lough cutra castle triathlon competitor guide 2015...the castle triathlon series is now the biggest...
TRANSCRIPT
COMPETITORGuIdE 2015
LOuGH CuTRA CASTLE TRIATHLON
Regional Partners:
National Sponsors:
e: [email protected]: loughcutratri.ie
The Castle Triathlon Series is now the biggest series in the country and it just keeps getting better. It stands out from other races because of its festival feel. At other events you turn up, race and leave, here you want to stay and just soak it all in.David BishopLoughborough Development Squad
Contents03.Welcome
04.Pre-event preparation
06.Registration
07.Relay teams
09.On the day
10.Race information
11.The swim course
13.The cycle course
15.The run course
17.Junior Triathlon
19.After your race
21.Frequentlyasked questions
23.Race day admin notes
25.More information
27.Thanks
Lough Cutra Castle, Galway (Ireland)Sunday 24th May 2015
Cholmondeley Castle, Cheshire (UK)Sunday 28th June 2015
Event dates in 2015:The Bastion, Kent (UK)Sunday 12th July 2015: Full Iron Distance at Hever Castle
Castle Howard, York (UK)Saturday 25th/Sunday 26th July 2015
Chateau de Chantilly, Chantilly (France)Saturday 29th/Sunday 30th August 2015
Hever Castle, Kent (UK)Saturday 26th/Sunday 27th September 2015
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Dear Competitors,
Congratulations on entering the Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon festival, we look forward to seeing you soon. In it’s fourth year, it’s incredible to see the size of the event tripling to 1,500 competitors including 300 children and 300 Gauntlet competitors. We are grateful for the recognition from Triathlon Ireland crediting us with a National Series Race for the Olympic distance.
Best wishes,
This is the seventh year of the Castle Triathlon Series, now involving six stunning weekend triathlon festivals, which keep getting bigger and better!
2014 was a great year with over 10,000 competitors taking part; aged 7-70 years old and first timers to top GB elites including Lucy Gossage and David McNamee. We saw the World’s largest children’s triathlon take place at Hever Castle Triathlon, our first half iron distance (The Gauntlet) successfully launched and Channel 4 broadcasting a programme on us. This year entries are flooding in and we expect 15,000 of you to compete – we are really pleased that you will be joining us.
This year highlights include our first full iron distance (The Bastion) at Hever Castle, The Gauntlet being hosted at all our castles and the launch of Tri-Knights, the first curriculum linked primary school resource. Not only are the courses looking stunning, the festival offering has expanded to make the event an exhilarating experience for you and your friends and family cheering you on.
This Competitor Guide aims to give you a step-by-step overview of what is involved in taking part in a triathlon, and in particular one of our events, with some key tips to help you enjoy the experience and have a speedy transition.
We hope to help you visualise the run up to your race by helping you prepare and eliminate any stress or worry. On top of this pre information we have a team of staff and volunteers who are only too happy to provide plenty of help before, during and after race day.
A detailed briefing will be provided on the day by myself but we appreciate the adrenalin will be running and as much information beforehand is helpful!
Best of luck with your training and races and look forward to seeing you this Summer.
Brian AdcockRace DirectorCastle Triathlon Series
Welcome
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Pre-event preparation
You have now signed up for your race with no turning back!
SO what will you hear from us?• Full race details uploaded on the specific Castle Race Admin page of our website.• Individual wave times will be sent out
via email two weeks prior to the race.• Water temp/wetsuit info via text
message (sent shortly before your race).
Equipment• Ensure that you either have a wetsuit
or have a rental/purchase of one lined up – please see our hiring page here.
• Adults, road/hybrid bike is recommended (however mountain or cyclo-cross bikes can be used).
• 8-15 year old races, we strongly recommend mountain or cyclo-cross bike.
Race day information The latest race admin is uploaded 2
weeks before the event, visit this page for up to date info about your race.
Accommodation and travel• Camping is available at all of the
venues (this can be booked online when you login to your account) excluding Chateau de Chantilly.
• We have a comprehensive list of alternative accommodation please see here.
• There are specific directions on how to get to the Castle on our website.
• Currency deals – for those of you travelling abroad, we have partnered with City Forex to offer you the best foreign exchange rateWs. Click here for more information and to place orders in advance of your tri break.
