etiquette questions

if you have not done/seen it yet, triathlon swimming is a full contact sport, dont expect anyone to play nice.

haha true that. I've actually had people swim over my back before, and have seen people roll over someone's back because they were boxed in (although I think that one is more unusual). But grabbing feet and hitting arms etc will happen so try not to let that bother you. And if you do it to other people don't feel like you need to apologize - trust me, they won't care.

Be aware that sometimes there are 'no passing zones' for the bike for safety purposes - once I passed someone in one of those zones and that was one of the only times during a triathlon where someone gave me words other than encouragement. Also, just incase you didn't know, you can't draft - I'm sure you would encounter some unfriendly comments if you get too close.

For passing on the bike, the rule is that when you are passing, you have 15 seconds to make the pass, or you have to drop back (I wouldn't count the seconds but if it seems like you are lingering you need to make a move one way of the other). And when someone is passing you, you are supposed to drop back so that they can make the pass.

During the run, try not to push people.

Have fun!!

Edited by cam224 2009-07-17 12:48 AM

Also remember to stay to the right when biking. I was in a race last weekend and I was about to pass someone and I said "passing on your right". She yelled at me that I was suppose to pass on the left only ( and shes right but..). She was riding in the middle of the road closer to the center line then the right side. So for me to pass her on the left I would have been crossing the center line which is also a big NO-NO because of oncoming traffic. I told her where she was on the road and backed off, she moved over and I passed her on the left.

I had a similar incident a few weeks ago.  Only this person was right on the yellow line.  They gave me an angry look when I passed them on the right.

To the OP, go to USAT's website and read through the rules.  I did that before my first tri.  It is worthwhile reading through them.

And remember, enjoy the day during your first tri.  Actually, that applies to every tri!

x2.  Read the event-specific info too -- sometimes there are rules or guidelines that are specific to the event.  Do that, and be friendly, and race hard, and you should have a great time.  Good luck!

And if you do get in the situation above (somebody riding left as you are approaching to pass) call out "please move right" or some such as you approach, then pass on the left.  9/10 times, you should be able to see these situations coming before it comes to riding up their a$$ or passing on the right.  In my (admittedly brief) experience, people will move right if you call out in advance, especially if you do it politely.  (Yeah, they're breaking the rules, but you catch more flies with honey... and my goal in this situation is to get by legally as quickly as possible, not to play police.)