ATHLETE GUIDE 2014 Welcome to IRONMAN KALMAR SWEDEN Dear athletes, Welcome to Kalmar and the third edition of IRONMAN Kalmar, Sweden. Once again we have a sold out event. The athletes will swim 3,8 km in Kalmar Strait, bike 180 km on Öland and in the surroundings of Kalmar and finally run 42,2 km in central Kalmar. IRONMAN Kalmar, Sweden is popular and the IRONMAN Sweden Team will do everything we can to show you why the event sells out in short time. The spectators in Kalmar and Öland will also do everything they can to give you an experience to remember. In this Athlete Guide you will find all the information regarding the race and the race week. Please study this guide carefully. Please keep in mind that the rules are intended to help you and your fellow competitors complete the course in a fair and safe way. Do not forget the mandatory pre -race meeting on Thursday 14th of August. There you will get up to date information on the race and any last minute detail that you should be aware of. Good luck to all of you and see you at the finish line! Team IRONMAN Sweden Contents Welcome to IRONMAN KALMAR SWEDEN ....................................................................................................................... 1 Changes for 2014 .......................................................................................................................................................... 4 Start and swim course............................................................................................................................................... 4 Run course ................................................................................................................................................................ 4 Race week schedule ...................................................................................................................................................... 5 Venues for IRONMAN Kalmar Sweden ......................................................................................................................... 6 Travel and accommodation .......................................................................................................................................... 7 Parking in central Kalmar. ............................................................................................................................................. 7 Road closures ................................................................................................................................................................ 7 Registration ................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Athlete´s wristband ....................................................................................................................................................... 8 Race number ................................................................................................................................................................. 8 Bags ............................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Race Checklist ............................................................................................................................................................... 9 Check in bike ............................................................................................................................................................... 10 Timing.......................................................................................................................................................................... 10 Pre-Race Meeting........................................................................................................................................................ 10 Expo and Merchandise................................................................................................................................................ 11 Bike support ................................................................................................................................................................ 11 Pre-Race Training ........................................................................................................................................................ 11 Bike.......................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Run .......................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Welcome Banquet....................................................................................................................................................... 12 Withdrawal.................................................................................................................................................................. 12 Rules and Regulations ................................................................................................................................................. 12 Littering and graffiti .................................................................................................................................................... 15 Race day information ...................................................................................................................................................... 15 Transition .................................................................................................................................................................... 15 Swim ............................................................................................................................................................................ 15 Swim cut off ............................................................................................................................................................ 16 IRONMAN SwimSmart Top 10 Checklist: .................................................................................................................... 