The Maldon Triathlon Race Briefing 2017 Sunday 30 th July 2017 Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, Essex CM9 5JQ Sprint Distance: 750m Swim / 28km Cycle / 5km Run Olympic Distance: 1.5km Swim / 45km Cycle / 10km Run IMPORTANT: This is a provisional Race Briefing Pack and is subject to change. The final Race Briefing Pack will be available approximately 2 weeks before the event. The Maldon Triathlon is based around the beautiful Promenade Park and Hythe Quay over the Sprint and Olympic distances. The event consists of a 750m / 1.5km river swim along the Promenade, 28km / 45km cycle on the quiet and scenic roads of the Dengie peninsula and finishes with a 5km / 10km run entirely based around Promenade Park. With plenty of facilities for the whole family, activities throughout the day and countless cafes lining the route the event is sure to draw a huge crowd of spectators. Page 1 of 14
Pre-Race (Sunday 30 th July) Parking at Promenade Park is charged per hour or 6 for the day and is pay and display. A dedicated car parking area is located on the triathlon event field. You will need to use the pay and display facilities. Athletes staying near Maldon town centre are advised to walk the short distance to the start. Promenade Park is well signed and there will be Triathlon Car Parking signs at the park. Follow the road to the end to park on the triathlon event field. Marshals will be in place to guide you. Car Parking opens at 03:50am and no sooner. Registration takes place at the race tent on race morning from 03:50am. Here you will receive your race number and stickers for your bike, helmet, bags and personal supplies along with a swimming hat, event memento and a goody bag containing offers from race sponsors. Zoggs are pleased to offer all competitors a 20% discount when purchasing from the official Zoggs online shop. Use promotional code DENGIE20 at the checkout. Sundried are offering all competitors a massive 50% discount on items in their online store. Use promotional code DENGIE at the checkout. Our Bike Fitting Partner Yellow Jersey Cycles are offering all competitors a 10% discount on all clothing, parts, accessories, servicing and bike fitting as well as 5% off all bikes. You will need to present your confirmation email or race number. To register you will need to bring with you a form of photo ID (passport or driving licence). British Triathlon Federation members need to remember their BTF licence. Non-members will be given a day licence. You will receive one race number. Your race number needs to be visible from the back on the bike and from the front on the run. You need to collect your timing chip and strap from the Timing Chip Collection Point located just inside the transition area. Please have your race number visible when collecting your timing chip. Bike racking takes place on race morning from 03:50am. Please allow plenty of time to rack your bike and set up. Only athletes are allowed in transition and you will need to show your race number to enter and exit. Please have your bike numbers attached and show your helmet as you enter. Please note that the British Triathlon Federation have introduced a rule prohibiting boxes and bags from being left in the Transition Area. We will need to enforce this rule. Transition closes strictly at 05:30am. Race Briefing takes place at 05:30am by the swim start. YOU MUST ATTEND THE RACE BRIEFING. This is mandatory and if you are not ready in time you will not be allowed to race. Important course and safety information will be explained at the briefing. Page 2 of 14
Transition Area At the Transition Area you will find all of the race facilities including medical staff, toilets and the race tent. You can leave Personal Belongings at the race tent for collection after the race. These need to be left at the race tent before 05:25am and must be clearly labelled. All items are left at your own risk. There will be an Aid Station on the run course providing nutrition, water and soft drinks in plastic cups. Personal supplies are allowed. These need to be left at the race tent before transition closes and must be clearly labelled. At the finish there will be refreshments available for athletes. Yellow Jersey Cycles will be offering technical advice and providing basic mechanical services such as brake and gear adjustments, quick wheel truing, checking torque settings etc. They will carry a small stock of tyres, tubes, brake pads, cables should you need to purchase any parts. Romford Sports Massage are offering 15 minute post-race massages for only 10. They will also be available pre-race provided you book in advance. To pre-book your massage call 07849170195 or visit www.romfordsportsmassage.com Tri N Swim W.E.L.L are a swim coaching specialist based in Rochford in their state of the art Endless Pool swim coaching facility. They will be present at the event and are offering wetsuit hire for just 25. Contact Gill on 07919205498, Dawn on 07533353228 or visit www.trinswimwell.co.uk Sundried produce premium ethical activewear. Responsibly produced in partnership with The Low Carbon Innovation Fund, Sundried minimise the carbon footprint of their clothing and donate to charity Water for Kids with every purchase. www.sundried.com Thanks to Stuweb there will be a Results Station where you can view your time. Our official charity partner Essex Air Ambulance will be at the transition area selling merchandise and explaining the good work that they do. Why not go over and say hello, they really appreciate the support that you are showing them! Café 2 U is a premier mobile speciality coffee car offering fresh espresso coffee and great food. Please note that we cannot guarantee the attendance of these services. Page 3 of 14
