2013
Information Pack
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2013 will mark the 4th staging of the Bristol Harbourside Triathlon presented by TriBristol. Having delivered events in 2010, and both standard and sprint races in 2011, the Bristol Harbourside Triathlon is fast establishing a reputation as the premier event on the triathlon racing calendar in the South West of England.

Bristol Harbourside Triathlon is delighted to be chosen by the BTF as one of the qualifying events for the ITU Sprint Triathlon World Championships in London 2013. This will make it a priority event on the national circuit for aspiring world class sprint distance athletes.

The event this year will be have an early morning start with provisional start times from 7am (our start time is influenced by the tide times and the use of Brunel Lock.) Start times will be confirmed nearer race date.

The swim takes place in the Cumberland Basin, part of Bristol's historic Harbour and adjacent to the Brunel Lock. As far as we know we are the first and only organisation to EVER be given permission to swim here. The swim will be in wetsuits, with waves based upon age groups. There will be swim cut offs and it is anticipated that athletes should be able to swim 1500m in 50 minutes and 750m in 30 minutes.

This promises to be a fast open-water swim without all the salt, waves and sharks!!

Note: you should have some experience of swimming in open water before attempting to race.

Further information on the historic Bristol Harbour can be found here on Wikipedia.

Note: the water will be tested on the day before the race. In the event the water quality fails below the European Bathing Water Standards, the swim discipline of the event will be cancelled and the race will convert to a Duathlon.

Athletes should be aware that risk to health from open water swimming remain very low but it is recommended that you read the following health advice:

» Health Protection Agency Advice
» Bristol Floating Harbour Health Advice

The cycle routes for both distances take place on closed roads, under the shadow of the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge.

The bike routes are principally flat with some technical turns. The closed roads present a great opportunity to stay on the aero-bars for extended periods and nail a shiny personal best.

The run route is a looped course along the towpath on the other side of the Avon Gorge, with sprint competitors completing a single lap and standard (Olympic) competitors completing two. Again the course is flat and very fast affording suitable conditions to gain an excellent time.

The Bristol Harbourside Triathlon races are ideal for both more and less experienced triathletes: the experienced can expect PB-type conditions, and beginners can expect a generally flat course with few hills and confidence boosting traffic free racing.

The event is being held in partnership with Bristol City Council. We are privileged to be able to hold this event in the city centre and would ask competitors to respect the rules and restrictions that are highlighted below.

Marshals are what make or break an event like this, and we want the loveliest, smiliest, happiest, clappiest marshals going!! If you think you or your friends or your family members have what it takes, we still need LOTS more help and in return for volunteering we can offer you a prime viewing spot, sore palms from clapping, a croaky voice from shouting encouragement all day and an aching face from all the smiling… Oh, and the eternal gratitude of the organisers and the competitors.

Athletes, please do thank marshals as you go round, it makes their day worthwhile!!

All our marshals and other race officials are volunteers. Any competitor or associated person (such as family or friends) abusing our marshals will be disqualified and barred from future racing with us.

We are privileged to be able to run this event in the city centre. We would ask all competitors and spectators to respect the city and local residents at all times. In particular, please take all litter home with you or place it in one of the bins provided.

Please do not drop gel wrappers on the course (or a DQ may await you).

Toilets and urinals are provided in the transition area. (The toilets in the Lockside Cafe are not for competitor use.)

We will have an information point close to the finish line. This will contain all the race information, swim starts and race results. Any changes to any aspect of the race will be posted on the board.

Coffee, tea, soft drinks and food will be available from onsite caterers on the day.

Parking close to race HQ is very limited. Those who are able to park nearby are asked to be considerate of local residents. Athletes are recommended to use one of the nearby car parks. West End (Berkeley Place) car park is situated a short (10 minute) walk away from the race venue. This car park is operated by Bristol City Council and users are able to park all day on Sunday for a flat fee of £1.60. The car park has over 700 spaces. Athletes should note that West End is at the top of a hill (Jacobs Wells Road). Alternatively Millennium Square car park (500 spaces) is located slightly further away (10-15 minute walk) and athletes can walk along the riverside to the race venue. Charges for this car park start from £2 per hour.

Prices for car parks are correct at time of writing (June 2011) and athletes are recommended to check details at the venue before parking.

Results will be on display at the information point as they are issued.

Presentations of prizes will be made on the day. Please stay for the presentation if you have won a prize. We regret we are unable to post prizes after the event.

Spot prizes will also be awarded, including prizes for the smiliest and most entertaining athletes.

Any uncollected prizes will be donated to a charity raffle.

On behalf of the BAD Tri team, we hope you have a fantastic and enjoyable day.

A massive thank you to all of the local residents and businesses who may suffer disruption over the weekend in order that we can use such a great race venue.