16 Bike.............................................................................................................................................................................. 18 Bike Cut off .............................................................................................................................................................. 18 Drafting ....................................................................................................................................................................... 19 Run .............................................................................................................................................................................. 19 Aid stations ................................................................................................................................................................. 19 Run course .............................................................................................................................................................. 20 Personal Needs ........................................................................................................................................................... 20 Finish line and Athlete Garden.................................................................................................................................... 21 Post Race Information..................................................................................................................................................... 22 Bike and bag collection ............................................................................................................................................... 22 Results ......................................................................................................................................................................... 22 Kona Qualification ....................................................................................................................................................... 22 Awards Ceremony ....................................................................................................................................................... 23 FinisherPix ................................................................................................................................................................... 23 Lost and found ............................................................................................................................................................ 23 Social media ................................................................................................................................................................ 23 Changes for 2014 Start and swim course We have a new swim course for 2014, it is now a one lap circuit with the swim start at a new location at Tullhamnen. To further improve the athlete experience, we will implement a rolling start in IRONMAN Sweden. Athletes will be directed to self-seed on race morning based on their projected swim time. Athletes will then enter the water in a continuous stream, similar to how running road races are started. An athlete’s times will start when they cross timing mats just before they enter the water. By eliminating the mass start, triathletes will swim alongside participants closer to their ability level and with fewer swimmers around them. Please make sure that you read the detailed explanation in the swim section. New swim course The rolling start is a format now adopted by a number of IRONMAN events in North America and Australia. We believe in certain events, it offers a better experience for athletes and evidence is that it leads to a faster average swim time compared to a mass start Run course We know that many athletes appreciate running through the spectator-lined course in central Kalmar. The atmosphere with all the restaurants and cafes are magical and gives athletes extra energy. A new feature this year is that after T2 participants will run through the center of Kalmar. Thereby, you will experience the atmosphere in the city center four times. The fourth time is the finish. Race week schedule Wednesday 13th August 14:00 – 17:00 Registration exp./Info desk Kalmar Mini Tri (Kvarnholmen) 14:00 – 21:00 IRONMAN Sweden Expo & Merchandise Shop (Kvarnholmen) 18:00 START Kalmar Mini Tri (Kattrumpan) Thursday 14th August 08:00 - 20:00 IRONMAN Sweden Expo & Merchandise Shop (Kvarnholmen) 08:00 – 18:00 Registration/Info desk IRONMAN (Kvarnholmen) 14:00 Press Conference PRO (Calmar Stadshotell) 18:00 – 19:00 Pre-race meeting Age group (english/swedish) (Kalmar Tennishall) 19:00 Welcome Banquet (Kalmar Tennishall) 19:00 Question Corner pre-race (Kalmar Tennishall) Friday 15th August 07:00 Official swim training (Vågbrytarbadet; start area 2013) 08:00 – 20:00 IRONMAN Sweden Expo & Merchandise Shop (Kvarnholmen) 08:00 – 20:00 Info desk IRONMAN (Kvarnholmen) 10:00 – 18:00 Bike Check-In (Transition Area, Kvarnholmen) 14:00 Pre-race meeting PRO (english-swedish) (Calmar Stadshotell) Saturday 16th August 05:00 Transition area opens (Kvarnholmen) 06:55 IRONMAN Kalmar Sweden RACE START PRO (Tullhamnen) 07:00 - 07:15 IRONMAN Kalmar Sweden RACE START Age Group (Tullhamnen) 08:00 - 20:00 IRONMAN Sweden Expo & Merchandise Shop (Kvarnholmen) 08:00 - 20:00 Info desk IRONMAN (Kvarnholmen) 13:00 Award Team Competition Kalmar Mini Tri (Stortorget) 17:30 Press conference winners (Calmar Stadshotell) 17:30 - 24:00 Transition area open for collection of bikes and bags (Kvarnholmen) 23:15 Last Finisher and Fireworks (approximate) Sunday 17th August 09:00 - 12:00 IRONMAN Sweden Expo & Merchandise Shop (Kvarnholmen) 09:00 - 11:00 IRONMAN Kalmar Sweden 2015 Onsite registration (Kvarnholmen) 12:00 - 15:00 Awards Ceremony & Kona Slot Allocation (Kalmar tennishall) Venues for IRONMAN Kalmar Sweden IRONMAN Kalmar uses a number of different venues, see the overview map Travel and accommodation You can travel to Kalmar by car, train, bus or air. There are bus routes from Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö, and also daily train connections from Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmoe /Copenhagen. The Copenhagen train stops at Kastrup Airport for connection to international flights. Kalmar Airport is just a tenminute drive from the town centre and there are several daily flights from Stockholm Arlanda and Stockholm Bromma. From Arlanda, there are connections to international routes. Nirvana Europe are the official travel and accommodation partner to the IRONMAN European Tour. With over 8 years’ experience, Nirvana Europe offer a range of athlete friendly accommodation, making those crucial arrangements to take the stress away from your IRONMAN trip. Their aim is to allow you to fully focus on your training in the lead up to the event, and once you have arrived, fully enjoy your event experience. As standard, all Nirvana Europe bookings include IRONMAN race entry cancellation insurance (for EU residents only) Bike storage and bike permitted in hotel bedroom Early breakfast on race day arranged Use of track pumps in hotels or in transition on race day prior to the start News updates direct from the race organisation Direct access to the Nirvana Europe experienced event crew throughout your stay Water temperature updates and forecasts That feeling of having the support of experienced operators around you Whether you are an athlete or a spectator, and whether you have entered the event directly through IRONMAN or through Nirvana Europe, they can arrange your accommodation and any travel or event services provided for the event. With over 3,500 athletes and spectators booking through Nirvana Europe in 2013, they have each event and the needs of the athletes and spectators in mind, to offer the best possible experience. For further information please contact Nirvana on 0044 191 257 1750 or e-mail ironman@nirvanaeurope.com to visit the Nirvana website please click HERE Parking in central Kalmar. We refer to the regular parking areas in the center of Kalmar. Extra parking will be available at Fredriksskans stadium and Stagnelius school. These parking areas are located just across the canal from the transition area. Road closures On race day some roads in Kalmar and on Öland will be totally or partially closed to regular traffic. Road closures mainly affect residents and visitors in the daytime August 16. They do not affect athletes getting to start in the morning. Traffic on the Öland bridge will be affected during the period 07:00 to 15:00. The Öland bridge will be divided into three lanes, where traffic to Öland has one lane, the traffic to Kalmar has one lane and athletes have one lane. So it will be possible to travel across the bridge by car but you can expect longer travel times than normal. More detailed information about road closures, visit the IRONMAN Kalmar website, click HERE Registration - Thursday August 14, from 08:00 to 18:00 The registration will take place in the registration tent at the Expo. It is compulsory for all athletes to register and pick up their race pack during the times stated in the Race Week Schedule. There will be no late registrations. Please take this into consideration when you organise your travel. To register you need the following: - Photo ID - A valid triathlon licence. You can use a licence from your national triathlon federation. If you do not have one, you can get a one day licence (170 SEK) at the Expo. - Swedish athletes must have a valid licence (race licence or one day licence) and a membership of a triathlon club affiliated to the Swedish Triathlon Federation. If you are not a member of a triathlon club, make sure to arrange this before coming to Kalmar. Visit the Swedish Triathlon Federation's website for a list of approved clubs, click HERE - A signed event waiver. Through a mandatory, personal signature on the form “Waiver” the athlete accepts the conditions of participation. The waiver will be sent to you via e-mail. At registration you will receive the following items: Athlete backpack Athlete wristband Race number BLUE Bike bag RED Run bag WHITE Gear bag Swim cap Number stickers for helmet, bike and transitions bags Pre ordered guest-pasta party tickets Pre ordered guest tickets to the ceremony/banquet You can also buy guest tickets for the pasta party and the Awards Ceremony at registration, 25€ per ticket. Athlete´s wristband Your wristband with your race number printed on will be placed on your wrist in registration. You must wear this wristband at all times as this is essential to gain access into the athlete only areas. Race number You will be issued a sheet of stickers; these are for you to number your kit with. Your bike, helmet and bags must have your race number stickers on them. You will also have a race number to wear on your back for the bike and front for the run. You can use safety pins but it is recommended that you get a race belt, this will allow you to switch the number from the back for bike to the front for run and also makes it easier to change clothing to match the conditions. Bags You will be issued with three bags at the registration – blue, red and white. Make sure that you stick the numbered stickers on the bag firmly before you put your gear in them. Ensure that all the items you need are in the bags on Friday when you check in your bike and run bags (blue and red). You will have access to your blue or red bag prior to the race start on Saturday. Blue Bike Bag: Should contain the kit you need for the bike discipline, including your helmet and race number. After you have used your blue bike bag for your swim-to-bike transition, use this bag to pack your swim gear in. Please tie the bag securely. Red Run Bag: Should contain the kit you need for the run discipline. After you have used your red run bag for your bike-to-run transition, use this bag to pack your bike gear in, including your helmet. Please tie the bag securely. White Gear Bag: This bag is for you to use for any clothing you wear before the race and anything you may require after the race. You must leave