RACE KIT PICKUP
Friday Evening Before the Event – 5:30 PM – 7:30PM
Mike’s Bike Shop, 67 Englehart St, Dieppe, NB
Day of Event – 8:45 AM to 9:15 AM
Dieppe Aquatic Centre (doors open at 8:30 AM)
Experiences
What to Expect
If you’re a parent or guardian supporting an athlete participating in the Mike’s Bike Shop Kids of Steel Triathlon/Triathlon des Jeunes and wondering what to expect, you’re in the right place. Below are answers to some of the questions you might have:
Question #1: What do I need to get ready for the athlete participating in the event?
Swimming
Please ensure you have the following items for the swimming portion of the event:
- Swim cap (TriNB will supply)
- Bathing suit
- Goggles
- Towel
- Flip flops (optional – for transitioning from pool to outside Transition Area)
For safety reasons:
- CSA approved life jackets are mandatory for children aged 5 and under.
- They are optional for participants of all other ages.
Life jackets will be available poolside.
Biking
Ensure your child is equipped with the following items for the biking and running segments:
Biking Gear:
- Safe and functional bike (Parents are responsible for ensuring this)
- Properly fitted CSA approved helmet
- Sunglasses (optional)
- Water bottle
- Suitable tires for biking, especially for sections on walking/biking trails (for ages 8 and over)
- Training wheels are allowed
- Shorts (suitable for biking and then running)
- Sneakers (suitable for biking and then running)
- Socks
Running
- T-shirt (a KOS t-shirt will be provided based on available sizes)
- Sneakers (suitable for running)
Most triathletes opt to wear the same suit for swimming and then add biking shorts over it for biking and running.
Parents, please note: It’s crucial to ensure your child’s bike is safe and operational.
Question #2: What should I expect before the event starts?
Upon arrival, athletes must proceed with their parent or legal guardian to complete the registration process and collect their Race Kit from the designated registration desk. The Race Kit includes a t-shirt, race bib with colored sticker indicating the Age Group, safety pins, and a bathing cap.
To facilitate race organization, each athlete’s race ID number will be marked on their body using a permanent ink marker. This ink can be easily washed off post-race with dishwashing soap, as it is resistant to fading when wet, unlike other inks.
After registration, athletes can set up their equipment in the Transition Area, designated for transitioning between sports. Dressing rooms at the Dieppe Aquatic Centre are available for athletes to prepare for the race.
Before the race commences, all athletes must attend a pre-race meeting to review general rules, safety guidelines, course layouts, and other important race information.
Question #3: What should I expect during the race?
The race will commence in waves according to different Age Groups, with each wave starting every 3 to 5 minutes. The youngest participants, aged 5 and under, will start first.
The swimming segment, which is the initial part of the race, will take place in the 25-meter pool at the Dieppe Aquatic Centre. Each Age Group will have a designated start time, ensuring all athletes from the previous category have completed their swim before the next group begins. Upon finishing their swim, athletes will exit the pool and proceed to the Pre-Transition Area outside the building, where a parent can provide assistance according to race rules.
After transitioning from swimming to biking, athletes must don their biking gear, including a helmet with an attached strap, before grabbing their bikes and heading towards the exit of the transition area. At the designated mount/dismount line, athletes can mount their bikes and commence the biking segment. The bike course will be marked by cones and supervised by volunteers for directions and traffic management.
Upon completing the biking segment, athletes return to the transition area, where they must drop off their bike equipment INSIDE the designated Transition Area color-coded for their Age Group. Helmets can only be removed once the bike is safely placed on the ground. Athletes then prepare for the running segment by exiting the Transition Area and proceeding towards the Run Course.
The finish line, located near the Transition Area on the front side of the Dieppe Aquatic Centre, provides an opportunity for spectators to cheer on the athletes as they complete the race.
Question #4: Will my child be able to participate if they have a disability?
Participants with disabilities are welcome to race in any age group based on their abilities. If you need assistance in determining the most suitable category for your child, please reach out to the race directors. Our primary aim is to ensure that every child can experience the joy of participation, regardless of ability. We strive to make the event inclusive and enjoyable for all children.
Question #5: What is a Transition Area?
The transition area is a designated section reserved for athletes to seamlessly move from one sport to another, transitioning from swimming to biking and then from biking to running. Athletes can select a spot within the transition area to organize their equipment in an orderly manner, often using a colored towel to mark their area.
With only one entrance and one exit, all athletes must follow the same direction when entering and exiting the transition area (refer to the map for details).
Tip: Ensure your child places their sunglasses (optional) safely inside their helmet before the biking segment. This precaution prevents potential damage caused by other athletes inadvertently stepping on them during the rush to exit the transition area.
Question #6 : Will I be able to help my athlete during the race
For participants aged 5 and under, parents are permitted to accompany their child on foot through the bike and run portions of the race. However, for all other age groups, athletes cannot receive outside assistance during the race. There will be a designated Pre-Transition Area just before entering the main Transition Area, where parents can assist their child in transitioning from swimming to biking. This assistance includes ensuring the athlete is properly outfitted with a helmet and other necessary gear for the bike segment, as well as toweling off after the swim.
It’s important to note that only athletes are allowed in the Transition Area where the bikes are stored, except for the section reserved for parental assistance (Pre-Transition Area). Parents can help the athlete with equipment such as the helmet, race t-shirt, towel, clothing, and shoes in the Pre-Transition Area. However, parents are only allowed to assist with drying off and dressing the athlete. The athlete must still proceed through the transition area to retrieve their bike and helmet before continuing onto the bike course.
Exceptions for parental assistance will be considered for participants with disabilities upon prior approval from the race directors.
Question #7: What is the race course for my athlete?
Maps of the course will be prominently displayed at the event for you to review with your athlete, ensuring familiarity with the layout. Each Age Group will receive a numbered race bib adorned with a colored sticker indicating their Age Group. It’s crucial to securely pin this bib to their biking or running shirt. This identification system enables volunteers to easily recognize athletes during the race and guide them along the course according to their Age Group.
Throughout the Bike segment, a bike leader positioned at the front of each Age Group pack and a bike sweeper stationed at the rear will provide guidance and support for cyclists, ensuring a safe and cohesive race experience.
Question #8: Who counts the loops for the athletes doing multiple loops?
It is the joint responsibility of parents and athletes to keep track of the loops completed during the race. We recommend selecting a strategic spot that allows you to effectively communicate with your athlete, enabling you to call out the number of loops remaining. Attending the pre-race meeting with your athlete ensures everyone understands the protocol for counting loops.
In previous events, we’ve observed parents providing encouragement by calling out phrases like “THREE MORE TO GO – GREAT JOB!” and “LAST LOOP – KEEP IT UP!” These supportive cheers can be incredibly motivating for the athletes.
Don’t Miss The Details
Pre-Race Meeting
It’s crucial that both you and your young athlete attend the Pre-Race Meeting to receive essential information and instructions before the race.
For further inquiries, please reach out to one of the race officials on-site.
Race Directors: Southeast Storm Triathlon Club
Lennie MacDonald & Manon Lévesque
Swim
Bike
Run
