Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Entry
How do I enter?
Can I enter at the event?
Will I receive anything in the mail before the event?
How can I make changes to my entry?
What happens if I need to withdraw from the event?

Registration and Bike Racking
Do I have to attend ‘registration’ if I have already entered?
When do I rack or ‘check in’ my bike?
When will I receive my race number and timing chip?

Race Day
What time do I have to arrive on race day?
What is a wave start?
Where can I leave my bags?
Can I wear a wetsuit?
Can I race with an MP3, ipod or other music device?
What if I can’t stay for presentations?
How do I find my results after the race?
Where can I find photos after the race?
Who can I contact to provide event feedback?

How do I enter?

There are two ways you can enter:

• Online via the "Entry" link at the top of the page, then click on "Enter Online". 
• If you do not wish to enter online, you may download the booking form from "Entry" and then "Entry Form" via the links at the top of the page, and then send your form to us via post to

USM Events P.O. Box 1145, EAGLE FARM QLD 4009

Mailed entries are accepted up until 5:00pm on the Thursday February 26. Faxed and phone entries will not be accepted.  Entries will not be accepted without payment.

Can I enter at the event?

Race Weekend Entries are accepted at the race venue however they will incur a late fee;

• Saturday -  $10 late fee
• Sunday - $30 late fee (This includes the $15 on the day bike racking fee)

Will I receive anything in the mail before the event?

You will not receive anything in the mail regarding your entry into the Gold Coast Triathlon. Closer to the event day, you will find all accepted entries under 'Race Acceptance' in the 'Event Information' Menu at the top of the page. We advise you check this list to ensure your entry has been accepted and you have entered into the correct event and category.  You can also check your acceptance and race category by logging on to your USM Events profile using your email and password.  If you do not know these please contact the USM Events Brisbane Office.

How can I make changes to my entry?
If you have entered into the wrong category or race, you can contact us up until Thursday February 26 to make the change. If you need to make a change to your entry after this time, you will be able to see us at the help desk at the race venue during registration time on the Saturday of the event weekend.
If you are changing from the Enticer distance to the Gold Coast Triathlon distance, you will be required to pay the difference in entry fees before the change is made.
Any team wishing to replace a team member must complete a Gold Coast Triathlon entry form with the details of the new team member and attach details of the change to be made, and forward to USM Events, P.O. Box 1145 EAGLE FARM QLD 4009. Team changes are permitted up until 5:00pm Thursday February 26.

What happens if I need to withdraw from the event?
Withdrawals must be in writing by mail, USM Events P.O. Box 1145, EAGLE FARM QLD 4009 or email brisbane@usmevents.com.au. Entry fees are 50% refundable until 5.00pm 20th February 2009, non refundable after 5.00pm 20th February.
Entry is non transferable. It is illegal to race under someone else’s name.

If you withdraw before the race start, please advise the Registration Tent and hand your timing band in. If you withdraw during the race, please report to the Registration Tent and advise them you have withdrawn and also hand your timing band in. If you do withdraw please do not cross the finish line area. 

Do I have to attend ‘registration’ if I have already entered?

Registration for all competitors (except ITU World Cup competitors) will take place on Saturday 28 February 2009 in the registration tent between 12 – 4pm.
IT IS COMPULSORY FOR ALL TRIATHLETES TO REGISTER AT THIS TIME. 

You must show identification (Driver's Licence, Passport etc) to register and your Triathlon Australian Licence if you are a member.  At the Registration tent, your name will be crossed off and you will be given your race kit containing: 

• Timing band (to be worn on your left ankle)
• Bike sticker
• Race number (to be worn so that it is visible from the front - only required in the run leg)
• Swim cap (all competitors must wear their given cap)
• Competitor Race Briefing (this is important information that must be read before competing in the race)

Teams will receive one timing band per team (ALL members must wear the timing band, passed from each team member like a relay baton) and race kits for each team member. 
Please note it is illegal for someone to race under your name or for you to race under someone else's - this will result in suspension from your State Triathlon Association and you are not insured while racing.

When will I receive my race number and timing chip?
You will receive your race number and timing chip at Registration (Saturday 28th February 2009, 12 – 4pm, in the registration tent). At the Registration tent, your name will be crossed off and you will be given your race kit. This kit is personalised for you and contains your chest number, bike sticker, ID wristband, Eyeline swim cap and timing band. You will also receive a written race briefing - please read this carefully as this is your only race briefing.

What time do I have to arrive on race day?

You will not be body marked with your race number, however you will still need to allow sufficient time before your wave statrt and factor in the various road closures and an increase in participant numbers.

What is a wave start?

To avoid having all athletes entering the water at the same time, competitors are divided into 'waves'. Each wave allows you plenty of room to swim and enter transition smoothly.

All competitors will receive their swim cap in their race kit. Please check that your swim cap colour reflects the colour of your wave start. Final wave details will be provided with Race Briefing which will be given to all competitors at Registration.

Where can I leave my gear?

There is a Gear Tent available for participants, please use this facility and only keep necessary equipment in the transition area. Please make sure your Gear is clearly identified - labels will be available on tables in front of gear tent so please attach to assist the volunteers. It is also advisable to place some form of identification on all your personal gear or property in transition for ease of identification if it is misplaced and handed to officials. Please note that no responsibility is taken by the Race Organisers for lost property. All lost property will be handed to the Information tent and enquiries should be made to USM EVENTS from Tuesday 3rd March on 07 3868 2444.

Can I wear a wetsuit?

On Saturday a provisional water temperature will be posted on the information boards at transition and at registration - final wetsuit ruling will be announced on Sunday morning. If the water is 24 degrees or above then it is a non-wetsuit swim. If the water temperature is below 24 degrees, you will be given the option of wearing a wetsuit. It is not a requirement to wear a wetsuit in the water temperature is below 24 degrees.

Can I race with an MP3, ipod or other music device?

What if I can’t stay for presentations?

If you are a category place getter and are unable to stay for presentations you will need to contact the USM office on brisbane@usmevents.com or (07) 3868 2444 within 2 weeks of the event to arrange for medal collection. If you are unable to collect your medal from our office we can send it out to you for a surcharge of $10. You will also be ineligible for random draw prizes if you are not at presentations.

How do I find my results after the race?

Results will be available on the afternoon of the event via the USM EVENTS website.

Where can I find photos after the race?

Photos available at www.sportingimages.com.au

Who can I contact to provide event feedback?
Please email USM Events at brisbane@usmevents.com.au. All feedback is welcomed