Fundraising• If you choose to raise money for a
charity or good cause you may wish to set up a Just Giving page.
• If you would like to fundraise and looking for a charity to support, we support a number of local and national charities.
Training We would always recommend
training in preparation for any event, but how much you do, and the style you take is down to you.
You might find it helpful to sign up for a triathlon training package with our partner thetrilife.com who provide you with a bespoke plan and emails answering any of your questions.
The key thing is to be comfortable cycling on an open road and if possible we would recommend a practice swim in the open water with your wetsuit on before the event. Please look at our website for details of training days at our castle venues.
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Registration
Our staff at registration will provide you with your race number and will body mark you. Please have your right hand ready.
You will then receive a race pack (on the day) that contains;
• An individual race number that is worn during the cycle and the run (safety pins are provided if you don’t have a race belt).
• Three numbered labels – one for the front of your helmet, one for the back of your helmet and one for your bike frame.
• A coloured swim hat (the colour relates to the wave that you are in).
• A timing chip device to be worn around your left ankle - this must be worn throughout all 3 disciplines and will need to be handed in at the finish line.
• Children will get a wristband to be worn during their race to help marshals direct them accordingly on the cycle and run.
We usually advise competitors to wear wetsuits – however they are only compulsory if the water is less than 15°C
Please ensure that you arrive at registration at least an hour before the start of your race.
No family or friends are allowed in the transition area.
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Relay teams
How does the relay work?For each distance there is the option to enter as a relay team. Either in a group of 2 (1 of the team will do two disciplines), or a group of 3 (where you do a discipline each).
These teams can be all male, all female or a mixed team. There are no specification on ages (or course children/junior relay participants must be of an age that falls in line with their race category) or abilities within the teams.
RegistrationAt registration, ideally the whole relay team arrives together for body marking and receiving the race pack. If this is not possible, one team member can pick up the race pack for the other (the relay team will be registered under the person who made the booking).
However the other relay members will still need to go via registration once they arrive.
Chip timingThe chip (attached to a strap) given out at registration, to be worn on the left ankle, acts as a relay baton and must be passed between team members in transition, for the next part of the race.
Race number Within your race pack, you will be given two separate
numbers – 1 for the cyclist and 1 for the runner. Please pin this on to the clothing you will wear for this part of the race.
• Cyclists put the race number on back.• Runners put the race number on front.
Relay teams can enter both the adults or children’s races but unfortunately not mixed together.
Great fittingquality wetsuits
and sun protection.
Swim...bike...run...Surf...paddle...sail.
Castle-saltskin-2015-A5-adtopress2_Layout 1 22/01/2015 10:05 Page 1
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On the day
• On the day at registration you will need to arrive approximately 1 hour before your wave time.
• You will be given a number that will be body-marked on you (usually hand and arm) and then given a race pack (please see page six for what is in
the race pack).
• Numbered labels must be placed on your bike and helmet before you enter the transition area.
• In transition your helmet and bike brakes will be checked and then you will be shown to your designated transition “spot”.
• Please ensure that you name your wetsuit and keep all your marked belongings together – as all the wetsuits look the same it’s very easy to pick up the wrong one! You are welcome to bring a box/container to keep all your things in for the duration of the race.
• Once you have racked your bike, you need to make your way to the
Swim start. Ensure you leave time for the brief – 15 minutes before your wave time for the briefing by the Race Director. All members of the relay team need to attend the brief
In the week before the race itself you will receive (by email) your wave time and race day admin information for your specific race.
(Please note we do not send anything out by post).
Race day check-list KNOW YOuR WAvE NuMBER/TIME
DIRECTIONS TO THE CASTLE
WETSuIT AND GOGGLES
BIKE HELMET, PuMP AND REPAIR KIT
CLOTHING FOR RuN/BIKE
RACE BELT
NuTRITION AND LIQuIDS
TOWEL
TRAINERS
WARM CLOTHING FOR AFTER RACE
PLASTIC BOX OR BAG (FOR KIT IN TRANSITION)
CASH
Always have your cycling helmet on before you ride out on your bike
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Race information
Transition After you have been
through registration, head for transition to rack your bike. The team will guide you to your transition spot (depending on the number of competitors, this can be done by waves or by time of arrival).