this bag in the Athlete Garden prior to the swim start on Saturday morning. You will pass the Athlete Garden on the way to the swim start at Tullhamnen. The bag will be in the Athlete Garden at the finish. Please ensure that the bag is tied securely. IMPORTANT: Please do not put valuables or over fill the bags. IRONMAN are not responsible for the contents of the bags. Please ensure you tie a knot in the handles of the bags after filling. Race Checklist What you need for the race is individual. Below is a list of items we recommend you bring with you to the race. The items in bold are mandatory: Wetsuit Cycle Shoes Bike Bike Pump Nutrition Sunglasses Warm Clothing Swim Goggles Bike Tools Water Bottles Bike Spare Inner Tubes Running shoes Sun Protection Trisuit/Clothing Race Number Belt Bike Helmet Vaseline Socks Hat Check in bike You must check in and rack your bike and bags on Friday August 15 between 10:00 and 18:00 (see Race Week Schedule). Your bike, helmet and bags must have your race number stickers on them and your corresponding wristband will be checked. Without these you will not gain access into transition. We ask you to be ready before you get to the entrance to transition. By being prepared we get the check in to work smoothly and quickly. You should have your helmet on with the strap fastened and race number displayed. Athletes are responsible for ensuring that their bike and helmet are in safe and in working order. IRONMAN Kalmar will not be responsible for any bike failures. Security will be onsite overnight on Friday and on Saturday morning. When you are in the transition area, take the time to locate the entrances and exits. There will be volunteers in place who can answer your questions. Timing You collect your chip in transition on Friday when you check in bike and bags. Your timing chip is on loan to you, failure to return the chip will result in a €50.00 fee being charged. You need to wear your chip on your ankle during the entire race, we recommend you use your left ankle to keep it clear of your bike drive train. Timing results will show your swim time, bike time, run time, finish time, transition splits, overall and age group ranking. In case of a defective or a lost chip, the athlete has to obtain a new chip in the penalty box at the turning point in Kalmar (bike), the transition area or at the turn next to finish line (run). IMPORTANT - If you do lose your chip during the race you cannot qualify for a slot for Kona or be allocated a podium position. Only athletes with verified electronic timing data will be eligible. Pre-Race Meeting There will be two Pre-race meetings: - one for Age group athletes: Thursday August 14 at 18:00 (Kalmar Tennishall) - one for PRO athletes: Friday August 15 at 14:00 (Calmar Stadshotel) IMPORTANT - It is mandatory to attend the Pre-race meeting. There you will get up to date information on the race and any last minute updates that you should be aware of. You will be informed in both English and Swedish. VIKTIGT - Det är obligatorisk närvaro vid Pre-race mötet. Där får du den senaste informationen kring tävlingen och alla eventuella ändringar som du som deltagare behöver känna till. Informationen presenteras på svenska och engelska. Expo and Merchandise The expo area will be at Kvarnholmen next to the transition area from Wednesday to Sunday and open at the times shown in the Race Week Schedule. Please take the time to visit the exhibitors. On the expo you will also find the official IRONMAN merchandise store. Bike support You need to ensure your bike is roadworthy before you get to the race venue. We are cooperating with Cykelogen and Sportson. They will be able to help you with bike setup and service in their stores before the race. Cykelogen and Sportson will also be present at the expoarea. They will be on site when the expo area opens. For more information, visit their websites Cykelogen Sportson We will also provide bike service along the course during the race. When turning in Kalmar after the first loop, there will be a fixed bike service with spare parts in the Expo area near to in- and out to transition area. Pre-Race Training Swim Swim practice on Friday August 15 at 07:00. Location: Vågbrytarbadet, Kvarnholmen (Located 300 meters north of the start area, at the pier). IMPORTANT: Due to security, it is prohibited to swim in the harbor area before the race VIKTIGT: Av säkerhetsskäl är det förbjudet att simma i hamnen före tävlingen. Bike We recommend that athletes take the time so cycle or drive the course. It is the athlete´s responsibility to know the course on race day. IMPORTANT: We are very pleased about our partnership with the authorities and that we are allowed to use the Öland Bridge as part of the bike course. Please respect that cycling is only allowed on race day during specified times. Any other time it is prohibited to cycle on the bridge. VIKTIGT: Vi är väldigt tacksamma över vårt samarbete med myndigheter och att vi kan använda Ölandsbron som en del av cykelbanan. Vänligen respektera att det är endast tillåtet att cykla på bron på angivna tider under tävlingsdagen. All annan tid är det förbjudet att cykla på bron. Run Due to the run course including some of the town centre in Kalmar, parts of the course will not be marked until race weekend. However if you use the run map on the website it is possible to run the course prior to race day. Click HERE for run map Welcome Banquet There will be a Welcome Banquet at Kalmar Tennishall directly after the Pre race meeting on Thursday August 14. This event is free to all athletes. You can purchase guest tickets at the registration. Withdrawal Athletes who register but decide not to start or decide to withdraw during the race, MUST inform the officials in the transition area. Athletes who withdraw during the race should, if possible, go to an aid station and there they will be taking care of. If you withdraw on the first bike loop on Öland do not bike over the bridge. Go to an aid station and wait for transfer to transition area. Athletes should in any case hand in their timing