FAQ

What is True North Tri Fest?

True North Tri Fest is a dedicated to triathlon and multisport weekend from July 17th – 18th in Sylvan Lake, Alberta. There is open water swim events and a variety of triathlon event distances.  

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Please NOTE: due to the fact this if a FIRST YEAR EVENT and COVID RESTRICTIONS, this year we are only offering events for ages 18+ regardless of ability or athletic talent. Our plan once restrictions ease next year, is to offer events for those under 18 years of age. Please understand that if COVID RESTRICTIONS were not an issue things would look different.

Please contact the Alberta Triathlon Association at coordinator@triathlonalberta.ca

for more information on an event that right for you.

 

What are the races True North Tri Fest?

Saturday, July 17th

2km and 4km open water swim races

 

Sunday, July 18th

Sprint Distance Triathlon, Olympic Distance Triathlon, 70.3 Distance Triathlon and Aquabike

 

What do I get with my entry?

• a swag bag with various items

• a safe secured race course

• a triathlon experience never achieved before in Alberta

• race number and stickers

• finisher garment

• finisher medal

• post-race food

• a weekend full of friends and the amazing sport of triathlon

 

I’m a pro and want to participate. Is there a pro race?

Email richelle@tri-it.ca
 

Where in Sylvan Lake will I find the festival?

Different events will take place throughout Sylvan Lake. The central locations for the events will be the Athlete Village/ Expo Area in Sylvan Park, and race start and transition in Rotary Lighthouse Park.

The Chateau Inn Sylvan lake (Best Western Plus) is the host hotel for the event and is located in between both parks; about a minute walk to each!

 

When will the roads be closed? What roads will be closed?

Road closure and traffic interruption information coming soon. Please check back.

 

For the various functions, will wristbands grant athletes access?

Wristbands will be required for access to transition, race course and designated services.

Athletes are required to wear the proper a wrist band (color coded) each day they race.

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Will there be an Expo in the Athlete Village?

Yes, there will be an Expo located in the Athlete Village open from 10am to 4pm, Saturday July 17th.

 

Where can I do my swim training?

There are many great beach/open water access points in Sylvan Lake. Athletes are advised that these beaches do not have lifeguards on duty. Athletes swim at their own risks outside of race times.

 

What are the bike shops in the area?

Mud, Sweat and Gears is in Red Deer (about a 25 minute Drive)

 

Mud, Sweat and Gears

7121-E 50 Ave

Red Deer, AB

T4N 4E4

(403) 340-2463

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Are there age group awards?

Yes. Overall age group awards will be given for each event.

Age groups are as follows:

18-24

25-29

30-34

35-39

40-44

45-49

50-54

55-59

60-64

65+

 

Where will official results be posted?

Official results will be posted on our website and at Startline Timing after results are verified for each event. 

 

Do I need race day insurance?

Race Day insurance was the $10 fee all athletes paid at the point of online registration. Race Day insurance is race course/Field of Play ONLY. Anything that happens off the course is not covered. Please ensure you also have travel/medical insurance.

 

I can’t race, can I get a refund?

There will be no refunds for any race. You can defer your entry until 2022 as long as you do so by May 31st 2021. You can change your registration to a shorter distance prior to July 1st.

 

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PRE-RACE

Where and when is Package Pick-up for each race?

Package pick-up will take place in the Sylvan Lake Chateau Inn (Best Western Plus), Friday – Saturday from 12-4.

 

What will you receive in your race package at Package Pick-up?

Race number

Adhesive kit

Wrist Band

Swim Cap

Race Tattoos

 

Will timing chips be included in race packages?

Timing chip allocation will be determined closer to race day. We aim to give these out as close to racing as possible to mitigate athletes losing them.  

 

Can someone else pick up my race package for me?

No, only registered athletes are allowed to pick up packages at the designated time. You must bring your photo ID.

 

 

COURSE

Where can I see the course?

Tentative Course Maps can be found on the MAPS page.

 

Do you have Aid Stations?

Yes, but the number of aid stations and what food and beverages are available at each aid station is unique to each race.

 

What sort of nutrition and beverages will be available at aid stations?

TBD

 

Will beverages be in cups or bottles?

Cups will be used at all aid stations on the run and bottles on the bike.

 

Where can athletes dispose of trash?

Athletes are ONLY allowed to dispose of cups, wrappers, etc., at the aid stations according to the rules.

 

 

TRANSITION

Are bike Trainers allowed in transition if removed before the start of the race?

No bike trainers will be allowed in transition.

 

Are bike pumps allowed in transition?

You may use your own pump only if it is removed from transition prior to the race start.

 

Will bike racks be numbered?

Yes, bike racks will be numbered.

 

Are the age groups racked together in transition?

Yes, all age group athletes will be racked together in transition.

 

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START/SWIM

What time does transition open for each respective race morning?

60 minutes before the first wave start.

 

Does transition close prior to the first wave start?

No but please be respectful of other athletes.

 

Can I remove my bike from transition on race morning? Can I do a bike warm-up before my event?

No. Bikes will not be allowed out of transition until the bike leg of the race begins.

 

Will there be a bag drop for morning clothes/gear?

No but you may leave a small bag at your transition area.  Transition is closed to the public. Athletes participating in the swim on Saturday will be able to leave items in the designated athlete area.

 

What will the position of the sun be during the swim? (to gauge sun glare and type of goggles to use)

If you begin your race in the morning the sun will be on your right side as you head north, directly in front of you as you swim east and to your left as you swim south back to shore. Tinted goggles are recommended.

 

What material are the swim caps?

