BANFF INTERNATIONAL TRIATHLON September 10, 2011 -- course, events and distancesThe second annual Banff International Triathlon takes place in Banff, Alberta on Saturday September 10, 2011. The Banff International Triathlon is part of the Subaru Western Triathlon Series. When it takes place on Saturday, September 10 the second annual Banff International Triathlon will host athletes from across North America. There is also a lot of excitement in the Calgary area about this upcoming triathlon as it's a great opportunity for local triathletes to end the 20 triathlon season by taking part in a spectacular triathlon that is only 90 minutes from Calgary I was at the inaugural event in 2010 and despite the fact it was a cold and rainy day, most competitors had nothing but praise for the course and the volunteers who helped make the very first Banff International Triathlon a success.
Even now, eight months later I often encounter people in the course of book-signings who have great things to say about last year's race. For many, it was there very first triathlon. This upcoming race has been widely anticipated by many other world triathletes as well as it has been named my Triathlete Magazine as one of the top ten most anticipated triathlons in the world for 2011. That's really saying something considering the rapid growth of the sport of triathlon and how many new races are springing up all over the world every year. The Banff International Triathlon is sure to be an event that will sell out quickly every single year. Considering the success of the inaugural event despite the cold, rainy weather it's quite certain the 2011 event will sell out early. Banff is the ultimate destination race and a great opportunity for triathletes around the world to take part in the event and then visit one of the most visually stunning tourist destinations in the world. THE DISTANCES Olympic Swim 1.5km, Bike 38km, Run 10km Sprint Swim 500m, Bike 25km, Run 5km RelayRelay teams are available in both Olympic and Sprint distances. This race is for pros and age-groupers of all levels of ability and every one lucky enough to have an entry spot will get to compete in what is sure to become on of the most spectacular triathlons in the world. THE SWIM IN TWO-JACK LAKE The swim will take place in the clear, pristine waters of Two Jack Lake. It may be a cooler swim than most people will be used to, but the swim is short as compared to a half or full Ironman and will be over quickly. Of course wetsuits will be allowed and may even be mandatory if the water temperature is too low.
The Olympic distance swim will be one loop of a rectangular course with three right-hand turns(clock-wise course)and a final short left hand turn into the transition area. The Sprint distance will be basically a shorter version of the same swim route format. THE BIKE Once triathletes are out of the water they will do one of the most breathtakingly beautiful bike loops in the sport of triathlon as they circle the Lake Minnewanka Loop. To finish off their triathlon, the triathletes will run right through the Town of Banff and actually finish the race on the world famous Banff Avenue. Keep in mind that the bike course is open to vehicular traffic and often people will be looking at the stunning scenery and may not have their full attention on the road As a race contestant you are ultimately responsible for your own safety while out on the course so be cautious and be aware of your surroundings at all times. There will be volunteers at all major intersections. SPRINT TRIATHLON BIKE Exit transition turning left onto the paved Lake Minnewanka Road. The Minnewanka Loop is very scenic with some rolling hills and a few twists and turns. Do 1.5 loops, turn left and then enjoy the flats into the Town of Banff. Just before the bridge crossing the Bow River, turn right off Banff Avenue to finish at T2. OLYMPIC TRIATHLON BIKE You will exit the transition area to the left onto the paved Lake Minnewanka Road. The scenic Minnewanka loop course includes some rolling hills and a few twists and turns. After 2.5 loops you will turn left, and then enjoy the flats into the Town of Banff. Just before the bridge crossing the Bow River, turn right off Banff Avenue to finish at T2. REMEMBER THAT DRAFTING RULES WILL BE IN EFFECT FOR BOTH RACES. YES, THERE MIGHT BE SHEEP ON ROAD However, there will be signs posted to indicate a section of the bike course where there is a good chance that you will encounter Rocky Mountain Sheep on the road. Welcome to the Rocky Mountains and the Banff International Triathlon and this is one of the elements reminding us that we are in a protected natural environment. Rocky Mountain sheep are not dangerous. Just give them some room (about 30m) while riding safely and they will most likely just ignore you. EVERYBODY'S FAVORITE-TEXAS GATES There are two Texas Gate crossings along the bike course that will be about 500 meters on each side of the Transcanada Highway overpass. However, you do not have to ride over the gates if you do not want to. There will be a 2-foot wide wooden plank that will cover the far RIGHT side of the Texas Gates for you to ride over. CAUTION: FOR YOUR SAFETY, DO NOT WALK OVER THE TEXAS GATES! Also, there will be volunteers at the Texas Gates should you require assistance. THE RUN The run course will be well monitored by volunteers and will provide a fitting end to this amazing triathlon. You will be running right down Banff Avenue and the run will end along Banff Avenue and the Central Park Area.