chip during bike check out. It is crucial that we know if you are not racing or have stopped racing, so all athletes are accounted for and we know you are safe. Any athlete who fails to report their withdrawal may result in suspension from future IRONMAN events. Athletes who receive medical assistance from our medical team are exempt from this rule. Rules and Regulations Every sport requires rules and regulations to ensure fair and safe competition. IRONMAN enforce a series of regulations for this very purpose and every athlete should ensure that they are aware of the key rules for their own safety and that of athletes around them. Penalties will be issued by referees, as well as a team of motorcycle marshals on the bike course using the card system below. Yellow Card is a Stop/Go Penalty. You must report to the penalty box Black Card 6 Minute Penalty. You must report to the penalty box, to serve the time penalty Red Card – Disqualification 2 Yellow cards = time penalty (Black card equivalent) 2 Black cards = Disqualification 3 cards of any kind = Disqualification The penalty boxes will be situated in Degerhamn (Öland) and Ängöleden (one before you start the loop on the mainland and one at the end of the bike course). If you break a rule on the course a referee will show you a card and report your race number to the penalty box staff. You must stop at the penalty box to report your number and serve the penalty as required. Failure to report to the penalty box after being shown a card will result in disqualification from the race. IRONMAN Kalmar will operate under the rules of IRONMAN and Swedish Triathlon. On the following pages we highlight key rules, and the penalties associated with them. Where there is a discrepancy between the rules, the IRONMAN rule will apply. General Rules - Apply to all disciplines Penalty Unsportsmanlike behaviour Abuse of a race official, volunteer or member of the public Littering outside of the marked areas at feed stations Use of music player, headphones, mobile phone, camera, video, listening or recording device. Failing to use appropriate toilet facilities. The penalty is based on the judgement of the official. OR Nudity or indecent exposure; Outside assistance. Accepting assistance from anyone other than a race official. This includes coaches, members of the public or supporters cycling, driving or running alongside an athlete. Being passed food or other items outside of the Personal Needs zone at the designated Feed Station. The penalty is based on the judgement of the official. OR Failure to follow the instructions of a race official, marshal, public official or police officer; Not stopping in the next penalty box after being shown a penalty card Failing to follow the prescribed course. Note: Any athlete who crosses the finish line without completing the full course may also be liable for further suspension from racing. Failing to complete the course within the time limits specified (missing the cut off) Athlete will not be allowed to continue on the course. Medical personnel shall have ULTIMATE and FINAL authority to remove a contestant from the race if the contestant is judged to be physically incapable of continuing the race without risk of serious injury or death. If an athlete decides to withdraw from the race at any time, it is the responsibility of the athlete to report to the timing tent located at the finish line and turn in their timing chip immediately. It is essential that race officials know where athletes are on the course at all times. Failure to comply after withdrawing from the race may result in athletes being prevented from competing in the future. Entering under an assumed name or age, falsifying information, or giving false information or attempting to use an entry made by another person will result in the place being withdrawn and the possible suspension of the athlete(s) involved. Swim Wetsuit Swim Failure to wear an appropriate wetsuit when required to do so in the event. Failure to wear the swim cap provided Cutting the course short or gaining an unfair advantage Any assistance required during the swim if forward progress Is made. Athletes are permitted to use kayaks and boats as temporary support, as long as forward progress is not made. The race number must NOT be worn during the swim Feet or hands covered. Aqua socks may be worn when the official water temperature is below 18.3C (65F) Bike Dangerous riding: including crossing the centre line, overtaking on the wrong side Drafting – riding within the designated draft zone A second drafting penalty will result in a disqualification Failure to fasten the helmet securely during the bike phase Blocking, riding before the mount line or after the dismount line Failure to clearly display your race number to the back Run Running without shoes during any part of the run phase Being accompanied by spectators down the finish line Failure to clearly display your race number to the front Athlete will not be allowed to start Littering and graffiti We are privileged to have been given permission to close roads over such a wide area to be able to stage IRONMAN Sweden. It is not acceptable for residents to then find, after the event, that their streets and gardens have been fouled with litter from athletes participating in the event or graffiti on the roads from spectators. There are opportunities to discard litter at aid stations that must be used. Athletes will be disqualified immediately for littering. It is illegal to paint on the highway and athletes whose supporters make permanent damage to the highway will be excluded from IRONMAN events and may be liable for the cost of repairs. Anyone found marking the road will be reported to the police. Race day information Transition We recommend you arrive in transition area early before the swim start. Then there is plenty of time for the final preparations and to once again locate the entrances and exits. You will have access to your bike and to your bags prior to the race start. Now is the time to put your drinks bottles and nutrition on your bike