Transition Area Map Zone 3 Swim Course (Sprint 750m / Olympic 1.5km) Sprint Start (Wave 1 Green (Individual) & White (Relay) swim hats): 05:45am Olympic Start (Wave 2 Purple (Individual) & Red (Relay) swim hats): 05:50am Immediately after the race briefing Wave 1 needs to enter the river via the slipway. You will be asked to enter one at a time for safety reasons. If you are a weaker swimmer please seed yourself towards the back of the group. Immediately after Wave 1 has started, Wave 2 needs to enter the water. Athletes will start in the water when the starting horn sounds. Page 4 of 14
Sprint distance athletes will complete 1 lap of the course (750m). Olympic distance athletes will complete 2 laps of the course (1.5km). The course will be clearly marked with buoys and exit will be via the slipway. Water safety marshals will be present both on shore and with motorised boats and canoes. If you want to raise the attention of the marshals turn on your back and raise one arm in the air. Please note this is a tidal river and will be more challenging than a typical open water or pool swim. Wetsuits are compulsory and the Swim Cut-Off is strictly 07:00am. On exiting the swim via the slipway follow the path to the transition area. Walk or run with your bike to the bike mount line. We advise you make yourself familiar with the transition area on race morning. IMPORTANT: When you exit the water you MUST enter transition or alert a marshal if you do not wish to continue. We keep a tally of all athletes for your safety. If you leave the course without notifying a marshal we will search the water for you. We do not want to waste the time of the emergency services. IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR RELAY ENTRIES: Relay teams will share one timing chip. The swim athlete will start with the timing chip and complete the swim as normal. The cycle athlete needs to be ready at their bike racking spot in transition. The timing chip needs to be passed from one athlete to the other. The cycle athlete will them complete the cycle course as normal. The run athlete needs to be ready at their spot in transition. The timing chip needs to be passed to the run athlete who will then complete the run course. Page 5 of 14
Cycle Course (Sprint 28km / Olympic 45km) The cycle course takes athletes out of Promenade Park and onto the quiet, scenic roads of the Dengie peninsula. Here you will pass through small towns and villages with traditional weatherboard homes and experience a fast and flat course over the marshes. Sprint distance athletes complete a shorter loop than Olympic distance athletes. We will be available to help with any small problems you may encounter on course and will act as a sag wagon. If you come into any difficulties alert a marshal and we can despatch the service car. Alternatively wait on course, the service car will make periodic loops of the course. Please be aware that it may take some time for the mechanic to reach you and you cannot rely on this service so be as self-sufficient as possible and we will do our best to get you to the finish! DO NOT leave the swim, cycle or run course without speaking to a marshal first. We must ensure your safety and need to know where you are at all times. The cycle course takes place on public roads and is open to other traffic. Observe the rules of the road. Keep to the left when not overtaking, do not cross the centre line and give way at junctions. There is a compulsory stop-go section on the Sprint course. You MUST STOP at this junction. If you do not stop you will receive instant disqualification. You will need to follow the large fluorescent signs with black direction arrows. There will be marshals at key junctions but it is your responsibility to know the course. Please make yourself familiar with the directions below: Cycle Directions: Follow road out of Promenade Park. Be careful of speed bumps. Turn right onto park exit road. Be careful of speed bumps and potholes. Turn left at junction onto Park Drive. Turn left (1 st exit) at roundabout onto Mundon Road. Turn left at junction onto Maldon Road. Turn Left at junction onto The Street, Latchingdon. Continue straight (1 st exit) at Latchingdon mini-roundabout. SPRINT TURNAROUND POINT Olympic distance continue straight through Steeple. Sprint distance turn left, then immediately right onto Canney Road. Turn right at junction back onto Maldon Road. You will now be travelling back towards transition. This right turn is a COMPULSORY STOP-GO. You must put your foot down before you are allowed to proceed. There will be marshals in place to ensure you comply with this rule. Failure to stop will result in disqualification. Olympic distance only: Turn right onto Bradwell Road Olympic distance only: Turn right onto Brook Road Page 6 of 14
