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Races - Woodforest Bank TRI

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1. What if someone is caught wearing another person's number?

If you’re caught racing in someone else’s number, you will be blacklisted and not be able to race our races and possibly others for a lengthy period of time. DON’T RISK IT!

2. What about bad weather?

Race management monitors the weather closely in the weeks and days leading up to the race. As safety is paramount for this race, staff will be following a comprehensive race contingency plan. This plan includes alternative options in the event weather or other issues impact the race or race course, and modification of the event is necessary to maintain participant safety and/or road opening times. Race modifications may include but are not limited to delay of race start time, shortening of race course(s), or cancellation of the event.

3. What happens to my bike while I'm swimming and running?

Your bike will be set up on a bike rack in the transition zone. Transition will be organized by age group. Only registered athletes will be allowed in transition. Transition will open at 5 a.m. on race day and close at 6:45 a.m. Athletes will only be allowed to access their items in transition upon completion of the swim leg and bike leg. Transition will reopen at 10:30 a.m.

4. What does transition mean?

The transition is the period of time between each sport segment/leg. The time between the swim and the bike is called T1, and the time between the bike and the run is called T2. The time you spend in transition is counted towards your overall time for the race. All races will have a transition zone, with row after row of bike racks. Each athlete will place his or her bike on a bike rack. You will place a towel right next to your bike, and all of the gear you will need during the race must fit on your towel. Examples of items you'll place on your towel will include: Running shoes, helmet (a MUST), cycling shoes if you use them, your race number (must be worn during the run), sunglasses, socks, any clothes you'd like to put on over your swimsuit, etc.

5. What is a wave start?

Many triathlons with an open water swim (in a lake, ocean or river) will have wave starts. It is safer to start the athletes in waves rather than all at once. Waves are determined by age and gender. Athletes must go out in their assigned wave and wear the provided swim cap. If a participant begins the race in the incorrect wave, they will be disqualified. 

6. May I use my own timing chip instead of the provided timing tag?

No. Participants will need to remove all existing chips, D-tags or bib tags from previous races to avoid potential timing issues.

7. What do I do with my race bib number after the event?

You may keep it or throw it out. Race management will not need it back.

8. What is it like to swim in open water?

The biggest difference between swimming in open water and training in a pool is that there are no lane lines and there is no side to hang on to if you get tired. Some open water courses are out-and-back, and others look more like a loop. Either way, the course is marked with buoys. It is important to sight (look up and see where you are) every so often so you swim fairly straight. If you're uncomfortable being shoulder-to-shoulder with other participants, you may want to consider waiting 10 or 20 seconds after the bullhorn sounds to beginning swimming to give others the opportunity to get out on the course. Most triathlons will have safety canoes and kayaks out on the water, along with lifeguards. If you begin having trouble during the swim, wave your hands and a rescue boat will be at your side soon. Open water swimming can sometimes be wavy or choppy, depending on weather conditions. 

9. Why do I have to race in the swim cap I was given?

Everyone must wear a swim cap for safety reasons. A swimmer is easier to see in the water if they're wearing a swim cap. All athletes who start in the same wave will have the same color cap on, which provides race management with an easy visual indicator to help keep a closer count on athletes exiting the water by age group. You must wear the swim cap you were provided at Packet Pickup.

10. I have a mountain bike. Is it OK to ride that?

Yes. There are lots of triathletes who ride mountain bikes. You may want to consider adding "slicks." Slicks are smooth tires, which would be faster on the roads than the tires that come stock on mountain bikes. Keep in mind that if you plan to race regularly or are looking at competing in races longer than sprint distance, you may want to consider a road bike or tri bike.

11. Why is bike fit so important?

Are your knees bumping into your chin? Do you risk serious injury every time you try to get off the seat of your bike? It is important that you can adjust your seat so that there is only a slight bend in your knee when your foot and pedal are both at the 6 o'clock position. You should also be able to stop and get off your bike without injuring yourself. Bikes come in all sizes, and the seat post can be adjusted somewhat to ensure the height of your bike is correct for you. There are other important factors to consider, for example: Does your seat need to be adjusted forward or back? Is your seat level? Are the handlebars too far away or too close? If your bike is not fitted properly for you, you risk serious injury after prolonged riding. Take your bike in to a local bike shop and have them take a look for you. 