and pump up your tyres if needed. All pumps left in the transition area will be removed and the organizers do not guarantee them back. Foot pumps must not be placed in the transition bags they should be given to supporters. If you discover you have forgotten anything in the morning, race number, timing chip please notify an official as soon as possible so time is allowed to get you a replacement. On your way to the swim start you drop your White bag in the Athlete Garden. You will pass the Athlete Garden on the way to the swim start at Tullhamnen. Volunteers are in place to guide you. Swim The 3.8 km one-loop swim will be held in Kalmar strait, a part of the Baltic Sea. The water is brackish and the temperature is normally 19-20 degrees Celcius at this time of year. This event will incorporate a rolling swim start for age group athletes and a deep water start for Pro athletes. Professional athletes will be called into the water for their swim start at 06:55. Age group athletes will enter the water in a continuous stream through a controlled access point, similar to how running road races are started. The timing chip will register each athlete’s start time when they cross the timing mat at the swim entry ramp. There will be no warm up in the water prior to the start, so make sure you prepare properly in the assembly area. Athletes will be directed to self-seed on race morning based on their anticipated swim time. Volunteers will be in the staging area with signs and will assist with this process. Being as accurate as possible with your self-seeding will make for the best swim. Age Group athletes will begin entering the water at 07:00. It is expected to take 15 minutes for all age group athletes to enter the water. As soon as the last athlete has entered the water, the swim start will close. No athletes will be allowed to start after this time. Simstarten på svenska IRONMAN Kalmar inför i år rullande start för age group deltagare. Proffsen startar i vattnet kl 06:55. Vid starten kommer de olika startgrupperna att successivt slussas i vattnet. Varje deltagares tidtagning startar när de korsar tidsmattorna på rampen precis innan de går i vattnet. Det kommer inte finnas möjlighet att värma upp i vattnet inför starten. Se därför till att värma upp ordentligt på land. Age group deltagarna ska seeda sig själva i olika startgrupper utifrån sin beräknade simtid. Inför starten på tävlingsdagen placerar man sig i sin startgrupp. Funktionärer finns på plats med skyltar och kan assistera deltagarna så att de hittar rätt startgrupp. För att få en bra upplevelse under simningen rekommenderar vi att ni är ärliga mot er själva då ni seedar er. Starten för age group deltagarna börjar kl 07:00. Vi beräknar att det tar 15 minuter för alla deltagarna att komma i vattnet. Så snart den sista deltagaren har gått i vattnet stänger vi starten. Vi tillåter inte att någon startar efter detta. Each athlete will get the full 2 hours and 20 minutes to complete the 3,86 km swim regardless of what time they enter the water. Athletes who take longer than 2 hours and 20 minutes to complete the swim will be withdrawn from the event. Varje deltagare får 2 timmar och 20 minuter att simma 3,86 km, oavsett vilken tid de startat. Deltagare som tar längre tid på sig än 2 timmar och 20 minuter kommer att tas av banan och får inte fullfölja tävlingen. Swim caps will be distributed by the organizer and shall be worn throughout the competition. It is not permitted to wear the race number underneath the wetsuit. Because the risk of streams of cold water wetsuits are mandatory up to a water temperature of 24,5 degrees Celsius. It is not allowed to take a short cut. Violations result in immediate disqualification. The wetsuits shall only be stripped off completely in the changing tent. Additionally, they have to be put in the blue bag by the athlete. In order to avoid confusion or loss, the name and the athlete’s phone number shall be written on the wetsuit. Wearing socks or gloves is prohibited during the swimming competition. Swim cut off Athletes have 2 hours 20 minutes to complete the swim course based on the individual start time. There will be a cut off after 2950 meters, at the bridge to Vågbrytarbadet (previous start area). Athletes must have passed the bridge before 9:05 pm. Athletes must have left the transition area (T1) by 09:45. IRONMAN SwimSmart Top 10 Checklist: An open-water swim in a triathlon is substantially different from swimming in a pool. To alleviate stress, it’s important that you arrive on race day healthy, fit and prepared. Here's a checklist to help get you ready. 1. Prepare for Race Conditions Race day should not be your first exposure to an open water swim. Make sure some of your training replicates real race conditions, including water temperature, proximity to other swimmers and wearing a wetsuit if needed. 2. Race in Shorter Events Being properly trained is the best way to reduce anxiety. If possible, race in shorter events and clinics to prepare yourself for open water conditions. For extra guidance, talk to a coach or your local triathlon club. 3. Study the Course It's important to prepare yourself mentally as well as physically prior to race day. Thoroughly review the race website and pre-race communication to familiarize yourself with the course. Every body of water is different, so you’ll need to educate yourself on water current and surf conditions. Study the event timetable to plan for proper arrival and preparation. 4. Ensure Heart Health As an athlete in training, you should take the proper steps to assess your health with your physician. Health experts suggest a 12-step screening process for competitive athletes. This includes a physical exam as well as an assessment of your family history and personal heart health. 5. Pay Attention to Warning Signs If you experience chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, light-headedness or blacking out while training, consult your doctor. 