Can I check-in my bike and my belongings in the transition area also on Sunday?

No. Competitors will be able to store their belongings in the transition area ONLY on Saturday, August 17, from 12:00 to 21:30. On Sunday, August 18, it will be possible to store only small items here before your start (e.g. water bottles, bicycle pedals, etc.). Check-in of bikes and equipment will not be possible on Sunday, August 18!

 

What is the bike/bags check in for the T1/T2 procedure?

Before entering the Transition Zone, you must put on your helmet and fasten the chin strap. Please also prepare for the following checks:

•  Visual inspection of the bike,
•  Check of the brake system and helmet,
•  Verification that the bib numbers are on the bike and helmet, and checking the athelte’s wristband
•  Place your bike and hang the blue bag according to your BIB number.
•  Bike covers are not allowed.
•  The helmet must be placed in the blue bag, it cannot be left with the bike.
•  Shoes may be attached to the bike only on the day of the race.
•  Make sure that you have packed all your gear needed for the cycling stage into the blue bag.
• Check that all your running gear is in the red bag.
• After leaving your bike and bags, take some time to familiarize yourself with the Transition Zone. Don’t forget to check where the entrances and exits are located. There will be volunteers in the Transition Zone who can answer any questions, so ask them on the spot, don’t wait until race day

What bikes are allowed?

The detail specification is stated in the Technical regulations  HERE: section 5.03, page 19.

What is the system for queing athletes at the start?

There will be 4 corridors marked with expected swimming times: 33:00 – 36:59 min. / 37:00-40:59 min./ 41:00 – 44:49 min./ 45:00-60:00 min. The athlete sshould choose wisely the correct corridor based on their swimming skills. The waiting corridor will also be equipped with a cooling shower.

How is the swim start of the Pro Athletes organized?

On Sunday, August 18, all PRO ATHLETES have the opportunity to warm-up swim in the indoor 50 m pool (200 m from the swimming start). Subsequently, the Elbe river will be made available for them to swim just before the start at 9:15 – 9:25 ONLY in the direction of the swimming route. At 9:30 a.m., the men’s PRO ATHLETES category starts en masse from the water at the referee’s signal. At 9:33 we start en masse from the water in the PRO ATHLETES women’s category.

Is it possible to have a swimming warm-up before the start?

The swimming course can be tested during the so-called Open water (Saturday, August 17 at 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.). On Sunday, August 18, all participants have the opportunity to warm-up in the indoor 50 m swimming pool (200 m from the start of the swim) from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.. Further on, there will be prepared a so-called “cooling pool” at the start, where competitors can test the water temperature and adjust their swimming gear. This space is not intended for swimming warm-up.

At what time do I have to be ready for the start of 70.3?

If you are a fast swimmer, it is advisable that you line up in your lanes no later than 9:25. If you are rather a slower swimmer, there is no need to stand in the crowd of other swimmers this early. You can come to the start at 10:00-10:10 and you won’t miss anything.

How will the swimming start look like?

The corridors will be gradually narrowed so that three competitors will line up at the starting gate every five seconds, and at the sound signal they will run onto the platform (pier) and jump into the Elbe River. The jump is possible both by head and feet. It is absolutely necessary not to linger on the platform and immediately jump into the water. We recommend trying this process on Saturday, August 17 during the Open water (8:30-11:30).

How will the swimming part go?

The swimming takes place in one circuit and starts in the direction of the flow of the Elbe river with a turn at a distance of 650 m from the start. This is followed by an upstream section of 950 m, followed by a turn and a final downstream section of 300 m. The swimming corridors are separated along the entire length by large buoys, and swimmers must not cross the space between them.

What is the limit for completing the swim part?

For the 70.3 distance  it is 70 minutes and for 5150 races it is 50 minutes.

 

What is the expected river temperature?

It is about 20 – 22 °C (with no guarantee). Wetsuits may be worn in water temperatures up to and including 24.5°C. Wearing a wetsuit is prohibited when the water temperature is above 24.5°C and mandatory when the water temperature is below 16°C. The official temperature measurement will take place on the race day at 7:00 am.

