wrecsamtri.org.uk

With just a couple of days to go before the race and around 820 entrants on the start list, here's a quick update:

Parking: Sadly, the field that we normally use for parking next to the leisure centre is still waterlogged, so we have negotiated parking with the Rugby Club. It's a short walk away but can be accessed by the lake-side path (Update: The rugby club can be found here; you can also see the leisure centre to the left and lake-side path). We will put signs up on the Sunday morning. You'll need to wheel you bike and carry your stuff with you. Try to avoid the mistake of bringing too much stuff - you'll only clutter up (a very busy!) transition.

Changing facilities, showers, etc. are available at the leisure centre and lakeside watersports centre. Registration will be in the leisure centre. There will be various shops, food vans, etc. plus massage available.

The weather has been kind to us; apart from a wet day on Tuesday, we've had plenty of dry weather and the forecast is for more of the same, with a good day on Sunday. That means that the water level in the lake has dropped back to normal.

The recent rain has pushed the lake temperature down a bit - it's been down to around 13½°C but has climbed back a degree or so since then. The Environment Agency, who look after the lake levels, etc., are planning to keep the water level slightly higher than normal so as to allow for a better swim - anyone who raced at the Middle Distance this year will have also benefitted from this; it makes for better access to the exit jetty.

The run course has had a slight amendment to ensure that it is fair for all through transition, avoids the risk of crossing the bike course and is a full 10k. The map is available here.

Results will be available here soon after the end of the race.

Competitors hoping to get an Age Group place for the ETU race in Athlone in 2010 should have received an email containing the following from Mike Griffin, age-group team manager for this event, although I know that some have not, so the content is below:

I have recently taken over from Malcolm Westwood as team manager for the 2010 Athlone ETU European Triathlon Championships. Having managed this year’s race in Holten I will be hoping for even greater team success in Ireland where I am sure a great weekend will be had by all.

I was hoping to get to Bala this weekend for the last qualifier, however work commitments means that is now very unlikely.
It is probably now a good time to outline the process of allocating the 20 slots for the age groups.

You will see from the BTF site that the names of those who qualified from the first two races have been updated with a Q as well as some pre-qualifiers. As soon as I receive ratified results from Bala I will update with the first 4 in each age group. 
There will then be a period of time to allow for those who have asked for a discretionary place to be considered by the age group committee, as well as any medallist from the 2009 Gold Coast ITU World Triathlon Championships to stake a claim.  Once these have been allocated I will then know how many places are left in each age group.

Following this process i will then fill the remaining places by the closest % times across the three UK qualifiers until the 20 slots are full or the 120% cut off is reached.  Once the slots are full you will receive an official email confirming your team place. Please bear with me, I will try to complete this asap but it will take time and it needs to be 100% correct. The process is likely to take 2 weeks after the final qualifying event.

In the event of a withdrawal I will simply pick the next closest athlete from the three qualifiers and offer them a place.
Full details of the qualifying process can be found on the age group pages. If you are in the category for a pre qualifying place you must still register your intent to compete and request a spot. It is not done automatically. Please also bear in mind if you are considering applying for a discretionary place then you must show clear performance evidence for a potential podium finish. I will look to the Holten 2009 results as a bench mark on which to forward requests to the Age Group Committee for a final decision.

Good luck to those racing at Bala and to all of you for the remainder of the season. I look forward to meeting you all in the future

Kind Regards
Mike

I will echo Mike's words in wishing good luck and safe racing to everyone who's competing on the day. Whether you're at the sharp end of the field or somewhere further back, experienced competitor or first timer, this is a superb event for all.  We're looking forward to a great day and hope that you - and your supporters - enjoy the race!