing castles in a unique setting where all ages and levels can race together in a safe, friendly environment with a festival atmosphere. Currently there are very few events where kids, teens, and adults are able to participate on the same day and over the same terrain. The weekend and the mid-week events are perfect for children and teens joining their parents or groups of friends (showing their parents up!) and also for schools, sports groups and junior triathlon clubs. Safety notice All children, as adults, will receive a thorough race briefing ten minutes before they start their swim/wave time. Parents can accompany the children to this briefing and we would ask that it is kept as quiet as possible to allow everyone to hear and children to ask any questions. There are plenty of opportunities to cheer on your friends/family around the course! The swim will include boat safety as well as swimmers in the water with big floats accompanying each wave. If at any time the children wish to rest they will be able to with no impact on their end race result. Both the bike and run course are on the castle grounds and will not be on open roads with traffic. At all our events, the junior races are in the afternoon so registration is normally open from 1pm on race day (timing can change on the day). So that we don t have too much congestion at registration, we ask for only one adult per child to go through registration with them and to go one hour before their designated wave time. Please visit our junior tri page. * 7 year old s must be 8 by 31st December 2015
19 After your race Photography Don t forget to visit the Photography Tent. Our official photographers are sure to capture some great shots of you throughout the course. Re-live the moment by visiting our Flickr page which has a huge variety of both professional and competitor photo s of the days events. Make sure you Race number is visible - thats how our photographers gather all your shots in action. Complete the circle To personalise your medal, you can order an insert with your name and timings of the day. Login to order. Podium position At each event we have a Prize Giving Ceremony where you could be the lucky one to have your moment on the podium. Recognition is given to 1st, 2nd & 3rd Adults Open, +40 s, +50 s & +60 s. And of course to each age group of the children s category. Merchandise Buy your race momento with our official Castle Triathlon Series Merchandise visit the store onsite! Timings It will be possible to get your split timings from the Results Tent, usually located by Event Control. We will also upload all timing the night of the race and email you a link to the official timing results the day after your race. R&R It s now time to enjoy a well-earned rest; entertainment in the event village; a hearty meal and why not have a sports massage from our physio partner Six Physio?
21 Frequently asked questions 01. Can I bring spectators to the event? Yes, spectators are very welcome to each castle (please see our website as some castles have a spectator fee). 02. Are there toilets available for competitors? Yes, there are plenty of toilets available at each castle for spectators and competitors; these are normally situated by registration. 03. Can I compete in the same wave as friends/family? Yes, there is an option to create a unique code that can be put in during the registration process. If you have already registered and haven t done this, just contact the office with those of you who would like to be together and we can add it on for you. 04. If I am injured can I just complete one or two of the disciplines rather than the whole race? Yes you are very welcome to do the disciplines you are comfortable with (e.g just the cycle and run). Obviously this will make you ineligible for prizes but you are welcome to complete your race like this. 05. Can I change distance once I have booked? Yes, if you make your booking and then decide to change your race distance, you can contact the office to arrange this (admin@ castletriathlonseries.co.uk). Please note: if you drop down to a shorter distance, we cannot refund the difference, and if you upgrade to a longer distance the difference will need to be paid. 06. Can I hire a bike or wetsuit? Yes we do offer bike and wetsuit hire, please see our Equipment page here. 07. Can I bring dogs into the Castle grounds? Yes as long as they are well behaved and on a lead (don t forget your poop bag)! 08. I can no longer compete; can I get a refund for my race? This depends on when you booked your race. See our T&C s. Please email the office on admin@ castletriathlonseries.co.uk with your booking reference. 09. If I bring spectators will there be much for them to do while I m racing? We pride ourselves on offering plenty of activities for spectators along with access to the Castle grounds. The event village offers a festival atmosphere with plenty of places to watch those racing. 10. How do I find out about the water temperature for race day? The water temperature will be taken 48hrs and 24hrs prior to the race. In the registration process we ask for your mobile phone number so we can text all participants this information via our Bulk SMS text. This is a free service.
