Chicago Triathlon (1)

Triathlon Forum
1

I will be racing in the Chicago Tri this August, any info or tips as what to expect when I am there?

2

. . . any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Recommendations for . . . ???

3

Sorry, I meant to ask for any tips or suggestions for the race.

4

Sorry, I meant to ask for any tips or suggestions for the race.

I assume you’re talking about the Accenture Chicago Triathlon, as I’m not aware of any 101 race in Chi-town.

  1. If you’re doing the Olympic distance, be prepared to be patient. There are a TON of waves and they won’t get started on the Olympic distance until mid-morning.

  2. Be prepared for a LONG run from swim out to transition.

  3. Be prepared for a rough bike ride. The pavement is pretty darn bumpy. The ride itself, however, is flat and fast.

  4. The run is very nice . . . pretty flat and around some of the city’s landmarks.

  5. It’s well-supported and there will be a good crowd.

  6. Stay at the host hotel if you can afford it (last year was the Hilton).

  7. You’ll have to wait a long time to get your bike out of transition. Last year, they had only 2 entrances/exits and let small groups in at a time. The line was REALLY long to get in.

  8. The water is cold (relatively) and tastes like gasoline, so don’t swallow any if you can avoid it.

That’s all I can think of right now.

Have fun!

5
  • As was said earlier there are a LOT of waves and it can take a while.
  • Pay attention to when transition closes. It will close ON TIME and you will NOT be allowed in if you’re late.
  • At the Expo you will find out your wave and start time. Waves DO start ON TIME in triathlons. Even after 2 hours of wave starts they’ll still be within 1-2 seconds of their proper start.

Taking points 1-3 together means you may have a long time between having to leave transition and your wave. I’m talking hours (I went back to my apartment and took an hour nap last year…). If this is the case for you, be prepared – bring food & drink, a blanket to sit on, umbrella to sit under, etc.

Other comments from my own experience:

  • take the amount of time you think it will take to set up your transition and add 20 minutes. You have to wait in line to get INTO transition (thousands of you all going for 2-3 entrances), there a hundreds of rows of bikes/people, and you’ll be very nervous.
  • don’t wear shoes on the swim-to-bike transition run from the water. The path is well-swept; no sharp rocks or anything like that.
  • when you get out of the water, go about 10 yards, pull to the side, and take your wetsuit off. Carry it as you jog to the transition. Not only will it be very had to get off after a quarter mile run, you’ll also overheat big time.
  • no water available on the bike. If possible make sure you have full 2 bottle cages… it’s going to be insanely humid this year so you’re going to sweat a LOT