12. Is there an additional fee for parking?

No. Parking is FREE.

13. What is a race number belt?

All participants must wear their race number (sometimes called a bib) during the run portion of a triathlon. Some athletes put on shorts and/or a t-shirt over their swimsuits after the swim, and simply pin their bibs to their shorts or shirts before the race. For those athletes who race in their swimsuits (or tri suits), there is nothing to pin their bib to. They use a race belt, or tri-belt, which is a very simple stretchy band with two plastic prongs to attach a race number. As these athletes leave the transition zone in T2, they clip the belt (with the bib already attached) around their waist, and continue to the run segment.

14. Why is hydration so important?

It is important to drink water, during training and during a race, especially in the heat. Even becoming slightly dehydrated can impair your performance by a surprising amount. Sports drinks are formulated to be absorbed by your body better than water. Be sure to train with the fluids you plan to use on race day. It is important that you consume a full bottle of fluid during the bike portion of a triathlon. If you are uncomfortable removing your bottle and drinking while riding, practice during training so you can stay steady while you drink.

15. Why can't I have someone pick up my packet?

The Woodforest Bank TRI is a USA Triathlon (USAT) Sanctioned event. Per USAT rules, this is a requirement and there will be no exceptions.

16. What about refunds or credits?

50% of your refund will be refunded until the specified deadline.

17. What do I get in my packet?

Your packet will contain a Woodforest Bank TRI participant shirt, hat or visor, race/running bib, bike number, helmet number, swim cap and timing chip.

18. Will the race be capped?

Yes. The race will be capped at 800 participants.

19. How early should I arrive?

If you do not check your bike in the evening before, you will need to arrive early enough to set up your gear in transition, get body marked, warm up, stretch and/or visit the restrooms. Transition will open at 5 a.m. and close promptly at 6:45 a.m.

20. What should I bring with me?

This will depend on your personal needs. All participants must bring their race bib, swim cap, bike number and helmet number. Bike and helmet numbers must be attached before entering transition. You must have bar end plugs for your bike. Officials will be checking for these. Other recommended items include water bottle, small pre-race snack, change of clothes for after the race, recovery nutrition, endurance fuel such as Gu packets, race belt, hat/visor, sunglasses, sunscreen and/or rain/winter gear. Check the forecast to determine if you should dress up or down according to the current weather conditions.

21. Can I listen to a music device while I am biking or running in the race?

Per USAT Competitive Rules, headphones/earbuds/portable music devices are prohibited.

22. Where are the pre/post race restrooms located?

Portable restrooms will be located in transition. Permanent restrooms are located near the pergola/covered area in the west side of the park.

23. Where is the start & finish line?

Swim out is located inside Northshore Park, east of the playground area. The finish line is located on the east bound lanes of Lake Woodlands Drive near Northshore Park.

24. Will food and drink be available after the race?

Yes. The Post-Race Party will provide food, drink and music for athletes.

25. Where will the Post-Race Party be?

The Post-Race Party will take place in Northshore Park. The Athlete Food Area will be located in the Pavilion area on the south side of the park. After getting your food, head to the stage area to enjoy music and sponsor booths.

26. What do I need to get into the Post-Race Party?

You will need your race bib to access the Athlete Food Tent.

27. Can I switch my shirt size?

There are limited quantities of each size. Shirt sizes are available on a first-come, first-served basis based on the size you registered for. Participants will not be able to switch shirt sizes at packet pickup. If you would like to switch your shirt size, you may only do so on Race Day by visiting the Packet Pickup Tent.

28. Where should spectators go to watch?

Spectators can print course maps to plan where they want to watch prior to the race start. The swim out and finish line areas are great places to cheer on your favorite athlete and watch other participants as they begin the race and cross the finish line. Other popular places include Northshore Park, Lake Woodlands Bridge and Town Green Park. Spectators must be mindful of vehicular traffic and participants along the course. See maps for details.