23 Race day admin notes CHOLMONDELEY CASTLE Please read these instructions very carefully! Directions to Parking Cholmondeley Castle is located off the A49 Whitchurch/Tarporley Road, between Warrington and Whitchurch. The entrance to the gardens is off the A49 at the Cholmondeley Arms Pub crossroads postcode SY14 8HN. (Railway stations at Chester, Crewe and Whitchurch). Yellow correx AA signage and marshals will direct you to the triathlon car park on the estate. This is different from the normal day visitor car parking area and the same as last year s triathlon car park. Please take extra care on the private road as there are a number of young families who live along it as well as it being particularly busy throughout the day with runners, pedestrians and other vehicles. The Car Park opens at 6.45am on the morning of the race. Do NOT go to the Main Gates at the front of the estate but instead follow correx signage clearly marked Triathlon Car Park. Marshals will direct you at the entrance to the triathlon car park on the estate. Arrival Times and Car Parking We recommend you arrive at Registration 1 hour before your swim start time. There is just a few minutes walk from the Car Park to the Event Administration Area. Please allow sufficient time for your journey, as there is no flexibility on start times due to police and highway restrictions. Race Briefing will take place 15 minutes prior to the start of each race on the grass at the lake edge on the northern side of Deer Park Mere. Predicted Wave Times We predict the following quantity and timings of waves in 2015. NOTE these are subject to change. Final confirmation of Wave Timing will be emailed out and uploaded on our website two weeks prior to the event. Sunday 28th June 1 The Gauntlet Half Iron wave, due to go off at 8.00am 4 The Cholmondeley Olympic waves, due to go off at 20-minute intervals between 9.00am-10.00am. The first wave will be a Competition opt in wave 1 The Marquess Sprint Plus waves due to go off at 10.20am 3 The Gothic Super Sprint waves due to go off at 15 minute intervals between 10.45am-11.15am. The first three waves will be Competition Opt-in waves including a female only wave 1 Starter Sprint wave due to go off at 11.30am 1 The Chestnut 13-15 yrs wave due to go off at 15.00 2 The Oak 11-12 yrs waves due to go off at 15.15 & 15.30 3 The Cedar 8-10 yrs waves due to go off at 15 minute intervals between 15.45-16.15 Due to time constraints, competitors in the Opt In waves will be eligible for prizes on the day. Race Briefing takes place 15 minutes prior to the start of each race and takes place at the lake edge. (All competitors must attend including relay members) Transition and Bike Racking There is no overnight bike racking facility. Transition will open at 7.00am on the morning of the triathlon and will be kept secure until the completion of racing at around 5.00pm. All adult competitors are to remove their bikes and equipment by 1.00pm (not applicable to Gauntlet competitors). Only competitors in possession of their race number and with their bikes bearing that same number will be able to enter or leave the transition area. Children will be able to rack their bikes from 2.00pm. Routes Swim: Water temperature will be taken on the Monday prior to race day and posted on the website. Provided the temperature remains above 14C the wearing of wetsuits will be optional. The start line, which is in standing depth water will be some 30m from the edge of the lake. The swim route is an out and back circuit that will be marked by 100m swimming buoys (50m swimming buoys for the children s races). The lead swimmers will be led around the course by a canoeist. Swim Safety will provide powered boats, canoeists and also safety swimmers (for the children s races only). Exit from the swim is via a wooden ramp (matting covered). If at any point you find yourself in difficulty please stop in the water and put your hand up and you will be immediately rescued!
