Checklist

Be prepared!

A week before your event:

It is your responsibility to make sure that your helmet, bike and equipment are in good working condition
Make sure that your tires are inflated, no nicks or cuts
A good idea is to take your bike to the local bike store and have it checked out to make sure it is in perfect working condition
Helmet – check before the day that there are no cracks. You should only wear a helmet approved by the New Zealand Transport Agency
Shoes – make sure you have long enough laces that can easily be tied into a bow
Shoes – you can also use elastic laces with locks
Shoes – Thongs and Beach Sandals are not allowed

Event Checklist – what you need on the day
It is always good to have a checklist for any event. This list is specifically designed for a school event and you should use it to pack before your event and also the day of your race so you make sure you have all the gear required.

Initial questions:
Where is the race?
What are the weather conditions likely to be?

Items required:

1 set of Casual Clothing
Going to school and for after the event. Make sure you pack something warm.
Warm up clothes: Shorts and tee shirt, socks and shoes. This gear is needed for pre-race warm up and warm down.
Having an extra T Shirt comes in handy sometimes if it’s a wet day.

To include in your race kit:

Racing garments – possibly using the tee shirt and shorts above
Togs
Swimming goggles
Swimming cap
Bike
Helmet
Running shoes
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hat
Extra food
2 Towels

Keys to remember:

You definitely need togs, bike, helmet and shoes. Without these items there will be no race.
A BMX or Mountain bike is perfect to use at a school event
Make sure your helmet is tight fitting and has no visible damage such as cracks.
To save time doing laces on your shoes up you can use elastic laces
Energy food, like a chicken sandwich with tomato and lettuce would be great after the race
You will want to have one towel next to your bike in the transition area and one clean towel for after the race

The night before your event:

Lay out your gear the night before and check it off against your checklist
Shoes – put a little talcum powder in your shoes so it is easier to slip them on
If you want to use socks roll them up so that you can slip your toes in and then roll the sock over your foot
When you’re sitting down at night before bed practice putting your helmet on and off including practicing clipping it up
Practice getting your shoes on and off with the laces tied up or with your new lace locks
Practice rolling your bike while you walk/run beside it (keeping both hands on the handle bars) and finally practice getting on and off your bike.
If possible before the event, walk the distance between the swim to the transition area and then walk with your bike to the exit point distance, for the run – see where you can mount and dismount
Make sure you know the course, times and event details
Get plenty of rest
If you have never been in a triathlon before and are not a current member of a club, contact your local club and ask them for some advice or go along and see a triathlon in action so you know what to expect on the day

At registration:

Check you have all your equipment
Make sure you know where to go and what time you need to be there
Give yourself plenty of time on event day. Get to the event location at least 40 minutes before the event
Make sure you register before you do anything else, collect your numbers and get numbered
Agree to a meeting point with your parents or guardian

At event briefing:

Make sure that you know the course and where to go for transition
Listen carefully for briefing
Make sure you know any rules – look out for an information board
Know how many laps you are meant to be doing

In the transition area:

Your bike and helmet will be inspected before you enter transition so put your helmet on and fasten it before you go to the transition area
Take note of the entry and exit points
Rack your bike, place your shoes at the point closest to you with your t-shirt and helmet alongside, keep your equipment bag out of the way
A good idea is to place your helmet on the handlebars or the seat so that you don’t forget to put it on
Make sure that your laces/shoes are open and easy to put on
Put on your sunscreen
Make sure that your entry number is visible
Do a little warm up exercise before you participate
Pace yourself and have a great time! Don’t forget to smile when you cross the finish line!

After the event:

Have a drink and something healthy to eat soon after completing the event. This will help restore your energy that you used during the event and assist in your recovery
Take a photo with your family and friends
Make sure you wait until after the last participant has finished before you go to collect your bike and equipment from the transition area

Remember! Laugh, have fun and smile when you swim, bike and run!!

To checkout the New Zealand Code for Cyclists, click here.