6. Don’t Use New Gear on Race Day Focus on controlling as much as you can on race day. You should never race in equipment you haven’t trained in – this is not the time to test new gear. Make sure your wetsuit fits properly and that your goggles, swim caps and other accessories work properly. Prepare for the unexpected with backups of all your gear. 7. Warm Up on Race Day Arrive early enough on race day for a proper warm-up prior to the start. Spend between 5 and 10 minutes getting loose. Be sure to do some cardio activity, such as a light jog, to increase circulation and prep your muscles. 8. Check Out the Course Get comfortable with the course by checking out water conditions, the swim entry and exit layouts, along with turn buoy locations. Identify basic navigation points so that you know what you are swimming towards. 9. Start Easy – Relax and Breathe Don’t race at maximum effort from the start. Relax and focus on proper breathing technique as you settle into a sustainable pace. 10. Be Alert and Ask for Help In a race setting always stop at the first sign of a medical problem. If you or a fellow athlete needs help, just raise your hand to alert a lifeguard or safety boat. Feel free to hold on to a static object like a raft, buoy, or dock. As long as you don’t use it to move forward, you won’t face disqualification. Race rules allow for competitors to stop or rest at any time during the swim. Bike The bike course is the same as last year. The first part, 120 km, is on Öland. Then you return to Kalmar and the second part on the mainland goes north of Kalmar and is 60 km. The bike course would be considered flat. The highest point on the bike course is only 50 meters above sea level. After only a couple of kilometers on the bike you will come to a spectacular part of the bike course – the Öland Bridge. The Öland Bridge is over 6 km long and its highest point is about 40 m above sea level. In strong winds consider choice of wheels. The conditions can be difficult on the Öland Bridge and wheels with lower profile may be a safer option. In harsh weather conditions disc wheels and high profile wheels can be forbidden for safety. Exiting the bike course or taking a short cut to obtain a competitive advantage is prohibited. Road traffic regulations shall apply for the entire bike course. While most of the route will be closed to traffic, there are some sections where vehicles will have access and it is impossible to guarantee a trafficfree route over this distance. It is mandatory to ride on the right side. Do not cut corners. On the way back to Kalmar on the Öland bridge the athletes are cycling in the left lane (south lane), closed to other traffic. Athletes must keep to the right in this lane. When turning in Kalmar after the first loop the road will be divided into three lanes. On the way into the turning point the athletes cycling in the left lane. Keep to the right in the designated lane. After turning at the roundabout athletes are cycling in the middle lane. Keep right in designated lane. In and directly after the roundabout it is very narrow and overtaking is not allowed in this area. Bike Cut off Athletes have 10 hours after the start of the race to complete the bike course. The cut off is based on the individual start time. For example, if you started 07:15, you must have completed the bike course 17:15. In addition athletes must start the mainland section of the course by 14:55 to be allowed to continue. This is to ensure that the roads can be reopened to the schedule agreed with the authorities. IRONMAN reserves the right to withdraw any athlete at any time who, in the opinion of the officials, is unable to complete the bike course within the cut off. Drafting Drafting is when you enter someone’s slip stream. The minimum distance between two athletes is 10 metres (back tyre to front) and 1.5 metres on the side. If you remain within this zone, without making an attempt to overtake, then you are drafting and you will receive a black card. To overtake you have 15 seconds to get your front wheel ahead of the front wheel of the athlete you are overtaking. If you do not manage to do this within 15 seconds, you must drop back 10m or you will receive a penalty. The overtaken athlete than has 15 seconds to drop back so they are not drafting. Only once they have dropped back ten metres can they can attempt to overtake the cyclist in front of them. Athletes cannot block another athlete from passing. Run The IRONMAN Sweden Run course starts with a loop in the town centre where thousands of spectators will cheer on the athletes. Then the course loops north through parks and residential areas. The run is a three loop course before entering the finish line located at the main square next to the magnificent cathedral from the 1600s. Lap bands will be handed out on the run laps. You need to have collected three bands before heading to the finish line. Athletes have 16 hours to complete the race based on the individual start time. Athletes are prohibited from: - to abandon or shorten the run course to obtain a competitive advantage - to accept accompaniment (bike, scooter, runner,...) or assistance by third parties - urinating in public Aid stations Bike course There will be 10 aid stations on the bike course: Färjestaden, Mörbylånga, Degerhamn, Hulterstad, Resmo, Färjestaden, Kalmar, Läckeby, Rockneby and Lindsdal. It is approximately 18 km between the aid stations. Each aid station will contain the below: Water PowerBar Drink – Isoactive Lemon PowerBar Energize Bars –Berry or Cookies & Cream Bananas It’s allowed to have your own supplies handed to you after the aid stations in Degerhamn after 53 km and at Gröndalsvägen after 122 km. You need to arrange a personal helper to hand you your supplies. It is not allowed to receive any kind of help at any other point on the course. Toilets will be placed at all aid stations. Please use them! Run course On the run course aid stations will be placed approximately every 2 km. At each run aid station you will find: Water PowerBar Drink – Isoactive Lemon Coca Cola PowerBar Energize Bars – Berry or Cookies & Cream PowerBar Gel – Strawberry-Banana or Mango-Passionfruit PowerBar