Facebook Instagram Twitter
SOLD OUT
ENTER NOW
Facebook Instagram Twitter

Race Guide

The Auto & General Cross Triathlon hosted by Steyn City

24.2.24

Everything you need to know

From the event line-up for Saturday, 24 February to registration, parking, timing and more – here is your rundown of all the information you need for the 3rd Auto & General Cross Triathlon.

Full Distance

  • Swim 600 m
  • Bike 30 km (2 x water points)
  • Run: 7 km (3 x water points)

Half Distance

  • Swim 300 m
  • Bike 15 km (2 x water points)
  • Run 3,5 km (1 x water point)

YOUR ENTRY INCLUDES:

  • Medals for all finishers
  • Auto & General red Swim Cap (Collect at registration)
  • A well-marked route
  • 2 water points on the bike route
  • 3 water points on the run route
  • A variety of food and refreshment offerings at the Lagoon for your own account. (Kindly note: personal cooler boxes containing food or beverages are NOT permitted)
  • TV coverage – keep an eye out for the media helicopter and remember to wave!
  • Live timing and tracking by Peak Timing
  • Paul’s Homemade Ice-Cream compliments of Auto & General
  • A post race massage compliments of Auto & General
  • Inflatable beach balls for the kids
  • Finish line vibe by Paul Kaye

REGISTRATION:

  • You will receive a race number via email and WhatsApp. Remember to have your phone handy at registration to present the race number to the registration staff.
  • Every athlete’s race number will be scanned before entering your batch.

BAG DROP:

  • No bags are allowed inside the transition zone.
  • Please leave your bag at the Bag Drop Zone. It is safe and secure.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT WATER POINTS:

  • Great vibe, biltong, date balls, PVM bars & PVM Octane energy drink.

PROGRAMME:

  • 05:30 – Registration open
  • 05:30 – Transition opens & body marking
  • 07:00 – Long transition closes
  • 07:20 – Final race briefing in transition
  • 07:25 – Elite Overall Race start
  • 07:30 – Long Race start
  • 08:00 – Short transition closes
  • 08:30 – Short Race start
  • 09:30 – Lagoon opens to guests
  • 11:30 – Prize-giving ceremony

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE ATHLETES:

GENERAL

  • The transition zone is open early. Get to the venue with enough time to get yourself set up in the transition zone.
  • NO bags or buckets are allowed to be left in transition. Only race discipline items may be in transition, use the free bag drop area allocated on map.
  • Wear your helmet if you are on your bike. Have your helmet on and ready for inspection on entering transition zone.
  • Your bike & swim cap may also be checked.
  • Check the race schedule and make sure to attend the Race Briefing before the swim start, even if you are a team cyclist or runner. It is your responsibility to know the rules and the course.

OVERALL WINNERS:

  • Overall podium positions can only be won by athletes starting in batch A. If you are an Overall podium contender, please ensure that you are seeded in batch A at the race registration.

AGE CATEGORY:

  • Age categories can be won by any athlete in that specific age category. You do not need to start in batch A. Always give your best as athletes from different batches will be competing against you. Age categories are defined by the TSA rules and regulations.

TRANSITION

  • Bikes need to be pushed into and out of the transition zone at all times. No riding.
  • Rack your bike on the bike racks marked for your race number.
  • Place a towel on the ground with your bike/running shoes, race number, sunglasses, etc.
  • Place your helmet on the handlebars or on your bike seat. (Leave the chinstrap unfastened)
  • Do not unrack your bike unless your helmet is on.
  • Check the flow of transition to make sure you know how to enter and exit the transition zone.
  • Tip: Remember to place things in a sequence so you can grab them easily.
  • There will be a dedicated area in the transition zone exclusively reserved for Elite athletes.

BODY PAINT

  • Body marking is managed by Action Photo after exiting REGISTRATION and before proceeding to your starting batch.
  • Every swimmer is BODY MARKED on ARMS & ON THE BACK OF THE SHOULDERS with the NUMBER on the FIRST RACE PACK.

TIMING CHIP

  • Is in your RACE PACK which will be allocated to you at registration
  • The timing chip goes on your LEFT ANKLE away from your bike drive train – it must be returned or you will be charged for it.

