Place: Rathgormack, Co. Waterford
Venue: Rathgormack Hiking Centre and Hostel
Date: Saturday 21st March 2009
Distances: 5km run, 20km bike, 3 km run
Registration: 10:00am – 11:30am
Race Briefing: 11:45am
Start Time: 12:00pm
EVENT OVERVIEW
Introduction
Rathgormack is a small village nestled in the foothills of the Comeragh Mountains and is one of the most scenic areas in the southeast. It is located roughly 8k from Carrick-on-Suir, 15km from Clonmel and 25k from Waterford City.
The Route:
Run 1:
Length: 5km
Ascent: 60m
The first run begins 500m from transition on a quiet country road with a fast downhill section. A steady climb begins at the half waypoint. At the crest of this hill competitors will turn left, rejoining the main road, and finish on an undulating last 2km.
TRANSITION
The competitors will be directed into transition from the 1st run by the on-site marshals. Each competitor must put their helmet on before claiming their bike. Competitors cannot mount their bike until after they cross the mount/dismount line at the exit of the transition area. They must obey marshals here and everywhere else on the course. Anyone found ignoring the authority of the marshals will be disqualified immediately.
Cycle:
Distance: 20km
Ascent: 150m
Description: The cycle route is a straight out and back with some testing climbs, mainly on the outward section. The road surface is good but the undulating route makes it 50/50 for tri bars if you’re a novice. The main climb comes at the half waypoint. At the top of the climb competitors will be directed by marshals to turn around and descend the hill.
N.B. Competitors will be asked to slow down at the end of the main descent (11k), which features an S-bend, and also approaching T2.
BIKE
HELMETS ARE COMPULSORY. The bike course will be marshaled at every major junction and at the base of a fast descent. All competitors must obey the marshals at all times and normal rules of the road apply. Competitors note that the roads are open to traffic, so stay to the left, never break a white line and only pass when it is safe to do so.
Run 2:
Distance: 3km
Ascent: 20m
Description: Run 2 is two laps of 1.5km. On exiting transition competitors will run a short distance before turning left and following a loop back to transition. Competitors must take an elastic band close to transition before repeating their second lap.
The Finish
The finish area will be adjacent to transition.