THIS IS THE RACE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Friday September 9, 2011 2:00-7:30PM - T2 (Central Park) * Site/Expo Open* Race Package pickup 2:00-8:00PM - T1 (Two Jack Lake)* Bike Drop: all bikes must be dropped off and secured overnight at T1 on Friday only between 2 and 8PM - NO EXCEPTIONS. *Must be registered prior to dropping bike.* Bike Mechanic on site T2/T1 bike drop bus schedule TBA 2:00PM- T2 (Central Park) * FREE Kids Fun Run 3:00PM- T2 (Central Park) * FREE Triathlon Skills Clinic by LifeSport 4:00PM- T2 (Central Park) * Mandatory Pre-Race Meeting: everyone must attend this important meeting for some last minute details and race information. 5:30PM* Pre-race carbo meal: time, location and ticket information TBA
RACE DAY: Saturday September 10, 2011 7:30AM- T2 (Central Park) * T2 Opens: *You must drop your run gear at your bike rack in T2 before proceeding to T1 (Two Jack Lake)
T2/T1 bus schedule TBA 7:45-9:30AM – T1 (Two Jack Lake) * Body Marking and Timing Chip pickup. *Relay runners will not travel to T1 – body marking for relay runners at T2* Body Marking and Timing Chip pickup* Bike Mechanic onsite 8:00AM – T1 (Two Jack Lake) * Transition Opens 10:00AM * Super Sprint and Olympic Waves Start (details TBA) 10:30AM-2PM * Post-race food, party in the park Awards Schedule TBA 5:00-8:00PM * Post-race party
Banff International Triathon Back To Race Results Page
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IRONSTRUCK BOOK STORE
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I have written three books that all serve a specific purpose when it comes to those new to the sport of triathlon or those who perhaps have the Ironman on their mind.
"Ironstruck...The Ironman Triathlon Journey" is a perfect book for those who have the Ironman on their mind and perhaps need some motivation, inspiration, and encouragement to help them make that final decision to challenge the Ironman and make it to the finish line.
"Ironstruck? 500 Ironman Triathlon Questions and Answers" is most like the only Q+A book in the world on the subject of triathlon in general and the Ironman.
This is the perfect book for the triathlete who has decided to take on the Ironman for the first time, or perhaps has done one or two and would like some insight from a different point of view.
It is a great companion book for "Ironstruck...The Ironman Journey" and the pair of books would make a great gift.
"Triathlete in Transition" is a book that was inspired by all the people who would stop by at my Ironstruck book signings and suggest I write a book for the very beginner triathlete who just wanted to know more about the sport.
I suppose because I had this passion for the Ironman that it seemed natural to write about it first almost six years ago now.
So in effect I have gone from the most difficult and challenging of triathlons and ended up at the beginning of the triathlon journey.
Triathlete in transition is full of information about how to get started in the sport and like my Ironstruck books, are inspirational and motivational as well as full of practical advice on triathlon that make the sport much more enjoyable.
Regardless, now I have three books that cover the full range of triathlon from just learning about triathlon in general, to ultimately reaching the Ironman finish line.