PRIZE-GIVING:

  • Prize-giving will be at 11:30.
  • Prize money will be awarded to the top three athletes in a category where there are more than five contenders in that category.
  • Prize money will be awarded to the top two athletes in a category where there are only three or four contenders in that category.
  • If there are less than three contenders in a category, then only first place will be awarded.
  • Only those athletes who attend prize-giving or have made alternative arrangements will receive their prizes.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON RACE DAY:

VENUE:

  • The Auto & General Cross Triathlon takes place at the Steyn City Lagoon.
  • If you are not a resident at Steyn City, you will need to use the Winnie Mandela entrance into Steyn City.
  • Please ensure you have identification with you and a valid drivers licence, or you will not be allowed entrance.
  • The Steyn City Lagoon is adjacent to the City Centre on your right hand side when entering Winnie Mandela Gatehouse or on the left when following the signage on the traffic circles from Cedar Road Gatehouse.

PROCEDURE:

  • Once you have parked make your way to the registration marquee.
  • Once you have gone through registration, you may take all your gear to the transition zone located on the western side of the lagoon.
  • After placing your gear, drop your bag at the bag drop-off zone, and head to the race village to await your start.
  • Troisport is available as technical support.

PARKING:

  • Please use the Central Lane Gatehouse, 5 Central Lane, Riverglen R511 - Winnie Mandela Drive. Use this link for guidance:
Winnie Mandela Gatehouse
  • Once you enter the estate follow the parking signage located from the gatehouse to the big open field on your right. Security will assist and guide you to the parking area.
  • All entrants will receive an access code on Friday via WhatsApp that spectators can use to enter Steyn City on race day.
  • We’ve partnered with Project Run to empower South Africans to realise their own potential through running and other sporting activities. Join us in making a difference by donating your used sneakers. The Sneaker Shack will clean all donated sneakers, giving them a fresh start, before passing them on to aspiring athletes. There will be bins provided at the race for you to donate your pre-loved sneakers.

FULL DISTANCE

Dive In and Conquer the Lagoon:

Your race begins with a heart-pounding run across lush grass, leading you to the serene embrace of the 300-meter lagoon. Plunge in and conquer the cool water, gliding along the entire southern side in a rhythmic dance. But don’t get too comfortable! Exiting the water, a marked point awaits, urging you to circle it before diving back in for another full lap, this time conquering the northern expanse. Feel the water refresh your spirit as you power through, knowing the transition area welcomes you next.

Unleash Your Inner Biker:

Trade your swim cap for a helmet and embark on the Faces Flowline, a 2km single-track playground bursting with berms and jumps. Get your blood pumping before transitioning onto the scenic artevia path, taking you across the Jukskei River and towards the majestic Equestrian Centre. Prepare for exhilarating climbs and heart-stopping descents on this route – flat sections are a rare sight here!

Conquer the Untamed and Embrace the Flow:

Ready for the next level? Buckle up for the Springbok Descent, a 4km rocky adventure testing your technical skills with tight turns and narrow bridges. Emerge victorious and rejoin the artevia, leading you to the Beswick Corkscrew – a long, flowing single track promising speed and pure riding joy near the Cedar Gate.

Challenge the “Neverender” and Find Your Victory:

Cross the Jukskei River once more, facing the ultimate test of your cycling prowess – The Neverender. This lung-burning climb will demand everything you’ve got, but the breathtaking views from the summit will make every drop of sweat worthwhile. Remember, conquer this beast, and the transition zone awaits, marking the final leg of your journey.

Run Towards Glory:

Trade your bike for your running shoes and embark on a scenic descent following the Jukskei River on concrete and single track. Let your legs flow as you pass the Palazzo Steyn, but don’t celebrate just yet! A gradual ascent leads you back towards the lagoon, where a final test awaits – the “Hero Loop.” This final push takes you past cheering crowds, their support propelling you towards the triumphant finish line beside the glistening lagoon

HALF DISTANCE

The Journey Begins:

Your race kicks off with a heart-pumping run across lush grass that leads you to the glistening lagoon. Plunge in and conquer the cool embrace of the water as you navigate half the lagoon’s length. Round the watchful lifeguard before making your way back out, feeling the refreshing touch of water greet you once more.

Pedal Power through Panoramic Vistas:

Transition from swim to bike with a quick run, then mount your trusty steed and embark on the Faces Flowline, a playful single track brimming with berms and jumps. Get your adrenaline pumping before transitioning onto the scenic artevia path, taking you across the Jukskei River and towards the majestic Equestrian Centre. Brace yourself for exhilarating climbs and exhilarating descents on this route, rarely offering a moment of flat serenity.