Please ensure that your numbered labels (in your race pack) are put on your bike and cycle helmet before entering the transition area.
The transition team will check your bike helmet, and your bike brakes before you will be allowed to rack up.
Please note: You will not be able to leave transition with your equipment at any point unless the number on yourself and your bike matches.
Chip timing You will receive a chip-
timing device, which will be the same as your race number for the duration of the race. This must be put on before you start your swim. A marshal at the finishing line will take it off you when you finish.
Please note that it is your responsibility to wear your timing device and we cannot be held responsible for any losses. If for any reason it is lost, or comes off your ankle during your race - please let the timing company know. In this case, we cannot ensure that your times can be accessed but we will endeavor to try.
Race bag or box It’s a good idea to arrive with an adequate sized container
to keep all your belongings dry and together in transition.
Bike helmets are compulsory
Swimming checklist• Wetsuit• Goggles• Towel• The Castle Tri team will provide
you with a swimming hat on the day
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The swim courseofficial swim partner
Either a short sleeved or long sleeved wetsuit is fine for both Adults and Juniors
We recommend you try swimming in a wetsuit before your race if you can
For the dedicated triathlete Speedo offer a stunning range.
If you are dipping your toe in the triathlon water, you may prefer to hire, see here for more details including weekly and season hire.
If your little one fancies a cool new animal print wetsuit, we love this range from Saltskin, check them out here.
All of our events provide a stunning open water swim opportunity in unique Castle lakes. A wetsuit will
be compulsory if the temperature of the lake is less than 15 degrees. A wetsuit will not only keep you warm, but it will help you swim faster as it provides you with extra buoyancy.
Speedo will have swim support team at all of our events this year helping with pre swim equipment needs, or jitters, and a smooth swim exit.
Top Swimming Tips from Speedo
• Choose your environment Swim in safe and controlled environments such
as warm shallow pools which are supervised by lifeguards, or in supervised swims at your local lake or swimming pond. Training with a friend will also help to keep motivated through your swim sessions.
• Make use of training aids using training aids is a great way to mix up your
sessions, as well as to target specific areas of your swim. For example, if you need to work on your arm technique, try using a pull buoy to isolate your legs so you can really concentrate on getting your stroke right.
• Breathing right Before you go swimming, do some deep
breathing – especially if you’ve had a particularly stressful day.
You work better in the water when you’re more relaxed
• The right gear Ensure you are prepared with the right kit for
your race, practice with these items and ensure you are comfortable with everything. It may seem obvious but don’t wait to try out any new kit at the race itself!
On the day
• Confidence is key If you’re not a confident swimmer or this is your
first triathlon it’s a good idea to start at the back of the pack for the swim start. This will allow you to ease into your rhythm and avoid the mayhem of the swim start.
• Putting training into practice If you’ve done all the training and know you can
swim the distance, but something goes wrong on the day, try swimming a bit of breaststroke to help you catch your breath a bit, or increase your bilateral breathing so that you swim three strokes then take a breath, swim one stroke and take a breath and repeat.
See our Speedo Swim Tutorial page here for some great video tips on swimming techniques.
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The cycle course
The adult course goes out on to the open road, which is heavily marshaled. For all the routes, we would recommend either a road bike, or a hybrid. The junior courses are within the Castle estate and would require a mountain bike or a road bike with the thicker grippier tyres.
Cycle checklist• Race belt/safety pins (to attach your race number)• Bike• Cycle helmet
• Cycle repair kit (know how to fix a puncture!)• Cycle shoes (if necessary)• Bottled drink• Bike pump
• Trisuit/clothing• Socks• Sunglasses (if necessary)• Gloves (if necessary)• visor/hat (if necessary)
• Please wear your race number (given to you in registration) on your back for this section of the race. If you have a race belt then this is easy to do, but if you have safety pins then please pin the number to the front.
• All cyclists must wear a cycle helmet
(British/Irish Safety Standard) and will not be able to leave transition without one properly affixed.
• There will be water provided on the bike course, but we recommend you take a drink with you also.
Drafting is NOT allowed at any point and will be enforced by both marshals and the motorcycle referees out on the cycle course.