24 Race day admin notes CHOLMONDELEY CASTLE Continued... Bike: Transition to the bike from the swim is via a 20m run up a bank and then 100m across flat grass. Once you have transferred onto your bike you will leave the Transition Area via the Bike Out Gate at the northern end of the fenced area. You will not be allowed to mount your bike until you have passed the Start Line Gantry on the main entry/ exit road to Cholmondeley Castle. This ramp demount/ mount point will be strictly marshalled. Once out on the public road the course will be marked by a combination of race signage and race marshals wearing high visibility jackets. The cycle route is posted on the race website There will be KM markers all the way around the bike course. Cyclists doing the Olympic Cholmondeley and Sprint Plus Marquess distance, complete two circuits of the cycle route and are not required to re-enter the grounds of Cholmondeley Castle after their first loop. On return to transition cyclists will be required to dismount their bikes at the demount speed ramp and then run to the southern end of transition to enter the Transition Area through the Entry Only Gate. Drafting is NOT allowed at any point and will be enforced by both marshals and the motorcycle referees out on the cycle course. NO part of the course will be subject to any closure notices and the cycle course is wholly on the public highway. Cyclists must therefore comply throughout with The Road Traffic Act and Highway code. Race marshals will not have any authority to stop or direct traffic at any time. Cyclists should listen to and obey all marshal commands and look out for race warning signage (in red) on their way around the course. Run: On returning to the Transition Area cyclists will need to re-rack their bikes at their allotted number and then head off through the Run Out Gate onto the run course around the Cholmondeley Estate. The course will be again marked by a combination of marshals and race signage. The run route is also posted on the race website. There will be KM markers throughout the course. Those runners doing the Cholmondeley and Marquess courses will run twice around the same loop. After the first lap there will be no requirement for them to return to the Transition Area, instead they will just be marshalled back onto the running route for their second lap. On completion of their respective circuit(s) runners will be directed into a 100m finishing straight. Water Points There will be a water station at the 10K point of the cycle course and also at the 2K point of the run. Competitors are asked to throw their empties into the bins provided further down the route. Water and other refreshments will also be provided at the finish. Entertainment, Facilities and Spectators There will be temporary toilets and changing facilities, which will be situated near Registration. Food concessions will be available for breakfast and lunch. Competitors and spectators will not only enjoy the stunning castle grounds but take in a festival atmosphere including bands playing, children s entertainment and tasty food. Please bring cash for these purposes as no card facilities are available. Spectators are free and are very welcome to watch the triathlon at all points of the race save for the 500m of the run route that fall within the recognised gardens of Cholmondeley Castle. Walking the estate is at their own risk, however we hope the castle grounds are enjoyed along with the variety of entertainment that we will have on offer. NOTE: The Castle is not open to members of the public and all estate building are private and off limits. The recommended viewing points for the various elements of the race are as follows: Swim (5 min walk from registration): From the northern edge of the lake Cycle (all accessible by car please note that it will be difficult for you to park up and then for your supporters to leave the car park whilst competitors are still arriving for the swim starts): Cholmondeley Arms, Ridley Cross, Bulkeley, Fuller s Moor Pub, Ashton Cross Run (all within 10-15 minutes walk of registration): Cholmondeley Castle North Lawn, The Stables, Tower Hill, The Finish Line Camping Camping is available for the night of Friday 26th, Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th June, and the campsite is to the north of Deer Park Mere on the estate. Please make your way onto the estate via the Main entrance and follow the camping signage. The Campsite will open at 17:00pm on Friday 26th June. Please note that on race day, there will be no movement of vehicles before 17:00pm due to the racing on the estate. There will be toilets and showers available for all campers. Please book your camping online before arrival at the event. All information regards the campsite and list of booked pitches and contact details can be found on the Race Admin page, two weeks prior to the event. All campers are subject to the Cholmondeley Castle Triathlon Campsite rules, which will be sent out to all campers in advance. Dogs Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome at the estate.
26 More information We hope that this competitor guide has answered any questions that you may have had, but please don t hesitate to contact the office if you have any further questions. castletriathlonseries.co.uk +44 (0)1892 870 681 admin@castletriathlonseries.co.uk Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Sign up for our newsletter Best of luck and look forward to seeing you at Cholmondeley Castle Tri!
Thanks to all our sponsors and charities National Partners Charities: This publication is copyrighted by the Casle Triathlon Series 2015.