Conquer the “Neverender”:

Steel your resolve for the cycle’s ultimate challenge – The Neverender. This lung-burning climb will test your strength and determination, but the breathtaking views from the summit make the effort worthwhile. Remember, conquer this beast, and the transition zone awaits, marking the final leg of your journey.

Run Towards the Hero’s Finish:

Trade your bike for your running shoes and embark on a scenic descent towards the Jukskei River. Follow the river path, feeling the rhythm of your stride on both concrete and single track. As you gain momentum, a gradual ascent leads you back towards the lagoon, but not before you conquer the “Hero Loop.” This final push takes you past cheering crowds, their support propelling you towards the glorious finish line beside the glistening lagoon.

Relay Team Instructions:

Handover zone in transition for teams.

  • Handover the timing chip and race number (bike to run) to teammate's left ankle before leaving.
  • Only riders in the handover zone during swim leg, only runners during the bike leg.
  • Each team member needs a white Tyvek wristband for the handover zone access.

SWIMMER

  • Wear a timing chip on your left ankle.
  • Enter transition one after swim.
  • Hand over timing chip to cyclist in handover zone.

CYCLIST

  • Wear helmet with strap fastened, race number facing rear.
  • Wait for the swimmer in the handover zone.
  • Don't leave until the swimmer hands over the chip and race number.

RUNNER

  • Wear race number facing forward.
  • Rack bike and meet runner in the handover zone.
  • Hand over timing chip and race number to runner.
  • Wait for cyclists in the handover zone.
  • After the bike is racked, receive a timing chip and race number.
  • Leave the handover zone only with a chip and number.
  • Cross the finish line with your number visible.
  • Hand over chip to volunteer at finish.

FINISHING TOGETHER

  • Teammates can meet runner at the finish chute entrance.
  • Granted access to finish chute when runner enters.

TRIATHLON TIPS

01 - SWIM TRICK:

  • First, put on your swim cap and then your goggles. Next, place the Auto and General swimming cap over your cap and goggles to ensure they stay on in the water.

02 - TRI-SUIT:

  • Plan to race in either tri-shorts and a tri-top or full tri-suit. This will prevent changing during the race.

03 - WATER:

  • Have two full bottles of water on your bike, and one in your transition area to sip from as you change between disciplines.

04 - NO SOCKS:

  • If you want to cut down your time in the transition area - think of running without socks.

05 - SWIMMING TOWEL:

  • Practice setting up your transition area at home before the race. Setting up on a towel folded in half should give you an idea of how much room you will need on race day. Size of towel recommended is an average bath/swimming size.

06 - BABY POWDER:

  • Sprinkle baby powder in your bike and running shoes, it will make damp feet slide into your shoes easily.

07 - TRY TO CHILL! THE SWIM STRESSES MOST OF US OUT:

  • Chill at the back. Take it easy at the beginning and, as you get into the groove, perhaps you could pick up the pace. Stop and catch your breath if you need to.

08 - MAKE YOURSELF A PACKING LIST

  • Write yourself a list of all you’ll need to pack for the race. This will help for your very first triathlon and for every race thereafter. There are so many pieces to the puzzle and even seasoned athletes forget very important items.

Your checklist

GENERAL

  • Towel
  • Water bottle/hydropack
  • Race number (athletes may either use a triathlon belt or pin the number on their shirt)
  • Sunglasses (not compulsory)
  • Sunblock
  • Sports watch (not compulsory)
  • Transition bag

SWIM:

  • Costume or Tri-suit (recommended)
  • Own swimming cap (compulsory)
  • Towel
  • Goggles

BIKE:

  • MTB/Mountain Bike
  • GPS (not compulsory, the route is very well-marked)
  • Bike helmet. Ensure it fits correctly, is approved type, and is in good condition with no cracks. No helmet = No ride
  • Bike shoes, socks, gloves & sunglasses
  • Flat repair kit
  • Water bottles – filled with water and or sports drinks. Any pre-race or race nutrition items

RUN:

  • All terrain shoes or trail running shoes
  • Peak or Cap (if used)
  • Race belt
  • Socks

TECHNICAL AND MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

And remember, you don’t have to win. You just have to TRI!

Have fun out there.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED