Invitation to ITU Winter Triathlon European Championships and Worldcup Races, Wildhaus (Switzerland) Competition

1.    General Information

1.1    Introduction

The Winter Triathlon - Mecca Wildhaus has one attraction more: The international Triathlon Association (ITU) with Headquarter in Vancouver (Canada) has placed the Winter Triathlon European Championships 2004 for the first placed in Switzerland at the valley of Toggenburg.

1.2.   Event Organiser

The ITU Winter Triathlon Races are organised by Wildhaus Tourism, Wildhaus in the order of the International Triathlon Union (ITU)

1.3.   Definition

Winter Triathlon is a three-stage competition, consisting of running, mountainbike (MTB) and cross-country skiing.

Running or bikeing on snow or a softly underground is asking highest requirements on the athletes to keep their balance and acrobatically situations are programmed. Important time can be gained or lost in the transition zone. For each competition part the shoes must be changes and for the MTB an helmet must be worn. In the heat of combat for valuable seconds under a lot of bicycles and skies the own material must first be found. As an additional difficulty in the transition zone it is neither allowed to climb the bike nor to put on the cross-country-skis.

2.    General Remarks

Participation in the ITU Winter Triathlon Races is open to the public. The elite athletes can apply directly and will start from the official starting line.

All participants may register by means of the registration forms found in this publication or via website www.wildhaus.ch. The publication is available at

        Wildhaus Tourism

        Hauptstrasse

        CH-9658 Wildhaus

        Tel. +41 (0)71 999 27 27

        Fax +41 (0)71 999 29 29

        E-Mail: wildhaus@toggenburg.org

3.    Track Description and Distances

        * Run:          1 lap = 1,6 k in the middle half way to the top of the mountain on road and snow. The course is half descent (4 %) and half a climb (4 -8 %).

        * MTB:         1 lap = 2,8 k on road and snow, first 1 k technical difficult descent on ski track, next 2 k climb (4 - 8 %) on road.

*Cross-        1 lap = 2,5 k, first 100 m technical descent, next flat and the last Country:200 m climb (5 - 10 %).

        * According to weather and snow conditions the amount of laps has to be changed and will be announced before the race.

        The maximum overall time for the elite world cup race amounts to about 120 minutes, for all other races 90 minutes.

3.1.   ITU Winter Triathlon European Championships and Worldcup U23 & Elite - Race

        The race consists of 5 laps running (8 k), 5 laps biking (14 k) and 5 laps x-country skiing (12,5 k); per discipline 30 minutes.

3.2.   ITU Winter Triathlon European Championships and Worldcup Juniors & Elite Agegroups- Race

        The race consists of 2 laps running (3,2 k), 2 laps biking (5,6 k) and 2 laps x-country skiing (5,0 k); per discipline 20 minutes.

3.3.   Hobby - Race

        The race consists of 2 laps running (3,2 k), 2 laps biking (5,6 k) and 2 laps x-country skiing (5,0 k); per discipline 20 minutes.

3.4.   ITU Winter Triathlon European Championships and Worldcup Team relay Elite

        The race consists of 1 lap running (1,6 k), 1 lap biking (2,8 k) and 1 lap x-country skiing (2,5 k) in a team of two participants as a relay one behind the other (delivery at the end of all discipline, that means at the end of a totally completed triathlon); per discipline 10 minutes.

        The training course will be prepared and completely signed from Thursday, January 22nd, 2004.

3.5.   Registration deadline

        Registration is required by January 15th, 2004 (post mark). Registration after the due date is possible, however, a surcharge of CHF 20.00 will be added. Registration becomes valid only after receipt of entry fee.

3.6.   Entry Fee

        Elite European Championships & Worldcup races (Single race   CHF  135.00

        and Team relay, including meal at Pastaparty with showblock) EUR  90.00

        Elite European Championships & Worldcup races Agegroups     CHF  100.00

        (Single race including meal at Pastaparty with showblock)       EUR  70.00

        U23 European Championships & Worldcup races               CHF   75.00

        (Single race including meal at Pastaparty with showblock)       EUR  50.00

        Juniors European Championships (Single race)                 CHF   50.00

                                                                                        EUR   35.00

        Hobby Athletes (Single race)                                         CHF   75.00

                                                                                        EUR   50.00

        Pastaparty including chair lift transportation for responsible            CHF   25.00

        persons, coaches and so on                                          EUR   20.00

        The entry fee has to be paid to the following bank:

        Raiffeisenbank Alt St. Johann, CH-9656 Alt St. Johann

        Clearing No. 81252 or Postcheckaccount 90-3929-1 Account No. 2236357 in favour of:

        Kurverein Wildhaus

        Winter Triathlon

        CH-9658 Wildhaus

4.    Race Information

4.1.   General

        Competitor must know and follow the ITU Winter Triathlon Competition Rules (see http://www.triathlon.org/winter-tri/win-2003/rules/winter-comp-rules-revision-2003-revised.htm)), as well to obey traffic regulations and instructions from race officials. Elite need a valid license. The license 2003 from your country is still accepted.

