Mass start swim

All age group athletes and teams will start in a single wave mass start. Please note the following about this start:

• The start line will be at least 60m wide so will allow plenty of space for swimmers spread out.

• The start will be in deep water so there is no running into the water, minimizing any swim start turmoil.

• The first turn buoy is a significant distance away so there is plenty of time to spread out before the first turn buoy.

• The single wave start helps to reduce congestion on the course compared to wave starts as there will not be faster competitors (who started later) going past slower competitors (who started earlier)

RACE RULES

The organisers Rapid Ascent have sole discretion to alter or amend the event format or the rules in order to increase the safety to participants or for any other reason deemed appropriate.

The rules of the event are as follows:

• (all participants) must read and sign the Participant Indemnity.

• (juniors only - i.e. under 18 on race day)

  • must have their parent or guardian advise the organisers, Rapid Ascent, of their intention to enter

  • parent or guardian must read and sign an authorisation and indemnity

• (swimmers) must be able to swim 1,500m unassisted in open water.

• Wetsuits are OPTIONAL for ALL events and age categories. The expected water temp is approx 21 degrees

• Participants must wear competitor identification number plates/tattoos as outlined in the event program

• Competitors must use the same bike frame and wheels for the entire bike leg. You may receive assistance from other competitors to repair your bike. Penalty for using someone else’s bike frame or wheels and for lending your own bike frame or wheels to another competitor is 60 minutes for the borrower and 60 minutes for the lender.

• Assistance provided by other competitors is permitted, but is limited to the provision of, drinks, nutrition, pumps, tires, inner tubes, puncture repair kits, and the repair of equipment for safety. Athletes may provide to other athletes competing in the same competition items of equipment, provided that the donor is able to continue with their own competition.

• No riding is permitted in the TA and helmets must be fastened before exiting the TA.

• Any competitor who withdraws from the race MUST notify an official. This is an essential requirement to avoid unnecessary searches being conducted and emergency services being engaged.

• All competitors must carry the listed compulsory equipment for each leg – failure to carry any listed item will result in a 30-minute penalty per item found to be missing.

• Failure to abide by rules may result in time penalty or disqualification.

• All entrants are permitted to lodge protests against results or decisions enforced during the event. A judging panel of three Rapid Ascent Directors will adjudicate on all protests and other contentious matters, and their decision will be final.

• Rapid Ascent has sole discretion to alter or amend the race format or the rules in order to increase the safety of participants or for any other reason deemed appropriate.