 

What if I have a cramp or other unexpected complication while swimming?

In this case, wave to alert yourself and the nearest water rescue member will reach you with their vessel. You can hold on to the vessel (or shore), evaluate and consult with a rescuer about your situation and condition. If the vessel is not helping you move forward and you choose to continue, you may. This rule only applies to Age Groups (AG), not Pro Athletes.

 

How far do I run from the end of the swim to the transition zone?

The distance from the exit from the river to the entrance to the transition zone is 200 m and is lined with carpet.

What are the transition area facilities?

Blue/red bag racks (blue after swimming, red after cycling), toilets, changing rooms, cycle service, medical service,  penalty tent.

What does bag stand/rack look like at the depot?

On the side of the run-up from the swimmming, there are racks for placing plastic bags, which you will receive when you register for the race. The racks are divided by starting numbers and each number has an upper (red bag) and lower (blue bag) hook with a number sticker. Place your bags proparly on your designated hooks, please doublecheck.

 

How far do I run with my bike from the depot to the start of the bike and can I move around the depot by cycling?

After taking the bike from the racks in the middle of the grassy area, all competitors circle the athletics stadium on a rubber oval (200 meters) before reaching the start of the bike. Riding a bike within the transition zone is strictly prohibited and it is punishable by a penalty according to the race rules.

 

When can I start riding the bike?

When running from the transition area to the cycling section, you can only get on your bike after crossing the line that allows this. This line is placed undet the bike section  starting gate. When returning to the transition area, you have to gett off your bike before the designated line. This line is also marked with a bike finish gate. Check where these zones are located before the race. Violation of this rule is punishable by a penalty.

 

What do I have to pay attention to when cycling?

When cycling, the following rules are observed in particular: drafting, crossing the center road line and throwing packaging, bottles or leftover food outside the designated area (refreshment station). Detailed rules for drafting can be found in the Athlete guide and also in the Ironman Race Rules HERE: in section 5.04 on page 20.

 

What does the refreshment station look like on the cycling route?

There are two refreshment stations on the cycling route (70.3) and one on route 5150. You can find out about their location from the map and from the info signs on the route. Their length is approx. 40 meters and are divided into parts with bidons (isotonic drink), water bottles and nutritional supplements (gels, bars). Before arriving at the refreshment station, slow down and focus on the operator’s instructions. If you do not manage to receive the bidon or water bottle for the first time, the places for handing over are doubled. You can also use this space to throw away unnecessary material.

 

Is the cycling route closed to road traffic?

Yes. However, every competitor is obliged to comply with all traffic rules and it is absolutely necessary to pay extra attention due to unforeseen events and the increased number of oncoming competitors. The race is run along its entire length in both directions.

 

How are defects and technical problems with the bike solved?

It is the responsibility of each competitor to ensure that their technical problems are rectified. However, the organizer provides a technical vehicle that can help solve some problems. The equipment of the technical vehicle is limited and does not guarantee the repair of all complications that arise.

 

How do I know that I have been penalized for cycling?

There are motorized referees on the cycling route who supervise compliance with the rules. In case of violation of the rules, the referee will show you a card, the color of which determines the amount of the penalty. It is your duty to check your number and possible penalties on the board in the penalty tent upon entering the transition zone. Competitors will serve out penalties (minutes) before entering the transition zone.

 

Will there be a chance to cool down with a shower on the running route in case of high temperatures?

Yes, there will be at least one shower gate in each loop that can be easily avoided if necessary.

 

How do I recognize which loop I am running?

At the end of each loop (Masaryk Square) there will be a position with a table and our staff. It is every runner’s responsibility to take a band and put it on their wrist. Each band equals one loop finished, so you can easily remember how many loops you will have run. After collecting three bands (70.3) and one band (5150) you can run to the finish line. This action is not mandatory.