For latest course maps go to your chosen venue on our website.
On your way out to the cycle, please make sure you secure your helmet before you take your bike off the rack. Similarly when you return, please rack your bike before you take your helmet off-
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The run course
Both the adult and junior run courses are within the Castle estate so are a mixture of terrain. Although running shoes are adequate, adults may want to wear trail shoes as much of our run routes are off road. (This can depend on the venue so please also see our website for more information).
Run checklist• Race belt/safety pins• Running shoes• Trisuit/clothing• Socks• Sunglasses (if necessary)• visor/hat (if necessary)
Please wear your race number (given to you in registration) on your front for this section of the race. If you have a race belt then this is easy to do, but if you have safety pins then please pin the number to the front.
For Further inFo mail [email protected]
on site to help you with any last minute bike worries. tyres, tubes, Chains, pumps, Cleats, nutrition and other aCCessories available on the day.
main street, kinvara, Co. Galway. telephone: 091 638 587.
• On Site Pre Race Bike Check Only €5. Pick up on last minute bike adjustment from travel knocks or re-assembly. (Brake & Gear Adjustment, Tyre Pressure, True Wheel, Check & Adjust all)• Bicycle Hire or Assembly Service Available. Early booking necessary
Or call to see us in the nearby picturesque port town of Kinvara and browse through our wide and varied range catering for everything from cycling to running, hiking to camping, kayaking to archery, hurling to rugby, DIY to gardening. An emporium of equipment for browsers and buyers alike!
proudly supportinG louGh Cutra Castle triathlon
Children in the 8-10 years race are allowed one adult in the ‘Transition’ area with them to help them at one stage of the race
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Junior Triathlon
We offer races for 7* – 15 year olds at five amazing castles in a unique setting where all ages and levels can race together in a safe, friendly environment with a festival atmosphere.
* 7 year old’s must be 8 by 31st December 2015
There are plenty of opportunities to cheer on your
friends/family around the course!
Currently there are very few events where kids, teens, and adults are able to participate on the same day and over the same terrain. The weekend and the mid-week events are perfect for children and teens joining their parents or groups of friends (showing their parents up!) and also for schools, sports groups and junior triathlon clubs.
Safety notice All children, as adults, will receive a thorough race briefing
ten minutes before they start their swim/wave time. Parents can accompany the children to this briefing and we would ask that it is kept as quiet as possible to allow everyone to hear and children to ask any questions.
The swim will include boat safety as well as swimmers in the water with big floats accompanying each wave. If at any time the children wish to rest they will be able to with no impact on their end race result.
Both the bike and run course are on the castle grounds and will not be on open roads with traffic.
At all our events, the junior races are in the afternoon so registration is normally open from 1pm on race day (timing can change on the day).
So that we don’t have too much congestion at registration, we ask for only one adult per child to go through registration with them and to go one hour before their designated wave time.
Please visit our junior tri page.
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After your race
Photography Don’t forget to visit the Photography
Tent. Our official photographers are sure to capture some great shots of you throughout the course. Re-live the moment by visiting our Flickr page which has a huge variety of both professional and competitor photo’s of the days events. Make sure you Race number is visible - thats how our photographers gather all your shots in action.
Merchandise Buy your race momento with our
official Castle Triathlon Series Merchandise – visit the store onsite!
R&R It’s now time to enjoy a well-earned
rest; entertainment in the event village; a hearty meal and why not have a sports massage from our physio partner Six Physio?
Timings It will be possible to get your split
timings from the Results Tent, usually located by Event Control.
We will also upload all timing the night of the race and email you a link to the official timing results the day after your race.
Complete the circle To personalise your medal, you can
order an insert with your name and timings of the day. Login to order.
Podium position At each event we have a Prize
Giving Ceremony where you could be the lucky one to have your moment on the podium.
Recognition is given to 1st, 2nd & 3rd Adults Open, +40’s, +50’s & +60’s. And of course to each age
group of the children’s category.
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Frequentlyasked questions
01. Can I bring spectators to the
event? Yes, spectators are very welcome to
each castle (please see our website as some castles have a spectator fee).
02. Are there toilets available for competitors?
Yes, there are plenty of toilets available at each castle for spectators and competitors; these are normally situated by registration.
