Cycling
see also the full rules on the BTA website or Handbook
Key Rules at triathlons
The bike must be in sound condition, ie nothing obviously bent or broken. The bike must have brakes on each wheel!
Handlebars must be plugged. You MUST be wearing a FASTENED helmet at all times you are in contact with the bike (even in transition), or you will face a time penalty. The helmet must be ANSI or SNELL or EN 1078 approved.
DRAFTING is not allowed. That is sitting immediately or slightly to the side of another cyclist within a "box" 5 metres behind and 2 metres in front and 1 metre to the side of the rider. Overtaking cyclists can enter this box for overtaking only and must progress through. Once overtaken the slower cyclist must drop back to outside the box of the faster cyclist. Youth Championships are sometimes draft legal in which case this will be clearly stated.
TRIBARS are not allowed on grass courses, but may be allowed on tarmac for 13 yrs and upwards. (But not if draft legal). You are responsible for following the correct course and counting laps. Marshals will assist, but are not rersponsible for errors. If you make a mistake raise it with the Race Referee as soon as you can on finishing.
If 2 race numbers are provided one should be on the back for cycling.
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©2006NE
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Equipment
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Bikes
MTB vs Road ?
Most of the courses for children/youth events in the North East are on grass or grass/tarmac. Therefore the weight, rolling resistance and aerodynamic benefits of Road (racing) bikes is reduced because the surface may be bumpy and muddy/slippery, which benefits the better grip and gearing of Mountain Bikes.
Generally small size road bikes arent available in the UK anyway, so we dont suggest you need one until aged 11 at the very earliest, and you wont be at a significant disadvantage until you get into the Youth age group. The most common road bikes at childrens triathlons tend to be made by Giant as they have "compact" frames as standard which can accomodate smaller people and still adjust up to adult size in the one bike.
It is possible to fit narrower slick tyres onto MTB wheels which gives the best of both worlds for that in between size period.
The Inter-Regional Championships and Youth Championships may be predominantly on tarmac, therefore a road bike is virtually essential.
Pedals
Due to the comparatively short distances of the events it is not recomended that cleats or SPD pedals requiring a shoe change are fitted. Open pedals or toeclips are the best. Dealers who have supported triathlons are:-
Denton Cycles, 259 Scotswood Rd, Newcastle tel 0191 2723386 (note new address and number)- who stock Giant
Steel's Cycles, Gosforth, Newcastle - for Trek
Biketraks in Middlesborough who also stock Giant |
Where to Cycle
Hetton Hawks who are the regional cycling academy for cyclists up to 19 yrs
Stockton Wheelers - this website contains lots of training tips and help, although not specifically for young cyclists.
Further Websites
British Cycling
All you need to know about tyres |