Why read the Athlete’s Guide?

Every triathlon event provides an Athlete’s Guide. It’s not just another document - it’s your race manual. Inside, you’ll find everything you need to travel, train, and race with confidence.

Think of it this way:

  • Skipping the guide = surprises, stress, and possible mistakes.
  • Reading the guide = smooth travel, clear race-day plan, and better performance.

What you’ll find in the guide

Key dates & Schedule:

  • Registration and race pack pick-up times
  • Official briefing sessions
  • Race start times
Important

If you miss the race briefing without prior approval from the Technical Delegate (TD), you may face a penalty or in some cases even disqualification from the competition.

The Technical Delegate has the authority to accept a justified reason for absence (for example, delayed travel). In that case, the athlete (or their coach/team manager) must contact the TD before the briefing to explain the situation and request permission to miss it.

Information given at the briefing - such as last-minute course changes, safety updates, or special procedures - is considered official. If you don’t attend, it is your responsibility to still know all the details. “I didn’t know” is not accepted as an excuse.

Missing the briefing without approval = penalty or DNS (Did Not Start).

Key point
Travel & Accommodation
  • Nearest airports and transfer options
  • Recommended hotels and special discounts
  • Local transport and shuttle services

Knowing this early saves you stress when you arrive.

Key point
Training & Familiarisation
  • Swim, bike, and run training opportunities
  • Official course familiarisation times
  • Safety rules during practice

Familiarisation gives you confidence - don’t skip it.

Key point
Race Information
  • Start procedures (pontoon, beach, deep-water)
  • Swim, bike, and run maps
  • Number of laps, turns, and technical parts
  • Transition zone layout
  • Aid stations and penalty box locations

The more you know, the fewer surprises on race day.

Key point
Weather & Conditions
  • Expected air and water temperatures
  • Contingency plans if the weather or water quality is unsafe

Be ready for changes - they happen more often than you think!

Key point
Medical & Support Services
  • Location of first aid and medical tents
  • Emergency contacts
  • Doping control information

Your safety is the number one priority.

Key point

Pause for a moment and ask yourself:

  • Have I ever gone to a race without reading the Athlete’s Guide fully?
  • Did I ever feel lost, unsure of the number of laps, or confused about logistics?
  • How would it feel to start a race 100% confident, knowing all the details?
Self Reflection

Your Final Task

For your next event, open the Athlete’s Guide and write down the following key points:

  1. Schedule: What time do I need to pick up my race pack? When is the briefing?
  2. Travel: How do I get from the airport to the venue?
  3. Accommodation: Where am I staying, and how far is it from the venue?
  4. Swim: What type of start is it? How many laps?
  5. Bike: How many laps? Are there hills or tricky turns?
  6. Run: How many loops? Where are the aid stations?
  7. Weather: What are the expected water and air temperatures?
  8. Logistics: Where is the transition area? Where is the penalty box?

Keep these notes on your phone or in a small notebook. Review them the night before the race and again on race morning.

Top Tip

Champions prepare in every detail. Reading the Athlete’s Guide is the simplest step you can take to feel calm, confident, and ready to perform your best.

Key point