The Horwich Triathlon, in conjunction with Bolton Tri Club

The Horwich triathlon is the second event of the NW Epic Triathlon Series 2014 and takes place on Sunday May 4th 2014. Organised in conjunction with Bolton Tri Club, it provides competitors with the ideal opportunity to test their pre-season fitness. The Horwich event is one of the longest established races on the North West triathlon calendar and the course is tough enough to test the best. The 500m swim takes place in Horwich leisure centre and is followed by a tough 40k cycle ride which climbs from the start and continues to roll relentlessly  for the remainder of the route, giving the bikers an opportunity to establish an early lead. The 8.6k off-road run section gives runners the opportunity to 'turn the tables' as the route climbs to the famous landmark of Rivington Pike before descending and returning to the finish close to the leisure centre.

 

What do I need to enter the event?

1. A bicycle in roadworthy condition (mountainbike, roadracing bike or hybrid). Your bikes will be subjected to a brief check before entering transition, if they are unsafe to ride you will not be allowed to start. Please check headsets, wheels, tyres, brakes, bars etc or get it serviced by your local dealer.
2. A helmet of ANSI standard designed specifically for cycling which fits you well. You will be asked to fasten your helmet upon entering transition and if it is ill fitting you will be asked to adjust or exchange it.
3. You must be medically fit and healthy, epicevents advise that all participants consult their GP before completing any of our events.
4. You must be 16 years of age or above on the date of the event to participate (If you enter a relay team your swimmer can be younger than 16).
5. You must be capable of swimming the 500m distance required for the event.

The swim:

Swimmers start from 7:00am through to 12:00pm based upon ability level and will complete 20 lengths of a 25m pool. There will be 3 people in each lane at any given time and you will either swim clockwise or anti-clockwise. When you enter, your estimated swim time will be used to calculate your swim start time, faster swimmers will start later in the morning and slower swimmers will start earlier. You will be provided with a swim cap and lane counters will ensure that you complete the distance and inform you how many lengths you have completed should you lose count. You should arrive on poolside 15 minutes before your start time for a compulsory competitor briefing

The bike:

The 40k bike loop is an undulating single loop course which starts at the swimming pool and heads North through Belmont, to reach the M65. From here the route returns via Chorley. Your bicycle should be roadworthy and it is compulsory to wear a recognised cycle helmet, this event is non-drafting (you cannot ride directly behind another competitor to shelter from the wind) and you must not ride 2 abreast on the road.  The course is not closed to traffic and you should follow the highway code at all times, riding responsibly. There will be adequate signs throughout the cycle course to guide you and there will also be marshals at critical locations. The marshals cannot stop traffic and will not tell you whether it is 'clear to go', it is your repsonsibility to check for traffic.

The run:

Initially it goes up.. quite steep and for quite some time. The route follows tarmac roads and bridlepath to the summit of Rivington Pike before returning the same way back to the finish. Rivington Pike is very exposed to the elements and you should be prepared - bring a windproof / waterproof jacket just in case the forecast is poor!

The transition:

You climb out of the pool, exit through the fire door at the rear of the building and follow the marked route to the pedestrian crossing where you will cross the road to transition. There will be a marshal watching for traffic and if he tells you to stop.. you must stop. The road is slippy when wet so please take care when crossing, you may leave an old pair of trainers at the exit from the pool (do not obstruct the door) but all other clothing should be in transition,leaving cycle helmets and other clothing on poolside is against the rules - you change in the transition area.  Collect your bike and walk to the mount line, do not mount your bike until you have reached this point and take care turning left onto the road.

At the end of the cycle ride, dismount at or before the dismount line which will be clearly marked on the day and wheel your bike into transition, do not unfasten your helmet until the bike is safely racked. Change into your run clothing and exit transition, following the marshals instructions.

What to do on the day:

On the day you should register an hour before your start time, you will be given an electronic chip which wraps around your ankle, 2 race numbers for rear of your cycle top and front of your run top (number belts allowed) and 2 numbered stickers for your helmet and your bike.

You must show your numbers before racking your bike in the transition area, the racking will be numbered and you should place your bike in the correct position. Once you have placed your cycle and run clothing with your bicycle, all other equipment must be removed from transition area to minimise disruption for other competitors.

There will be a briefing 10 minutes before your swim start on the poolside. Please do not be late for this briefing as it may contain important changes to the event which may affect you.

What happens after the race?

Following the race you should remove your cycle from the transition area but be careful not to impede any other competitors who may still be competing. You will need to show your number to retrieve your bicycle, friends and family members will not be allowed to retrieve bicycles. Refreshments are available at Horwich Leisure Centre following the event and the prize giving will take place as soon as results are available. Full results will be available on this website on the same evening of the event.

How will my entry be confirmed?

Entry for the Horwich Triathlon is £40 and is only available online by following the link below. You will be sent a confirmation via email coupled with appearance of your name on the entry list. If you are able to enter online then places are still available, the ability to enter will be removed when the event is full.

Location and route details