Olympic distance only: Warning: Steep descent down St Lawrence Hill. You will need to give way at the bottom. Use your brakes and be careful. Turn left at junction onto Steeple Road. Exercise extreme caution at this junction. Olympic distance will pass Sprint Turnaround Point. Both distances are now travelling along the same course back to transition. Continue straight (2 nd exit) at Latchingdon mini-roundabout. Turn right onto Maldon Road. Turn right onto Mundon Road. Turn right (3 rd exit) at roundabout onto Park Drive. Continue past the normal car entrance to Promenade Park. Extreme Caution: Turn right into Promenade Park and continue along the access road. Cycle slowly through the park. There will be spectators and runners close to where you will be cycling. We will do our best to keep them separated from cyclists but you need to remain vigilant. The road will bend to the right where a number of cafe s are located. At this point runners will be using the same road as cyclists. Warning: You MUST KEEP RIGHT. Runners will be travelling in the same direction as you. They will be asked to keep left. Turn left on the park road. This will be clearly signed and marshalled. Warning: At this turn you will cross-over with runners on the course. Cyclists will have priority over runners but please be very careful in this section. Join main Park road. Keep to the left and be careful of cars. Be aware of speed bumps. Dismount at the line and walk or run with your bike into transition. Cycle Cut-Off is 09:15. If you are still on the course at this time you will not be permitted to start the run. Sprint Course (28km): Page 7 of 14
Interactive Sprint Cycle Map & GPX files: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/460371 Olympic Course (45km): Page 8 of 14
Interactive Olympic Cycle Map & GPX files: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/338998 Cycling Rules: NO DRAFTING! Triathlon is an individual effort and drafting is cheating. Please keep a 7m gap from the cyclist in front of you. No side by side riding. If you are overtaken it is your responsibility to drop back and maintain a 7m gap. If you are found to be drafting by one of our draft busters then you will be issued with a 2min time penalty. Caught drafting twice and you will be disqualified. The cycle course takes place on public roads and is open to other traffic. Observe the rules of the road. Keep to the left when not overtaking, do not cross the centre line and give way at junctions. Marshals instructions must be obeyed. They will NOT stop or slow traffic for you. Anyone caught littering will receive instant disqualification. An approved cycle helmet must be worn with your bike in road worthy condition or you will not be allowed to race. This is a British Triathlon Federation sanctioned event. Please make sure you are familiar with BTF rules before racing. It is your responsibility to know the BTF rules. Run Course (Sprint 5km / Olympic 10km) Page 9 of 14
The run course is situated around the beautiful Promenade Park. Here spectators can enjoy the setting whilst watching the triathlon. There are all kinds of facilities for adults and children with plenty of cafes lining the route. Sprint distance athletes will complete 2 laps with Olympic distance athletes completing 4 laps. The majority of the course is paved but there is a section on grass and trail. Promenade Park and Hythe Quay are extremely popular destinations, especially at the weekend, this should provide plenty of support but please be careful of people crossing the run course and always listen to marshals instructions... they have given up their time for your benefit. The course will be signed and marshalled but please ensure you are familiar with the directions below. There are key points on the run course which you need to be aware of. Run out of transition and across the road towards the promenade. Turn left at the promenade and continue alongside river. Aid Station is located approximately 400m along promenade. The aid station will have water & soft drinks in plastic cups as well as any personal supplies dropped off at the race tent. You are welcome to stop and refill your bottles here. Continue along promenade. Litter is only to be dropped at Aid Station or placed into a bin. Anyone caught littering will receive instant disqualification. This rule will be strictly enforced. At shed by Maldon Marine Lake keep right and continue along promenade. Park toilets are located here. At Hythe Quay turn left and immediately left again. At pedestrian roundabout continue to the right. At pedestrian junction continue to the right. Turn left onto wide pathway and continue along this road. Continue straight (slight right) at the open cafe area. Join cyclists on park access road. You MUST KEEP LEFT. Cyclists will keep right. You will be travelling in the same direction as cyclists. Warning: Runners will continue straight while cyclists turn left across runners. Marshals will be in place to help you but be aware CYCLISTS HAVE PRIORITY. You will have to stop and wait if a cyclist is turning across you. Be very careful and remain vigilant. Turn left onto park entrance road. Cross the road and keep to the right. Marshals will be in place to stop traffic but please be careful and do not take any risks. Turn right onto park exit road and keep to the right. Cross park exit road and turn left onto grass field. Marshals will be in place to stop traffic but please be careful and do not take any risks. Continue onto field and into barriers. Follow course around edge of field. Turn right into wildlife area. Turn immediately right again and follow pathway. This pathway may become muddy and slippery when wet. Page 10 of 14
Turn left across stream then left again so you are running in the opposite direction on the opposite side of the stream. Turn right to leave wildlife area and then immediately right onto the triathlon event field. This is a steep climb. A marshal will be in place should you need assistance. Follow woodland path through trees and around edge of field. Continue straight to start the next lap. After each lap you will be given a band. After 2 laps have been completed Sprint distance athletes will turn left into the finish chute, after 4 laps Olympic distance athletes turn left into finish chute. Toilets are located at the transition area. Athletes will be given priority. Interactive Sprint Run Map and GPX files: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/749556 Interactive Olympic Run Map and GPX files: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/749572 Page 11 of 14
