Triman 2024 Logistics
When I go to a race, I prefer to be as prepared as possible. Not only from a training perspective – that’s one part. But also from a logistics perspective – where the course is, what the swimming looks like, how many and where are the refreshment points and what’s on them… The more informed I am, the calmer I am on the day of the triathlon. I’m using this article to share my experience from last year’s race. Triman (formerly Almiraman).
Swimming
Let's start from the beginning – with the swimming stage.
The start of the Triman middle distance is on Sunday 12.05.2024 at 7 am in front of the restaurant Perigiali Seafood Restaurant. All participants line up in front of and around the starting arch and swim 1 lap counterclockwise in the shape of a diamond (marked with in the picture). red). The exit from the swim is about 200m to the north, marked by another (black) arch. The one marked in yellow The course is the Trifast swim (750m) on Saturday, May 11. It is a good idea for anyone who will not be participating on Saturday to still go and check out the course.
This is what the water looks like just before the start. The corners of the swim lane are marked with numbers. Although they may seem very small, unless you are one of the first swimmers, following the group is a relatively good guide.
The minutes before the start from a bird's eye (drone) view – everyone is ready and waiting for the start. The tension is in the air, but everyone is smiling and excited.
Most of the footage was taken from LiveStream-a of the 2023 race. As you can see, the morning of the start was cool and wetsuits were highly recommended. There are also individual enthusiasts without, but I personally would not give up voluntarily. In the morning before the start, do not forget to apply anti-chafing cream to sensitive areas - salt water combined with repetitive movements can be a very unpleasant combination. I use the one from Decathlon, as it is also gentle on neoprene.
First change zone T1
The shot shows the exit from the water – the black arch. After exiting onto the sand (where there are showers for washing) and passing through the white tent (where registration is), the change area begins (the same after swimming and after cycling). The Red An arrow indicates the direction of travel.
The area itself is relatively spacious, the bikes are hung and suspended from pipes along the street. Behind them (and a fence) are the spectators. The red carpet, in addition to adding atmosphere, is also quite good protection for the feet.
Getting on the bike happens AFTER the line! In addition to a marking on the ground (coinciding with the end of the carpet), there is also a person with a flag right there. It is almost impossible to miss. Before this line, the bike must be pushed.
The Triman changing area is open on Saturdays between 5:30pm and 8:00pm or on Sundays from 5:30am to 6:30am. I personally prefer to hang up my bike on Saturdays, but there are others who choose the Sunday option. The changing area is guarded at all other times.
The seats are not random and everyone has a number. It is a good idea to remember something specific behind your seat, so that when you run there after the swim, you can quickly find it. Everyone also gets a box/basin that sits under the bike where you can leave things for the second and third disciplines. A helmet, sunglasses and shoes can be left on the bike. Everything else should go in the box. If you are wondering what to put – ideas here.
If you have to sit on the ground to change, move as far back as possible to avoid accidents.
Cycling
After the first change, the route begins with a 7.6km section to the first turnaround point – point А. There is also the first VIKOS water station. From there, there are 2 rounds of 37.4km – there and back to point B, where the second water station is. After the two tours A-B-A-B-A we are back where we started.
It runs parallel to the highway, on completely closed roads, the surface is quite decent, the total elevation gain is 310m. There are also motorcycle judges constantly driving along the route, who monitor compliance with the draft ban. The penalty for the first time is 5 minutes, which is served in the changeover zone at the end of the segment. A second penalty leads to disqualification. It is also forbidden to throw away waste, except in the designated places!
Second change zone T2
The change area after the bike is the same, leaving your bike in the same place – look for the same specific thing you have marked (tree, balcony, shop, etc.), but this time coming from the other side. Remember that getting off the bike must be BEFORE the line (the same clearly marked line on the asphalt).
We put on our running shoes, our hat, and head out towards the sea, but after the white tent we turn left and walk along the long coastal promenade, moving left the entire time.
Triathlon collection list – here.
Running
Now comes the easy part – a 21km run. There are three 7km laps, almost the entire time along the coast. The surface itself is concrete and asphalt – there is no running on sand.
There are two stations on each lap: 2.2km – 5.7km – 9.2km – 12.7km – 16.2km – 19.7km with water, electrolytes and cola, bananas and pretzels.
As you can see from the map, most of the run is along the coastal road between Olympiaki and Paralia. The run in Olympiaki runs right past the bars and the atmosphere is very motivating – people are playing music and cheering from the tables while volunteers do their best to ensure there are no problems. There is a toilet provided by the organizers, but the bars also allow those in need to use it.
After the third lap, the final arch is right next to the large white tent (through which you pass to the transition area) – turn left, instead of continuing straight like for the next lap.
This is what the U-turn on the coastal street looks like - going around the cones and returning along the opposite route.
Here's what my schedule will look like on the morning of the race:
- 5:00 wake up
- 5:15 toilet
- 5:30 breakfast (slices with honey or raspberry jam)
- 6:00 am check out of the hotel (all things for the changing area + wearing a wetsuit to the waist)
- 6:10 entering the transition area, preparing the bike with water bottles, checking tires, helmet, sneakers
- 6:30 exit from transition area, go to start area
- 6:35 warm-up
- 6:45 putting on neoprene, applying Vaseline, entering the water
- 6:50 listening to favorite music/concentration/visualization
- 7:00 START!