4.2.   Categories

        Categories are depending from the rules of the International Triathlon Union and divided as followed:

4.2.1.                                      ITU-Elite

        For men and women

        Juniors         16 - 19 years                                            (must start at Sunday in Juniors - & Elite Agegroups Races.)

        U23             20 - 23 years                                            (must start on Sunday in U23 & Elite - Races)

        Elite            24 - 39 years                                            (Elite - Agegroups which start in this class, are classified in the main category Elite).

4.2.2.                                      Age groups

        For men and women:

        Juniors         age 16 - 19

        U23             age 20 - 23

        Elite            age 24 - 39

        Age group 1  age 40 - 44

        Age group 2  age 45 - 49

        Age group 3  age 50 - 54

        Age group 4  age 55 - 59

        Age group 5  age 60 - 64

        Age group 6  age 65 an above

5.    Prize Money

        There are price moneys in a total of about CHF 21'500.00 to gain and will be distributed to the different categories as follows:

5.1.   ITU Winter Triathlon European Championships & Elite World Cup Races

        The prize money for the ITU Winter Triathlon world cup race of USD 12’500.00 will be equally distributed among the elite participant’s top 5 men and women. The winners must pick up their prizes personally. Prizes will not be shipped afterwards.

        1. USD       1'875.00            4.     USD   937.50

        2. USD       1'562.50            5.     USD   750.00

        3. USD       1'125.00


5.2.   ITU Winter Triathlon European Championships Juniors Race

        The prize money for the junior race of CHF 1'200.00 will be distributed among the juniors participant’s top 3 men and women. The winners must pick up their prizes personally. Prizes will not be shipped afterwards.

        1. CHF    300.00                  3.     CHF    100.00

        2. CHF    200.00

5.3.   ITU Winter Triathlon European Championships Juniors Race

        The prize money for the junior race of CHF 900.00 will be distributed among the juniors participant’s top 3 men and women. The winners must pick up their prizes personally. Prizes will not be shipped afterwards.

        1. CHF    225.00                  3.     CHF     75.00

        2. CHF    150.00

5.4.   Elite Agegroups European Championships and Hobby Races

        The three top placed women and men each agegroup will receive nice merchandise awards. The winners must pick up their prizes personally. Prizes will not be shipped afterwards.

5.5.   ITU Winter Triathlon European Championships and World Cup Team Relay Race

        The prize money for the ITU Winter Triathlon World Cup Team Relay race of USD 2’500.00 will be equally distributed among the elite participant’s top 3 men and women. The winners must pick up their prizes personally. Prizes will not be shipped afterwards.

        1. USD   500.00                  3.     USD   312.50

        2. USD   437.50

5.6.   Race Briefing

Friday, January 23rd 2004, 7:00 p.m. at the Hotel Alpenblick, Wildhaus.  The attendance is according to the ITU obligatory for athletes which participate at the European Championships and world cup races and voluntarily for coaches.

5.7.   Equipment

        Competitors are responsible for their own equipment. It is not allowed to switch skis or bikes during the contest. It is allowed to change ski poles during the race. There will be an equipment inspection at the check-in to the transition area.

5.8.   Athletes Kit

        At registration the competitors will receive an envelope containing two self-adhesive numbers for the CC-skis, one self-adhesive numbered tags for the helmet (to be fasted a the left in direction of travel) and one numbered tag for the handle bar of the bike. As well as a start number will be delivered, which must be returned to the organiser immediately after the finish line.

5.9.   Timekeeping

        Timekeeping will be taken after the running and the biking.

5.10. Transition Area

        The transition area is off-limits for all except competitors and ID-equipped staff. Coaches, hosts and spectators are not allowed to enter!

        The transition area is divided into a bike- and ski zone, and a special zone for materials. (Helmets, Shoes, Clothes etc.)

        Biking with ski-boots and running or skiing with helmet is prohibited.

5.11. Race Catering

There are numerous food and drink stations placed alongside the race course Personal assistance is only allowed 50 m before and 50 m after the drink and food stations.

 

5.12. Doctors/Medical Assistance

A trained team of first-aid assistants and doctors are present for emergencies.

