AJBell – London Triathlon – ARE YOU RACE READY?

The AJBell team have provided some tips for making your experience at the World’s biggest Triathlon as good as it can be.

For the sprint distance you shouldn’t need much more than a Lucozade sport to get you around. the weather is not forecast to be exceptionally hot.

Walking your EXACT route through transition is a GOOD idea.

If you plan on drafting (cheating when cycling!) then bring a rear view mirror as there will be motor cycle ‘referees’ there to penalise you 🙂 Penalties FAR outweigh the benefits of drafting.

You should be tapering NOW. Approx 80% of your load in previous weeks AND more rest days.

Here are the 10 tips:

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To help you arrive fully prepared and relaxed as you approach the start line we’ve compiled a list of our top tips. Have a read through to ensure you have an unforgettable experience, for all the right reasons…

1. Getting to the ExCeLAnyone who’s ever experienced London transport will know to allow plenty of time for your journey. Check your start time and arrive at least 90 minutes before.

2. Practice your transitionTransition is a vast area at the world’s largest triathlon and there’s nothing worse than panicking in the middle of your race because you can’t locate your bike and kit. Memorise your racking row and familiarise yourself with your entry and exit route – it could save you valuable minutes.

3. Keep hydratedThere are water stations throughout the Skechers Performance Run Route but you won’t be able to stop during the swim and bike legs to refill so make sure you have filled up all your bottles prior to your race starting. Avoid dehydration by bringing full water bottles with you and sipping consistently on your journey.

4. RefuelNutrition is key to a great performance and speedy recovery. Know what you want to take and when you want to take it and practice using it before race day. MaxiNutrition’s gel fuel stations will be dotted around the Skechers Performance Run Route to give you that extra boost to the finish line.

5. Know your lapsAs the world’s largest triathlon, we provide a variety of entry categories. It’s your responsibility to count your laps to make sure you complete the correct distance. Check out the map in the Race Information Guide. We are very excited to be heading into Canary Wharf as part of the bike course on Sunday this year but be aware that this is a more technical section of the route with tight turns and roundabouts so please take it easy when passing through!

6. Read the British Triathlon Federation RulesIt is the competitors responsiblity to know the rules by which British Championship events are governed, both in relation to the competition rules by which competitors must abide by, but also eligibility rules. Read them here.

7. Don’t forget your Photo IDYou’ll need either a driving licence, passport or equivalent to collect your timing chip from Chip Collection on the day of your race.

8. Racking and Chip CollectionYou can only rack your bike and collect your timing chip on the day of your race. Attach your timing chip to your ankle and wear it under your wetsuit for the swim section. Failure to wear your timing chip correctly and return it at the finish line will mean you will no’t get a time. Teams must remember to make sure each member passes on the chip after their leg!

9. Your fan clubInvite your friends and family along to help get you across the finish line! Their support really does help! There are lots of great viewing points and they have free access to the event and the AJ Bell London Triathlon Expo. Don’t forget to organise a meet-up point for after your race, otherwise it’ll be quite difficult to find them!

10. Taper your trainingIf you’ve been reading your emails, you’ll know from last month’s newsletter that you should slow things down in the week leading up to race day to give your best performance. Get a good night’s sleep before the big day and make sure you have a sufficient breakfast!

For any other information, please refer to your Race Information Guide which contains everything you need to know for race day!

Best of luck!