Received an email this morning from a fellow ATL email list—-someone inquired with Ironman about CDA’s swim start. And here it is, straight from them. Wanted to update you guys. And here’s a link to the announcement too: http://www.ironman.com/triathlon-news/articles/2013/05/swimsmart-initiative.aspx#axzz2Snz60QBz.
It’s not a time trial start per se… but more of a controlled, restricted start.
“The 2013 IRONMAN Coeur d’Alene will feature a rolling start. Athletes will enter the water in a continuous stream through a controlled access point, similar to how running road races are started. An athlete’s times will start when they cross timing mats under the swim arch.
Athletes will be directed to self-seed on race morning based on their projected swim time. Volunteers and staff will be in the staging area with signs and will assist with this process. Self-seeding will not be mandatory but will be encouraged. All athletes will have access to a dedicated warm-up area in the water located adjacent to the swim start.
Age-group athletes will begin entering the water at 6:35 a.m. for IRONMAN Coeur d’Alene and will have the 2 hours and 20 minutes from the time the last athlete enters the water to complete the swim. An athlete’s time does not begin until he or she crosses the timing mat located below the swim arch. All athletes are expected to start by 7:00 a.m., thus keeping all other timelines and cutoffs the same. This will ensure that all participants have at least the full 17 hours (subject to intermediate cutoffs) to complete the event.”
Sounds smooth and not so much like a stampede, which I’d think would be advantageous. But what is self seeding?
So if you can get in the water before 0700, you could have an extra 20-30 minutes to use on the bike and run… That sounds good!
Do they mean start by getting your hiney down to the water by 0700 or start meaning crossing the timing pads? Carrie – self seeding just means staying in groups based on projected times (kind of like when I found all the slowpokes in my first tri and stayed with them!)
I am fairly sure Louisville does this. I would want to get in as early as possible to have extra TIME….but it gives you a few moments to breathe if you aren’t about that.
you lucky dog!! I’ve done Ironman Wisconsin 2 times and doing it again this year. they have all 3,000 in the water bobbing up and down waiting for that cannon to go off. it’s the craziest thing in your life. so if don’t have to worry so much about being swam over, kicked near as bad… big advantage! jealous:)
The swim- you will do FABULOUS!
Is there a visual swim rope under the water as a straight guide?