Senior Race Info

Sprint , Relay and Novice Races :

Race timetable:

Senior Race :
6:15 - 7:30:	Sprint , Relay and Novice Registration and Transition set up
8:00 - 8:15:	Race Briefing
8:15 - 12:00:	Sprint, Relay and Novice Races (14 Heats)
12:30 - 12:45:	Race Results and Prize Giving

Before you leave home :

A swimsuit and goggles,
Your bike and a helmet (No helmet No race)
Running kit and shoes,
Safety pins to attach your race number to your top for the run and bike sections. NB. Your race number should be attached to the front of your racing top so that it can be clearly seen by the lap counters on the cycle and run sections and by the finish timers.
Something warm to wear whilst waiting for the event to start
Something to pass the time between registration and the start of the event.

Please Note : Transition will close 15 minutes before the first heat starts and will remain closed until the last competitors have finished. This is to ensure everyone is given a fair and equal chance to compete regardless of ability.

Course Details :

The race starts in Scotland's most advanced 50m swimming pool and the home of Scotlands Elite training squad. We have split the pool into two 25m pools which is still unique in Scotland.

Swim :

The Sprint and Relay events consists of 30 lengths (750m) of a 25m indoor pool, while the Novice event is contested over 16 lengths (400m). Competitors will be allocated a specific lane in a heat, and given a coloured swim cap. Lane marshals will signal each swimmer when they have 2 lengths remaining. The lanes will be allocated based on the expected swim times given on the entry form, so please be accurate.

Transition 1 (T1) :

Competitors should exit the swimming pool as directed, and enter the transition zone as shown in the diagram below. Make your way to your numbered slot where you have set up your bike, helmet etc. Helmets put on and securely fastened before touching your bike in transition. Bicycles must be pushed to the exit of transition where a second timing mat will also be crossed. Competitors must not mount their bicycles until they have crossed the mount line after exit transition. Under no circumstances should you be seen riding your bike in transition.

NO BOXES, or BAGS in transition once transition is closed ONLY kit being used/worn to be beside your bike.

Bike :

Throughout the bike course, all the turns will be clearly marked with arrows, and signs will be erected to inform motorists that a race is taking place. Marshals will be posted at all major junctions, although their function is purely to direct, and warn you of any traffic approaching. They have no powers to stop traffic whatsoever. Drafting rules will be strictly enforced, and draft marshals will be patrolling. Please obey the rules of the road, and refer to the STA handbook for clarification of racing rules.

The bike course starts by turning left onto the main road through the campus, then following the gentle downhill leading out of the university campus. Competitors should turn left onto the main road at the roundabout upon leaving the university. Proceeding straight ahead, taking care at the new roundabout that has just been constructed at the new Wallace High School, on the A907 towards Tullibody. At the fifth roundabout, head straight up the new section of road bypassing Tullibody.

At the next roundabout, cyclists in the Novice event will be directed left towards Menstrie, whilst those in the longer Sprint and Relay events will be sent straight ahead towards Fishcross on the B9140.

Those in the Sprint event should continue past Glenochill prison, then turn left at the next crossroads, taking the B908 towards Alva (this is a 90 degree bend, and should be taken with caution). On reaching Alva, turn left onto the main A91, and head back through Menstrie and Blairlogie. Competitors in the Novice event will join the A91 by making a similar left turn at Menstrie.

After passing through Blairlogie, you will come to a new roundabout, turn right and follow signposts for the Wallace Monument. The traffic still moves fairly fast around the roundabout so please take care!! Cyclist then proceed up the only significant climb of the course, turning right at the top of the hill into the back of the university campus. Follow the road, going straight ahead at all junctions, through the larger roundabout in front of the Cottrell building, then right at the mini-roundabout just before reaching the transition area. There are two sharp left hand bends which should be noted. A downhill one immediately after passing the entrance barrier in the university campus, and then the final left turn back into the transition area.

Drafting : No drafting is allowed during this race. You must allow at least 7metres (approximately 5 bike lengths) between you and the bike infront. You have 30seconds to enter this zone and pass a rider infront of you – if you fail to pass you MUST drop back the 7metres. The time penalty for drafting is 6 minutes which will ruin your race so don’t do it!!!

Transition 2 (T2) :

Competitors should dismount before the dismount line at the entrance to the transition area, cross the timing mat once again, and wheel their bikes back to their numbered spot in the transition area. Do not unclip or remove your helmet until you have racked your bike. After racking their bikes, competitors should exit the transition area across the second timing mat, as used for T1.

Run :

Sprint race : 2 laps (5.0km)

Novice race : 1 lap (2.5km)

Turn left out of transition, run down the running track, out the gate and turn left up the hill.

Turn right at the top of the hill, across the road onto the path. Follow this through the chicane to the junction. Turn right, up the hill past the little Uni control booth.

Turn right into the industrial estate, follow the road round, turn right behind the buildings then left through the car park. Turn left at the road and retrace your route back to the running track. Run clockwise on the track coming off at the bend and follow the hedge line to the corner of the playing fields, turn right towards transition / finish area. If you are doing the sprint course you then need to do a second lap.