Hydro Gel – Cherry-Coffein Potato chips Pickles Lemon It’s allowed to have your own supplies handed to you after aid station 7 at Sveaplan. You need to arrange a personal helper to hand you your supplies. It is not allowed to receive any kind of help at any other point on the course. Toilets will be placed at all aid stations. Please use them! Personal Needs At the aid station back in Kalmar after 122 km (bike segment) and aid station 7 Sveaplan (run segment) you have the option to have your own special needs bag placed. If you wish to have your special needs bag placed at the aid stations, they will be handed out at the registration – just ask for a special needs bag for bike and/or run when you come to collect your start number at registration. On race morning you hand your special needs bag(s) at the designated place in transition area where the bags will be transported to the aid stations. IMPORTANT: These bags are intended for personal nutrition requirements and should not contain valuables or other items as they will be disposed of immediately after the race. Finish line and Athlete Garden The finish line is located in the main square in Kalmar where spectators will cheer you on as you cross the finish line. IMPORTANT: Please be aware that you are only allowed to cross the finish line by yourself or with fellow participants. It is not allowed to take your children/relatives/friends with you when you cross the finish line. Please ensure your spectators are aware of this, it is for safety as well as fairness to other athletes. Reglerna för IRONMAN tillåter inte att du springer i mål tillsammans med åskådare Les regèlements IRONMAN ne permettent pas de franchir la ligne d'arrivée avec des spectateurs Las reglas de IRONMAN establecen claramente que los espectadores no pueden cruzar la línea de meta junto con usted Die IRONMAN Regeln erlauben es nicht, dass Sie mit Zuschauern zusammen ins Ziel einlaufen IRONMAN Kalmar finishes with a big finish line party and fireworks at approx 23.15. We look forward to seeing all the athletes at the finish line. After you have finished the race you will receive your medal at the finish line and then enter the recovery area – Athlete garden. Here you can help yourself to some food, drink and massage. The recovery area is an athlete only area. Your white bag is available next to the Athlete garden. Here you also receive your finisher T-shirt. Post Race Information Bike and bag collection The transition area will open at 17:30 for collection of bikes and bags (red and blue). You will need to return your chip and show your wristband with corresponding number to your bike and bag to take your items from transition. You must check that you have all your items before you leave transition. Results IRONMAN Live provides access to live timings from the race and are at www.ironman.com. Timings on IRONMAN Live are provisional and subject to verification and any penalties that may be applied. The final results will be published later on www.ironman.com/kalmar Kona Qualification IRONMAN Sweden is an official qualifier for the Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona Hawaii, October 11, 2014. Our event will be awarding 50 qualifying slots for the Kona event. Actual slots given in each age group will be based on the number of athletes who start the race. Each age group will be allocated at least one slot. If no athletes finish the race in a particular age group, then that slot will be moved to the age group with the largest athlete-to-slot ratio in that same gender. Below is the slot allocation based on 2014 entries, this is purely as a guide M18-24 M25-29 M30-34 M35-39 M40-44 M45-49 M50-54 M55-59 M60-64 M65-69 M70-74 M75-79 1 3 5 6 7 5 3 2 1 1 1 1 F18-24 F25-29 F30-34 F35-39 F40-44 F45-49 F50-54 F55-59 F60-64 1 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 There are 50 slots allocated for the IRONMAN World Championship Kona Hawaii which will be allcoated as part of the Awards Ceremony taking place at Kalmar Tennishall Sunday August 17th at 12.00. The administrative allocation of slots will be executed by the organizers. Entry fee for the IRONMAN World Championship is 825 USD + 6 % Active Fee and need to be paid onsite at the slot allocation by credit card only (no exceptions). Payment will be in USD. To claim your slot you need to be onsite personally and you need to identify yourself with an official photo ID. Awards Ceremony There will be an Awards Ceremony in Kalmar Tennishall on Sunday August 17 at 12:00. There will be awards for the top male and female athletes in each age group and for the top male and female professional athletes. This event is free to athletes. FinisherPix FinisherPix will be at the IRONMAN Sweden to cover your race but offers much more than just photos! - Your personal race photos on your Facebook Timeline? Easy with FinisherPix: sign up here for FREE for the FinisherPix Facebook App and a selection of your photos is automatically posted to your Facebook Timeline after the race. We like! - Win one of three FinisherPix Photo Packs! Participation is easy: Click here and like FinisherPix on Facebook. - Your race is in safe hands! Already 24 - 48 hours after the race, your photos are available on www.finisherpix.com/e/0776 Lost and found Lost property will be at the registration/info desk on the expo. For opening hours, see Race week schedule. Lost items will not be posted after the event so check all your belongings before you go home Social media There will be live updates during race weekend on IRONMAN Sweden/Kalmar Twitter and Facebook pages. Make sure you “like” the pages for up to date information. IRONMAN Live (www.ironman.com) will also provide Athlete Tracker. Entries for the 2015 IRONMAN Sweden/Kalmar will open on site Sunday August 17 at the Expo 09:00-11:00. Credit card only. Registration is open for all. Online registration will open Sunday August 17 at 16:00 CET. Good luck! We hope you will have a successful, enjoyable and safe race. /Team IRONMAN Sweden Kalmar
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