Post Race Well done... you have made it! When you cross the line you will receive a well-earned medal and there will be refreshments available for athletes. Once you finish you will be able to collect your bike from the transition area until 10:20. If finishing early, please be aware that other athletes will still be racing and give them priority when collecting your belongings and leaving the park. Romford Sports Massage is offering 15 minute post-race massages for only 10. To pre-book your massage call 07849170195 or visit www.romfordsportsmassage.com Event Photography will endeavour to capture you at every stage of the race so no heading off to the pub half way through... there will be evidence! Photos will be available to purchase after the event at www.myeventphoto.co.uk Results will be displayed live at the transition area. When the race is over you can even enter your race number and view your full results and timing splits. Full verified results will appear on the website after the event has finished. Prizes have been supplied courtesy of Zone 3, Tom Davis Triathlon Coaching and Almeria Training Centre and trophies will be awarded to: Overall Male 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Overall Female 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Veteran Male (40+ at end of year), Veteran Female (40+ at end of year). Overall Male and Female winners will also be awarded a Zone 3 voucher each. In addition to the trophies, podium finishers will win a training package courtesy of Tom Davis Triathlon Coaching. All of these athletes and the winning relay team will receive an opportunity to train at the Almeria Training Centre with a free stay at Parque Tropical Peurto Rey. Please remember to collect your prizes from the Race Tent. We are unable to send out prizes after the event. Transition and the race tent will close at 10:20. You are more than welcome to spend the day at the park but please ensure you have taken all of your belongings by this point. Page 12 of 14
Spectators Maldon is situated just 40 miles North East of London yet still maintains its original character with charming buildings and an impressive range of individual shops and places to eat & drink. There is plenty of opportunity for sailing, walking, cycling, watching the wildlife and even discovering about the rich history of the area. Promenade Park offers plenty of facilities to keep you busy throughout the race including the water splash park, galleon play ship, ornamental lake, amphitheatre, model boating lake, museum, bouncy castle and numerous cafes. The run course passes through Hythe Quay where you can enjoy the atmosphere or take a cruise on one of the traditional Thames Sailing Barges. Promenade Park is a short walk from the High Street and just around the corner from the Madison Heights Entertainment Complex, Blackwater Leisure Centre and Maldon Town Football Club. There are plenty of places to stay in and around the Maldon area. Visit the Maldon Tourist Information Centre website for more information. The great thing about The Maldon Triathlon is the opportunity for spectators to see the athletes regularly throughout the entire race. We recommend you get there for the swim start at 05:45am... it s quite a spectacle! The swim follows an out and back course along the promenade allowing spectators to easily follow their favourite athletes. As the athletes exit the water there is ample space for spectators to line the path leading to transition. At this point you can see the athletes in transition where they will change from swim to bike and cycle out of the park. If you would like to view the athletes on the cycle course we recommend heading to Latchingdon where there should be plenty of support. The athletes will pass through Latchingdon twice. Alternatively head out into the Dengie and investigate the area, there are plenty of small towns and villages where you can have a drink and cheer the athletes on. Please DO NOT follow athletes around the course, this is outside assistance and they will be disqualified. We also ask that you do not park anywhere which may be disruptive or dangerous to the athletes. The run course will be an incredible experience for the athletes; it is here when they need your support most! The run is based at Promenade Park with Sprint distance athletes completing 2 laps and Olympic distance athletes 4 laps. The Park will be very busy, especially if the weather is good. There is plenty to keep you entertained at the park throughout the day... just make sure you re at the finish line in time for your favourite athlete. Remember that everyone is here to help the athletes and give them a memorable day. Please cooperate with the marshals and event staff. Page 13 of 14
Thank You! The Maldon Triathlon is taking place thanks to the kind and generous support of Maldon District Council and the Promenade Park team. We would also like to thank in particular Essex Police, Bradwell Outdoor Centre, Essex Air Ambulance and Leaner Logistics. Without the support of these organisations the event could not take place. A special thank you also goes to all of the marshals and event staff who give up their time for the benefit of the event, the athletes and the sport of triathlon. We simply couldn t do it without them and they are all valued members of the Dengie Events team. We hope you enjoy The Maldon Triathlon and can't wait to get you across that finish line! Dengie Events www.dengieevents.co.uk info@dengieevents.co.uk Page 14 of 14