Frequently Asked Questions...

Are there rules for competing in a triathlon event and where do I find them?
The Bulldog Triathlon Weekend events are sanctioned by the Ontario Association of Triathletes (OAT) and we conform to this association’s competition rules. See http://www.triathlonontario.com/hm/inside.php?id=544 (in the Athletes section)

The course seems to be different from what I saw on the web-site?
The Bulldog organizing committee reserves the right to alter the layout of the course at any time (usually for safety reasons but also for other considerations).

What time should I arrive for my race?
Early is always better (see the Events tab on the web-site for specific race start times). Registration opens at 8:00 am for three of the four races & we recommend you have a printed copy of your registration verification to show at the park gate to speed entry.

Do I have to wear a helmet for the bike portion of the race?
Yes. You must wear an approved helmet and it must be done up before you take your bike off the rack at the start and until you return your bike to the rack at the end. This is an OAT rule.

My daughter/son is only seven years old: is it OK to help her / him during the race?
OAT rules stipulate that parental assistance is not permitted on the race course or in the transition area once the race has begun. Any outside assistance may result in immediate disqualification.

I am an elite athlete with OAT: is there any kind of special treatment / prizes at the Bulldog sprint events?
While elite athletes (as defined by OAT) are welcome to compete in the sprint events (Sprint Tri and Sprint Du) they will be treated the same as non-elite competitors. We don’t have a separate ‘elite’ group / wave racing at our weekend.

What happens if it rains or there is lightning on just before the race is to start?
Before answering this question, the committee has mandated that athlete safety is the most important factor governing decisions in this area.

In the event of light to moderate rain but no lightning, we will proceed with the scheduled event.
If there is lightning before the swim, we will wait for half an hour after the last appearance of lightning before starting the swim portion of the race.

This wait period will continue until we are certain that the weather front has passed or has changed course and we will not be affected. If lightning is still in the area or a possibility we will consider cancelling the swim and converting the race into a duathlon.

If the wait period extends beyond one hour, the entire event may be cancelled. The wait period may be extended after taking into consideration other factors such as:
• other scheduled events at the locations • increased traffic on the bike course
• police officer schedules • EMS / medical support schedules
• Rondeau Park’s needs for the day

The swim portion of the triathlon events is in Lake Erie: what if the water is too rough?
The Bulldog Triathlon Weekend organizing group (lifeguards, OAT official and/or race director) reserves the right to cancel the swim portion of any event if conditions appear to us to be unsafe (too rough). This turns the triathlon event into a duathlon event.

In the bike portion of the race, I’ve heard there is no blocking or drafting. I am new to the sport: what do these terms mean?
Blocking occurs when a slower rider isn’t keeping as far right as safely possible and is holding up faster riders behind him / her. “Ride right, pass left” (and shout “on your left” as you pass a slower rider).

Drafting is gaining an unfair advantage by being in the bike drafting zone of the rider immediately ahead of you (two metres by three to five metres, from the front wheel of the cyclist just ahead of you).

Crossing the centre line of the road is an automatic disqualification.

How long do I have to complete the swim portion of my race?
For the 750 metre swim portion of the sprint triathlon, you have 35 minutes according to OAT rules. For swims up to 500 metres, you would have 20 minutes. Failing to meet these standards usually results in your timing chip being taken away, although you may be permitted to continue the race at the discretion of the race director.

Can I win more than one category in the sprint events? (i.e. age group winner and overall winner)
No. For example, the overall winner relinquishes their age group win to the 2nd place finisher in that age group, with a domino effect on the remaining athletes in that group.

Something just came up: can I get a refund on my entry fee?
Our refund policy is similar to other events of this type: refunds will only be granted for medical reasons. There will be a 75% refund of your entry fee up to 4 weeks prior to race and a 50% refund up to 2 weeks prior to race. There will be no refunds for any reason inside of 2 weeks to the race. Race fees are non-transferable from one person to another person.

Can I wear a wetsuit during the swim portion of the competition?
For Bulldog KOS athletes, wetsuits are forbidden when the water temperature is above 20 degrees Celsius. For our age group competitors, wetsuits are forbidden when water temperature is above 22 degrees C.

Para athletes are allowed to wear wetsuits regardless of the water temperature.

Can I bring a spare bike in case I have technical difficulties?
According to our OAT contact, only 1 bike per competitor is allowed in the transition zone. Anyone who racks more than 1 bike will be automatically disqualified

OK, helmet’s on & chin strap is done up, when can I get on my bike?
Riding your bike in the transition zone is strictly prohibited. You must wait to get on your bike in designated zone on the road at the beginning of the bike course and you must dismount from your bike at the end of the bike leg before entering the transition zone to re-rack your bike and start the run.

Must I wear the timing chip?
Yes and it must be worn on the ankle

What happens if I lose my timing chip?
The velcro anklet bracelets have been designed to stay on in rough conditions so there shouldn’t be an issue. If the timing chip is not returned at the end of the race, there is a thirty dollar ($30.00) replacement fee.

Can I cross the timing mats before the race during my warmup?
Crossing over the timing mats is prohibited until the race is actually started. If the mats are crossed before the race, times / splits may not be correct.

When is the awards ceremony? Do I have to be present to get my award?
The awards ceremony will be held immediately after each event (as soon as the related computer reports are available). If cannot stay to receive your award, please pick it up at the Chatham-Kent YMCA if you are local or we will try and mail it to you.

When will I know my times and placing?
Reports showing times and placing will be posted in the Start / Finish area as soon as they are available from our computer staff. They will also appear on our web-site early in the week following the Bulldog Triathlon Weekend.

You warned us on your website that you won’t be handing out single use water bottles this year: will you have water stations instead? Where?
As mentioned on our web-site, the Bulldog Triathlon Weekend has gone green and won’t be handing out single use water bottles. We will have a number of water stations around our venue where you can refill your water bottle/container. The water station on the run course will have disposable water cups.

I don’t have a seasons pass into Rondeau Provincial Park: will I have to pay to get into the park?
Your entry fee includes a number of things including your entry to the park (a thirteen dollar retail value).

I’m on a team of three in the sprint triathlon: do we have to pass the bib from person to person (in the transition area)?
For teams (either sprint triathlon or sprint duathlon), just have the run / final run leg wear the bib (we will use the body markings for identifying the other team members).

Where do I pin my bib / race number?
To the front of your cycling / running shirt on your outermost layer, using pins provided.

When does my time start?
We use a starting pistol to start each event and your time starts at the sound of that device. Your time will finish when you run over the pad at the finish line. Split times will be taken as you walk / run over the mats in the transition area between pieces of your event.

What happens if I am hurt during a race?
OAT recommends that any child who requires medical attention not be allowed to continue with the race and the same is true for adults. The Race Director will make a final decision at the time of the incident.