03. Can I compete in the same wave
as friends/family? Yes, there is an option to create a
‘unique code’ that can be put in during the registration process. If you have already registered and haven’t done this, just contact the office with those of you who would like to be together and we can add it on for you.
04. If I am injured can I just complete
one or two of the disciplines rather than the whole race?
Yes you are very welcome to do the disciplines you are comfortable with
(e.g just the cycle and run). Obviously this will make you ineligible for prizes but you are welcome to complete your race like this.
05. Can I change distance once I
have booked? Yes, if you make your booking
and then decide to change your race distance, you can contact the office to arrange this ([email protected]). Please note: if you drop down to a shorter distance, we cannot refund the difference, and if you upgrade to a longer distance the difference will need to be paid.
06. Can I hire a bike or wetsuit? Yes we do offer bike and wetsuit hire,
please see our Equipment page here.
07. Can I bring dogs into the Castle
grounds? Yes as long as they are well behaved
and on a lead (don’t forget your poop bag)!
08. I can no longer compete; can I get a refund for my race? This depends on when you
booked your race. See our T&C’s. Please email the office on [email protected] with your booking reference.
09. If I bring spectators will there be
much for them to do while I’m racing?
We pride ourselves on offering plenty of activities for spectators along with access to the Castle grounds. The event village offers a festival atmosphere with plenty of places to watch those racing.
10. How do I find out about the water
temperature for race day? The water temperature will be taken
48hrs and 24hrs prior to the race. In the registration process we ask for your mobile phone number so we can text all participants this information via our Bulk SMS text. This is a free service.
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Please read these instructions very carefully!Directions to CastleFrom Dublin:Follow the N6 for Galway. At Loughrea avoid the bypass signposted for Gort, but head straight on into the town. At the end of the town turn left at the Westbridge onto the N66 signposted for Gort. Entering Gort turn left at the T Junction onto the N18. After c. 3 miles you will pick up the car parking signage for the event. From Shannon:Head east on N19 Rd for 500 m. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit and stay on N19 Rd, go through 3 roundabouts (5.1 km). At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto the M18 ramp to Gaillimh/Galway/Inis/Ennis. After 41.2 km take the exit toward N18. After 400m turn right onto N18. At the next roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Crowe St/N66. Continue to follow N66. Continue onto Georges St. Continue onto Ennis Rd for 2 miles where you will pick up the car parking signage for the event. Car parkingThe Car Park opens at 6.45am on the morning of the race. Do NOT go to the Main Gates at the front of the estate but instead follow correx signage clearly marked “Triathlon Car Park”. Marshals will direct you at the entrance to the triathlon car park on the estate. Please take extra care on the private road on the estate as it is narrow and there will be other drivers and pedestrians in close proximity.
Arrival TimesWe recommend that you arrive at Registration 1 hour before your swim start time. There is a 10 minute walk from the Car Park to the Registration Area at least. Please allow sufficient time for your journey, as there is no flexibility on start times due to Garda and Highway restrictions on the cycle routes. Race Licences (VERY IMPORTANT)As we are a Triathlon Ireland sanctioned event, it is a requirement that ALL (Adults and children) competitors show, either a current Membership Card, or printout of a prepaid TI One Day Licence. Members of a Triathlon Governing Body (Triathlon Ireland, BTF etc) will need to present their licence at Registration. If you are not a member, you will need to purchase a One Day licence at least four days prior to the event You can do this via the Triathlon Ireland website. The printout must be presented at Registration.
