Pleasant Prairie Triathlon FAQ’s

Questions - SWIM

 Where is the swim course?
The Swim course is held in Lake Andrea, an 100 acre spring fed lake within Prairie Springs Park.

What is the water temperature?
Lake Andrea is a spring fed lake.  The water temperature at the end of June can vary from 70* to 76* 

Do I need a wetsuit?
No, a wetsuit is not required but water temperatures have historically been between 70-76*F on race day making it a wetsuit legal race.  A wetsuit will provide you with warmth and buoyancy, and make the swim easier.   

Is there an Aid Station at the Swim Start?
Yes. There is water available to athletes at the swim start. No Sport Drink.

Will there be a swim warm-up?
Yes, 15 minutes prior to the start of the race.  There will be no warm-ups after the 1^st wave starts.

Can I use any stroke in the swim portion?
Any stroke that allows you to see the buoys and stay on course.

How deep is the water for the swim?
Lake Andrea is 20-24 feet throughout the course.  Athletes will do a running start into the water, the depth drops quickly upon entering the water.

If I hang onto the lane lines or buoys , will I be disqualified for doing so?
You may stop and rest during the swim, but you must not interfere with the progress of other swimmers. You may hang onto the guard kyaks or buoys, as long as kayaks do not move.

Questions - Bike

Are there any aid stations on the Bike Course?
Yes.  There a re two aid stations.

Will there be Bike Techs available for assistance on race day?
Yes.  Bike Techs will be located at the sound end of the Transition Area.

If I break down on the Bike Course will there be any assistance offered?
Yes. There will be a sag vehicle (usually a large passenger van) that will be circling the course throughout the race that will pick you up and return you to the transition area. If you break down, please go to the side of the road (off the course) and inform a course marshal or policeman. They will assist you in locating the sag vehicle.

Do I have to get my bike inspected?
No, but it is highly recommended. Many people experience technical problems on race day that could have been easily avoided if the bike had been inspected prior to the race. In order to avoid disappointment on race day we urge all competitors to have their bikes inspected no more than 3 weeks prior to the event. Please contact your local bike shop for additional information.  

Questions – Changing Entry

If I am unable to make the race can I get a refund?
As is clearly stated in all of our materials, there will be absolutely NO REFUNDS.

If you are unable to compete due to illness and/or injury then you may qualify for a medical transfer to next year’s event. In order to qualify you must email the registration coordinator at raceinfo@plprairie.com and request a rollover.

If I am unable to make the race, can I give my entry to a friend?
No. If someone else races under your name and is injured, or causes an accident, that person will not be covered by any protection typically afforded to an athlete through the USA Triathlon sanction and insurance. Plus, if the athlete racing in your name causes injury or damage, you may be liable in part for those damages.

What is the procedure for making a change to an entry?

You MUST email the Registration Coordinator at raceinfo@plprairie.com in order to request a change.  All changes must be submitted by June 20, 2011.

Questions - Equipment

Are there specifications for the bike helmets and wetsuits?
Yes, the bike helmet must be CPSC certified. Most helmets purchased in the US within the last 2-3 years are certified. Please confirm this by checking for a sticker indicating it’s certification on the inside of the helmet. For a list of CPSC certified helmets, please see rules for participation. The wetsuit must not be over 5mm at its thickest point. Anyone using a wetsuit should have used their wetsuit in their training. If the water temperature is 83 degress or less, wetsuits are allowed. If you are racing for an age group award, the cut-off is 78 degrees.

What additional equipment will be permitted in the swim?
Aqua socks, socks, snorkel and swim mask or goggles will be allowed in the swim leg of the Event. Use of fins, gloves and flotation devices is prohibited.

Can I rent a bike or a wetsuit?
We do not provide nor do we have a source for bike rental. While a wetsuit is not required, water temperatures have historically been between 70-76F on race day making it a wetsuit legal race.  A wetsuit will provide you warm, buoyancy, and make the swim easier.  Wetsuits can be rented from any of our official race sponsors.

How does chip timing work?
A computer chip encoded with the athlete's name, race number and wave start is attached to a strap that the athlete must wear SECURELY around their ankle. A "scanner" located in the orange mats positioned at each transition (swim finish; bike start; bike finish; run start and run finish) "reads" the chip and records the time as each athlete steps on the mat.
 
For this reason, athletes must be careful to step directly on the mats at each transition. In addition, an athlete who starts in any wave after the first swim wave begins, must take care not to step on a mat in or around the transition area accidentally as he/she waits for their wave to begin. The chips are "live" at the start of the rae and will record every instance an athlete steps on a mat; if such a time is recorded that is earlier than an athlete's scheduled wave start, the computer will automatically disqualify he/she. Furthermore, if an athlete starts in a wave earlier than their scheduled wave - either accidentally or intentionally -- the chip will automatically disqualify them.

Can I wear the chip wherever I want as long as I have it with me?
No. The strap with the timing chip must be worn on the ankle.

If I lose my chip, will I be timed for the race and where can I get another chip?
No. If you lose your chip before the race starts, see race personnel at the Volunteer Check-In tent (located on the east side of the lake near Baby U) to be issued a replacement chip.  Each timing chip is very valuable. Replacement cost in cases of loss is the athlete's responsibility and is $35.

Questions - Transition Area

 When will I be able to access the transition area?
Transition will open @ 4:30am & close 15 minutes prior to the start of the race, 6:15am

Why do I have to be in the transition area so early if my wave doesn’t start until later in the morning?
The transition area closes at the specified times regardless of what wave you are in. All equipment must be in by the appropriate time. In order to ensure the security and safety of our competitors and their equipment, there will be absolutely no exceptions to this rule.

Can I use decorations (balloons, etc.) to indicate where my things are in the transition area?
Yes, but they should not interfere with anyone else being able to easily and safely access their equipment. We reserve the right to remove any materials that will interfere with the safety and security of our competitors and their equipment.

What time will the transition area re-open?
The exact time is to be determined by the Race Director and is dependant on when the last competitor completes the bike course and has set out on the run (approximately 11am). All equipment must be picked up by 12:00pm. We will not be responsible for any equipment not claimed after those times.

Questions - Swim Waves

How is my wave assigned?
Waves are assigned according to division, gender, and age group. For larger age groups, there are multiple waves. Some smaller age groups are combined into waves.

Can I switch my wave?
Wave assignments cannot be changed. You will be disqualified if you start in the wrong wave.

How many people will be in my wave?
Wave numbers are approximate and are assigned to facilitate timing and ensure accuracy and safety. On average the minimum number is 50 and the maximum is 110.

How many minutes are between waves?
There are 3 minutes between waves.

When will the wave assignments be finalized?
Waves will be finalized the week before the race. The wave start schedule will be available on-line.

What time does my wave start?
Wave start times will be posted on-line.the week of the race.