Novice category

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2008-08-26 11:39 AM


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Subject: Novice category

Just wondering if there are rules on who can register as a novice in triathlons?  Is it all the races you do in your first triathlon season?  I have seen novice results for sprint triathlons where guys are biking 21 mph and running 6:30 minute miles.  To me, that isn't exactly novice (but I guess I equate novice with beginner with slower times, which may not always be the case). 

The races in my area have the novices start in the last wave -- is there any reason why that would be a race strategy?  Just curious.  Thanks!

2008-08-26 11:43 AM
in reply to: #1628979

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2008-08-26 11:46 AM
in reply to: #1628990

Cycling Guru
15134
50005000500010025
Fulton, MD
Subject: RE: Novice category

Usually the "First Timer" category means just that ..... it is literally your first tri.

At my race last weekend they started them in the back of the sprint waves as well, but the oly. wave was not long after them, so fast people were crossing paths with slower ones.

If someone was coming from a strong running or cycling background even though it may be their first tri they still can have some serious speed.

2008-08-26 11:57 AM
in reply to: #1628979

Master
2073
20002525
The Redlands, FL
Subject: RE: Novice category

In the Triathlons that I usually race...the Organizers have a Division called Male or Female First Timers (under 39 and 40+)....and....You only can race once in that Division...I mean...in your first time racing...then for the 2nd time you will race in your Age Group....

About your other question....It can vary depend of the Organizers...not always start in the last waves....And if they are the last one...it's because...They usually are slowers or simple to avoid a bad experince for them in the kick and punch combat at the beginning in the swim leg...there are many reasons....that you can figure out...LOL

 

2008-08-26 12:08 PM
in reply to: #1628979

Expert
3324
20001000100100100
central Iowa
Subject: RE: Novice category
I've seen novice swim wave categories that specify people who've competed in less than 3 ows starts.
2008-08-26 12:12 PM
in reply to: #1628979

Member
239
10010025
Apex, NC
Subject: RE: Novice category
I did most of my first season in the novice wave of the NCTS. Probably should have moved to the AG after 2 or 3.

If you start in the novice wave you won't be scored as an Age grouper for the series or for USAT. You also start last, which means by the time you finish many people will be already packed up and leaving the park.

The main benefit of starting novice is that you're a little less likely to get pummeled in the swim. The other benefit is that you spend most of your race passing slower people from previous waves. Makes you feel better about your race even if you're actually mid-pack or something like that. Compare that to my last race, where I started in the first wave and spent most of the race being passed by later waves.

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