**The Olympic (Standard) Distance is a Triathlon Ireland National Series Race. On the day prizes will be awarded in five year age groups, from 20 years onwards.** If you do not present a valid race licence we cannot let you take part in the race. Transition and Bike RackingThere is no overnight bike racking facility. Transition will open at 7.00am on the morning of the triathlon and will be kept secure until the completion of the race at around 1.00pm. All adult competitors are to remove their bikes and equipment
by 1.00pm (not applicable to Gauntlet competitors). Only competitors in possession of their race number and with their bikes bearing that same number will be able to enter or leave the transition area. Children will be able to rack their bikes from 2.00pm and transition will be kept secure until 5.00pm. Routes Swim:The swim route is an out and back circuit that will be marked by 100m swimming buoys (50m swimming buoys for the children’s races). The lead swimmers will be led around the course by a canoeist. Swim Safety will provide powered boats and canoeists (and safety swimmers for the children’s races only). If at any point you find yourself in difficulty please stop in the water and put your hand up and you will be immediately rescued! Bike:Transition to the bike from the swim is via a 100m stretch along a grassy bank in front of the castle. Once you have transferred onto your bike, you will leave the Transition Area via the Bike Out Gate at the northern end of the fenced area. You will not be allowed to mount your bike until you have passed the Mount Point sign on the main entry/exit road to Lough Cutra Castle. The Mount Point will be strictly marshaled. Once out on the public road the course will be marked by a combination of race signage, race marshals wearing high visibility jackets and police/ garda. The cycle routes are posted on the race website – click here. There will be KM markers all the way around the course.
Race dayadmin notes
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Continued...Cyclists doing the Olympic ‘Lough Cutra’ and Sprint Plus ‘Prendergast’ distances, complete two circuits of the cycle route and are not required to re-enter the grounds of the Castle after their first loop. On return to transition cyclists will be required to dismount their bikes at the Dismount Point and then run downhill to the Transition Area through the Bike In Gate.
NO part of the course will be subject to any closure notices and the adult cycle course is on the public highway. Cyclists must therefore comply throughout with The Road Traffic Act and Highway code. Race marshals will not have any authority to stop or direct traffic at any time. Cyclists should listen to and obey all marshal commands and look out for race warning signage on their way around the course. Run:On returning to the Transition Area cyclists will need to re-rack their bikes at their allotted racking space and then head off through the Run Out Gate onto the run course around the Lough Cutra Estate. The course will again be marked by a combination of race signage and marshals. There will be KM markers throughout the course. Those runners doing the Lough Cutra and Prendergast course will run twice around their respective 4k or 5k loop. After the first lap there will be NO requirement to return to the Transition Area. On completion of the respective circuit(s) runners will be directed into an 80m finishing straight. At the run/cycle crossing point runners
are reminded that cyclists have the right of way and may be held in position until it is safe to cross. Water PointsThere will be a water station at the 10K point of the cycle course and also at the 2K point of the run. Competitors are asked to throw their empties into the bins provided further down the route. Water and other refreshments will also be provided at the finish. Entertainment, Facilities and SpectatorsThere will be temporary toilets and changing facilities, which will be situated near Registration. Food concessions will be available for breakfast and lunch. Competitors and spectators will not only enjoy the stunning castle grounds but take in a festival atmosphere including bands playing, children’s entertainment, a piper and tasty food. Please bring cash for these purposes as no card facilitiesare available.
Spectators are free. Walking the estate is at their own risk, however we hope the castle grounds are enjoyed along with the variety of entertainment that we will have on offer. NOTE: The Castle is not open to members of the public and all estate building are private and off limits. The recommended viewing points for the various elements of the race are as follows:
Swim: Anywhere on the Western edge of the lake.
Cycle:Gort Town Centre (all - accessible by car)
Run:Castle Lawns, Castle Roads, The Deer Park, The Finish Line (all within 10-15 minutes walk of Registration)
CampingCamping is available for the night of Friday 22ndm Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th May, and the campsite is to the west of the main estate road approximately 400m from the Castle. Please make your way onto the estate via the Main entrance and follow the camping signage. The campsite will be open at 17.00pm on Friday 22nd May. Please note that on race day, there will be no movement of vehicles before 17.00pm. There will be toilets and showers available for all campers in the courtyard area onsite. There is no electrical hookup.
Please book your camping online before arrival at the event, as we need to issue you with a unique access code to the estate. All information regards the campsite and list of booked pitches and contact details can be found on the Race Admin page, two weeks prior to the event. All campers are subject to the Lough Cutra Campsite rules.
Race dayadmin notes
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More information
Best of luck and look forward to seeing you at Lough Cutra Castle Tri!
We hope that this competitor guide has answered any questions that you may have had, but please don’t hesitate to contact the office if you have any
further questions.
castletriathlonseries.co.uk +44 (0)1892 870 681 [email protected]
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