EAST MIDLANDS CHILDRENS RACE SERIES

 

(The link to the British Triathlon Rule Book can be found on the home page of www.britishtriathlon.org)

 

Q:        What equipment does my child need to take part in triathlon?

A:        For their first venture into the world of multisport you really don’t need anything special; their swim gear, running shoes, t-shirt, bike and helmet.  Don’t go splashing out on fancy gear - it really isn’t necessary at first.  Certain time saving devices are relatively cheap and easy to obtain – the main two being elastic lock-laces and number belts (it can be tricky putting on a t-shirt when you’re wet and slipping on a belt is much quicker) – please note though that boys (if they swim in trunks) must have their top half covered when they get on the bike and run. 

 

Q:        What are the local events?

A:        A full listing of all British Triathlon sanctioned events can be found under the Events tag on the British Triathlon website.  However certain races have been selected for the East Midlands Series of Events for Tri-Stars and Youths and these are as follows:

 

 

 

Q:        What are the age groups?

A:        Triathlon age groups for youngsters are straightforward.  There are five age categories which are based solely on the year of birth.  So for 2012 they are as follows:

 

 

Q:        What are the distances for each discipline?

A:        The following maximum race distances are applicable for each age group (Youths may take part in events up to and including Sprint distance – see Rule Book for further clarification):

 

Q:        Will my child have to cycle on open roads?

A:        No; all the races in the East Midlands Series for tri-stars and youths take place in a traffic-free environment - most are on grass however some are on tarmac.

 

Q:        My child can only do breaststroke – is this okay?

A:        That’s fine.

 

Q:        Can I run alongside my child?

A:        No; that’s outside assistance and not allowed and may mean that your child is given a time penalty or perhaps even disqualified.

 

Q:        What are the IRCs?

A:        Inter-Regional Championships – this is the national competition for triathletes in the tri-star 2, tri-star 3 and youth categories and the highlight of the season.  Each region sends a team of fourteen athletes made up as follows:

 

 

Each region has different qualifying criteria; for the East Midlands the Tri-Star 2 and Tri-Star 3 team members will be selected primarily from their performances in the East Midlands Series (with all regional events up to and including the Team Cherwell event on 8 July being taken into consideration) together with input from the coaches of the East Midlands Academy.  The final decision will be made by the East Midlands Committee.

 

Those athletes in the Youth category will be expected to compete at a more national level in events which include open water swimming and draft legal biking.  A Youth athlete’s standing in the East Midlands Individual Series does not guarantee a place on the IRC team but will be used as part of the overall selection process.  Therefore there are no specifically identified IRC qualifying events for the Youth age group. The final decision will be made by the East Midlands Committee.  There may be an opportunity for those of Youth age not picked as part of the regional team to compete as an individual – further details will be made available in due course (see www.britishtriathlon.org).  It is intended to announce the full team and reserves in the week commencing 9 July. 

 

Q:        Does my child have to be a member of Triathlon England in order to compete?

A:        No, but there is usually an increased entry fee to cover a day licence.  However if your child does get chosen to represent East Midlands at the IRCs then membership is required.

 

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