        Note: Doctors’ instructions must be obeyed! Medical treatment is not included in the entry fee and athletes receiving treatment will be invoiced according to the current tariffs.

5.13. Changing- and material deposit room

        This will be directly at the last stop of the chair lift Thur - Oberdorf.

5.14  Massage and shower

        On Saturday, January 24th, 2004 Massage is available from DUL-X Massageserviceteam at the gym-room closed to the Sportcentre.

        On both days the shower rooms at the gym-room can be used.


5.15. Doping

        Doping is strictly prohibited. Swiss Olympic (SOA) is authorised to perform doping tests without prior notice.

5.16. Liability/Insurance

        Each competitor is personally and fully responsible for his own insurance coverage for the period of travel to and from competition location as well as for the period of his or her presence and race participation or against theft. The race organisers are formally rejecting any liability for accidents, damages and theft. A corresponding form must be signed at the occasion of the race number distribution.

5.17. Transports to the race area

        For the transport of material and person to the race area at Oberdorf the chair lift Thur - Oberdorf must be used. For in and step out the short parking area at the valley station on the side of the road can be used. Winter Triathlon athletes, their supporters and officials will be prefered treated by the lift personal (use the side, marked entrance). Cars can be parked at the Sportcentre (besides the schoolhouse). For the Oberdorfstreed a generally driving ban and at the Oberdorf a general parking ban are valid (Penalty minimum CHF 250.00 and cars will be towed).

5.18. Race Course Maps

        See attachments

6.    Programme

        Thursday, January 22nd, 2004

from 9.30 a. m.     Race area for training prepared and completely signed.

        Friday, January 23rd, 2004

        from 9.30 a. m.     Race area for training prepared and completely signed.

        10:30 to 12:00 a. m.: Press conference (Begin on the race course and conclusion at the Restaurant Oberdorf, Wildhaus).

        07:00 p. m.                Race briefing, registration, distribution of athletes kit and licence control at the Hotel Alpenblick, Wildhaus.

          Saturday, January 24th 2004

        11:00 to 12:00 a. m.   Press conference (Begin on the race course and conclusion at the Restaurant Oberdorf, Wildhaus).

       12:30 a. m.          Start ITU European Championships and World Cup Race U23 & Elite Women.

       01:00 p. m.          Start ITU European Championships and World Cup Race U23 Elite Men.

        02:30 p. m.                End of race.

        about 02:45 p. m.       Awards ceremonies in the target area.

        from 05:30 p. m.         Pastaparty at Restaurant Oberdorf, Wildhaus.

          Sunday, January 25th 2004

        09:00 to 09:30 a.m.    Registration of athletes and distribution of athletes kits at the deposit room at the last stop of the chair lift Thur - Oberdorf.

       10:30 a.m.           Start ITU European Championships and World Cup Race Juniors & Elite Agegroups.

       10:30 a.m.           Start Hobbies Races.

        11:30 a.m.                 End of race.

       12:30 a.m.           Start ITU European Championships World Cup Race Team Relay Elite.

        01:30 p. m.                End of race.

        01:45 p. m.                Kids Race.

        about 02:00 p. m.       Awards ceremonies in the target area (for all).

7.    Logistic

7.1.   Accommodation

          Information and bookings:

        Wildhaus Tourism

        Hauptstrasse

        CH-9658 Wildhaus

                      Contactperson: Dominik Hasler, Manager (Code: Winter Triathlon)

        Tel.:            +41 (0)71 999 27 27

        Fax:            +41 (0)71 999 29 29

        E-Mail          hasler@toggenburg.org

        Website       http://www.toggenburg.org/

          For athletes and their coaches we could arrange attractive preisconditions at various hotel categories in time of bookings over Wildhaus Tourism.

7.2.   Useful Contacts

        Winter triathlon Organisations Committee Wildhaus

        Hans-Peter Schück

        at Wildhaus Tourism

        Hauptstrasse

        CH-9658 Wildhaus

        Mobile:        +41 (0)79 358 54 68

        Fax:            +41 (0)71 999 29 29

        E-Mail:         hpschueck@evalor.ch

        Swiss Triathlon Federation (tri)

        PO Box 296

        CH- 8046 Zurich

        Tel.             +41 (0)1 371 80 10

        Fax:            +41 (0)1 371 80 09

        E-Mail:         info@trisuisse.ch

        website:      www.trisuisse.ch

 

        International Triathlon Union ITU

        #7-1786 Esquimalt Avenue

        West Vancouver, BC,

        Canada, V7V 1R8

        Tel.             +1 604 926 7250

        Fax:            +1 604 926 7260

        E-mail:        ituhdq@triathlon.org

        website:      www.triathlon.org