What is Transition?
ONLY RACERS WITH ONE PARENT ARE ALLOWED IN THE TRANSITION AREA!
The Transition Area is the place where all athletes’ equipment is stored. The athlete passes through the Transition Area twice during the event: T1 is Swim-to-Bike, and T2 is Bike-to-Run.
To get into transition, you must have:
- Bike stickers applied to your bike
- Body marking
- Your bib
Setting up Transition
Every athlete has a spot in the Transition Area where their bike, helmet, shoes/socks, shirt, shorts, towel, and other essentials are located. This area is set up BEFORE the race starts. Ask a volunteer if you aren’t sure where to put your bike and gear.
Bikes with kickstands will have a taped box for their bike and race gear.
Hints for Preparing Your Transition Spot
Bring two small towels, one of which should be old. Put the old towel on the ground beside the bike and place your race equipment on it. The other towel is for drying off after the swim. A colorful, easy-to-recognize towel is recommended.
We will have limited time for everyone to set up the transition.
Once your transition is set up, proceed to the Pool.
T1 - Transition from Swim to Bike
Following the swim, the athlete moves to the Transition Area, where they remove any swim equipment, such as goggles, quickly dry off, put on their helmet and shirt, put on shoes, and walk or jog the bike to the Transition Area exit, following the sign that says, “Bike Out”.
BATHING SUIT REMOVAL IS NOT ALLOWED. There is no changing area, and nudity is not allowed.
Athletes put on shorts and a shirt over their bathing suit with their race number pinned on in advance. Some athletes prefer to just put on a shirt (with the bib) and ride with bathing suits instead of shorts-over-suits. A race belt may also be used.
Please note that USA Triathlon has a rule: torsos must be covered. So the boys will have to wear a shirt over their swimsuits.
ALL ATHLETES MUST WEAR THEIR HELMETS THE ENTIRE TIME they are on or moving with the bike. This includes the transition area. Please also make sure shoelaces are not undone or loose.
NO BIKE RIDING IN TRANSITION
The athlete should walk or jog with their bike to the Mount Line just outside the transition. Cross the Mount Line and then get on the bike.
T2 - Transition from Bike to Run
After the bike ride, the athlete stops and gets off the bike before the Dismount Line. Then they walk or jog the bike back to where their equipment is located.
PUT THE BIKE BACK IN ITS PLACE BEFORE GOING OUT ON THE RUN
The bike must be returned to the same location where the athlete started and where all their other equipment is stored. Throwing a bike down in a random location is against the rules and will result in a 2-minute time penalty.
If the athlete can’t find their spot, they should ask a volunteer for help. It also helps if their towel is colorful and unique.
The bike is placed on the rack or box, the helmet and other riding equipment are removed, and the athlete prepares to run. Generally, young athletes ride their bikes in their running shoes, so after removing their bike gear, they are ready to run. Runners may jog to the “Run Out” sign in the Transition Area, watching for bikes and other runners.
Packing up for the day
The Transition Area is guarded by volunteers. To remove a bike from the Transition Area, you must show a race number and match it to the race number on the bike. Your race packet will include a numbered race bib to be worn on your shirt or shorts, and one small stick-on race number for the bike. In addition, each athlete will have their race number marked on their body by volunteers using a Sharpie. All of these numbers must match.
Please be mindful of other racers when tearing down your transition spot.