The swim caps will be latex. Athletes are invited to wear their own silicone caps underneath official latex race swim caps.

 

Will there be extra swim caps at the start if one tears?

Yes, there will be extra swim caps in case of emergency.

 

Is the start a beach start or a deep water start?

All swim starts will be beach starts.

 

How wide is the start area?

The start area is small, so please seed yourself accordingly.

 

Will the start be signalled by an air horn or start gun?

The race start will be signalled by horn.

 

What colour will the turn buoys be?

The turn buoys will be yellow.

 

What side should the buoys be on relative to the athletes?

The buoys should always be on the athlete’s right side.

 

What type of water is to be expected (choppy, calm, fast current, etc.)?

The water conditions really depend on the weather. Athletes should be prepared to swim in a variety of conditions. On a perfectly calm day the lake is flat and still, however it is not uncommon for the wind to pick up and cause for choppy water.

 

What is the swim exit like?

The swim exit will consist of a gradual slope covered by mats. Fencing will be in place to create a chute leading to transition.

 

How far is the swim exit from the transition area?

The swim exit is located directly in front the transition area.

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BIKE

Do BIB numbers need to be worn during the bike?

Yes, bib numbers need to be worn on the bike.

 

Will there be bike mount and bike dismount lines?

Yes, athletes will be required to walk/run their bike to the bike mount/dismount line.

 

How many lanes of road will be open to cyclists for each race?

The number of lanes open to cyclists varies per race, but there will be at least one vehicle lane available to cyclists at all times in all races.

 

For athletes who crash or flat and are unable to finish the race, will there be crews to pick-up their bikes?

Yes, there will be SAG (support and gear) vehicles.

 

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RUN

What are the road surfaces for the run courses?

The road surface is pavement.

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Do BIB numbers need to be worn during the run?

Yes, bib numbers need to be worn on the run.

 

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POST-RACE

Is there a bike check-out time after the event?

All bike must be checked out of transition daily no later than 15 minutes after the last finisher.

 

Where is the lost and found?

The lost and found will be located at the Info Booth in the Athlete’s Village/Finish area. After race day contact tritstaff@gmail.com for lost and found. All unclaimed lost items will be donated after 30 days.

 

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RULES

What are the age groups?

Age groups will be divided in 5-year increments.

18-24

25-29

30-34

35-39

40-44

45-49

50-54

55-59

60-64

65-69

70+

 

What age group will I race in?

Age Group athletes will race in their Age Group division corresponding to the athlete's age on December 31st, 2021

 

Can I wear my wetsuit?

Yes, wetsuits will be mandatory if the water temperature is below 15 degrees, and forbidden if the water temperature is above 22 degrees. For any water temperature between 15-22 degrees, wetsuits will be allowed on race day, but not mandatory.

 

What type of bike can I use?

The bicycle must be human powered with two wheels of equal diameter. The front wheel shall be steerable; the rear wheel shall be driven through a system comprising of pedals and a chain. Any typical road bike, triathlon bike, or mountain bike shall be acceptable however, if you are unsure, please see your local bike shop prior to race day.  

 

Do athletes need to finish the event with their BIB number worn on the front of their body?

Yes. We must be able to identify all athletes on course.

 

Are there Relays?

There are no relays for the Sylvan Lake Tri Fest.

 

 

SPECTATORS

Where can I park my car?

Parking will be available at the various parking lots to access the beaches along Lakeshore Drive. Please be familiar with the race routes as some roads will be closed on race day. Do NOT park on the course or you will be towed. We highly encourage athletes to walk or be dropped off near transition on race mornings.  Otherwise expect to park and walk.

 

Where can my friends and family watch me?

The Athlete village, and Sylvan Park are central and ideal viewing areas for all of the race events. Lakeshore Drive is also an ideal spot as the athletes will run along the beautiful pathways paralleling Lakeshore Drive.

 

Can my friends go out on the course to cheer me on?

No, the racecourse is closed to spectator traffic. But there are many roads that can take you to junctions to cheer on your athlete. Many of the best spectator locations are right in the downtown area along Lakeshore Drive.

 

Can my friends and family finish with me?

Due to the size of the event we cannot permit this at this time.

 

Can I go into the medical tent to find my athlete?

The Medical Tent is highly congested and spectators will not be allowed in. The athlete’s Emergency Contact will be notified.

 

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TRAVEL, TRANSPORTATION AND ACCOMMODATION

Do I need a VISA to travel to Canada?

Some countries require a visitor visa to travel to Canada. Alternatively you may be expected to have an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid Canadian visa.  Find out what you need at http://onlineservices-servicesenligne.cic.gc.ca/eapp/eapp.do or apply online at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/e-services/mycic.asp. Be sure to apply with lots of time for processing. Visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/index.asp to check application processing times.

 

To request a letter of invitation please contact richelle@tri-it.ca

 

How do I get to Sylvan Lake?

Sylvan Lake, Alberta, Canada is found in central Alberta.

 

 Flying:

-fly into Calgary International Airport and rent a vehicle to drive the 90 minutes to Sylvan Lake

-fly into Edmonton International Airport and rent a vehicle to drive the 105 minutes to Sylvan Lake

(SEE SYLAN LAKE)

 

What time zone is Sylvan Lake?

Mountain Standard Time (MST).

 

Where can I stay?

The Chateau Inn (Best Western Plus) Sylvan Lake will be the official race hotel.  

 

For more accommodation options please visit one of the following websites:

https://www.booking.com

https://www.airbnb.ca

https://www.vrbo.com

http://www.sylvanlake.ca   

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