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Do I need a wetsuit?
Wetsuits are compulsory for all open water swims in Britain. It will not only keep you warm but it will also help you swim faster. A wetsuit provides you with extra buoyancy across the backside and down the back of your thighs. This keeps you higher in the water...the higher you are the faster you swim. It will aid your swim immensely.

Can I use my surfing or shortie wetsuit?
You can use any of the above types of wetsuit. but triathletes use triathlon specific wetsuits, which are totally different from the average wetsuit. They are not flexible around the arms and shoulders. They also don't fit like a second skin and so will scoop up an awful lot of water. This will slow you down. A triathlon wetsuit is designed for swimming. The flexibility around the arms is incredible and will not impede your swimming. A triathlon wetsuit also fits extremely closely! Novice's initial reaction when putting their wetsuit on is that it is too tight on the chest. Any tightness will immediately disappear as soon as you enter the water. If the wetsuit is comfortable on the land then the chances are that it is too big for you and will scoop up water when you start to swim. Practising in a wetsuit in the weeks prior to the race is very important and will allay any fears you may have. Hiring a wetsuit in advance of the event will allow you time to practise in it.

What do I wear underneath my wetsuit?
You should wear whatever you will complete the rest of the race in. Then when you strip off your wetsuit your race kit is already on underneath. Remember nudity in the transition area is not allowed, so wear something! You can race in any clothing you feel comfortable in, but triathlon specific clothing is designed for swimming, biking and running. It dries quickly, provides sufficient padding and will prevent chaffing in certain areas. Our official retailers sell reasonably priced triathlon clothing that will help you feel the part as well! This clothing will make you more comfortable during your event.

Do I need a pair of goggles?
We would recommend them! Any open water swimming really does require goggles. Open water swimming also benefits from goggles with lenses suitable for outdoors. These are slightly different colours to those you would normally use in a swimming pool where the water is clear and the lights are bright. Most open water swimmers would use a lightly tinted or persimmon coloured lens, which will make everything look clearer and crisper...especially if the weather is not too bright!

Do I need a swim cap?
You will need to collect one at the swim assembly point on race day. Everyone must wear a swim cap for safety reasons. A swimmer is easier to see in the water if they're wearing a swim cap. All athletes who start in the same wave will have the same color cap on.

Is the water safe to swim in?
The Royal Victoria Dock is not part of the Thames! This separate body of water is filtered and tested regularly to meet EU Bathing standards. There is a Watersports Centre and Rowing Centre on the docks, so people are in and around the water all year, with no ill effects.

What temperature is the water?
The temperature of the water is between 16 - 18 degrees.

How deep is the water?
The water is approximately 9 metres deep.

What swim safety measures have been put in place?
The Swim Safety team are very experienced. Should you get into difficulty, lie on your back and raise one arm; a canoe will then escort you to safety. The buoyancy of your wetsuit will help so don't panic. We have numerous safety canoes, and rescue power boats if we need to bring anyone to the dockside!

Where do I put my race number?
You will receive in the post a white adhesive number which is to be put on the coloured swim cap you collect at the swim assembly point on race day. Click Here for a position guide.

Can I use a mountain bike?
Yes you can.

What is the advantage of a road bike?
It will cycle faster on the roads as the tyres are smoother and provide less resistance. The frame is also lighter, reducing the effort required, and the drop handlebars allow you a more aerodynamic position.

How do I know if my helmet is good enough?
Your helmet will pass the safety inspection as long as it has no cracks in it, has no damage to it and bears a CE & EU safety mark inside it. The strap must also be in good working order.

What is drafting?
Drafting is when cyclists race in a pack and one cyclist can shelter behind the other to save energy. This is what you have seen in the Tour de France. Drafting is against the rules for all but the Elite Competitors. You must not take shelter cycling behind or cycle beside another competitor during the race. You can be disqualified from the race for drafting. The draft zone is a rectangle measuring five (5) metres long by two (2) metres wide. The centre of the leading 2 metre edge is measured from the back edge of the back wheel.

A competitor may enter the draft zone of another competitor but must be seen to be progressing through that zone. A maximum of 15 seconds is allowed to progress though the draft zone of another competitor. If an overtaking manoeuvre is not completed within 15 seconds the overtaking cyclist must drop back.

Where do I put my numbers for the bike?
Your race number must be displayed to the rear on the bike, either by swiveling round your race belt so the number faces the rear or by pinning a number in four corners to the back of your t-shirt.

A bike number is also provided to face forward from your handle bars which can identify you to officials and also acts as security for your bike in transition. The number will be checked against the security band before a bike can be removed from transition. Click Here for a position guide.

Will there be a Sub 2:30 cycle route to central London?
We are currently negotiating a route with the authorities in London and will be able to announce our plans in the New Year. If you enter the race now, you will be able to transfer into this group when it is announced, subject to meeting any criteria set for participating.

Is there water available on the run course?
There will be a number of water stations strategically placed along the course.

Do I have to wear specific running trainers?
No, however we do recommend obtaining your trainers from our Official Retailers to ensure that they fit properly and do not hurt your feet. Aspiring triathletes should use elastic laces which help save a lot of time in transition.

Is the course flat?
The course is relatively flat and the majority of the course is on tarmac. It is a technical run course with some sharp turns. It is a looped out and back course to enable your supporters to see you frequently during the run.

Where do I put my race number for the run?
Your number must be displayed to the front, either by swiveling round your race belt, or by pinning the number in four corners to the front of your t-shirt. Click Here for a position guide.

Can I listen to headphones whilst racing?
No! You are considered a danger to others when you can't hear everything that is going on around you.

What is transition?
Transition is an area for all competitors who rack their bike and leave a small bag for the swim and run. It is the area where you will be based for transition from swim to bike and bike to run.

What can I leave in transition?
A small bag with your race kit inside.

What can I do to speed up my transition times?
We recommend you put your kit out ready in the order you will put it on. Lay it out near your bike. Have your helmet ready on your handlebars with the straps straight and undone. Remember that race belts save time as well as elastic laces and lace locks. If you wear the right triathlon clothing you will certainly speed up your race times.

Do I have to be a British Triathlon Association (BTA) member?
No you do not have to be a BTA member. Competitors who are pay £5 less than non members. This is deducted when you enter your BTA number on the application form.

What is the BTA day membership for?
The BTA day licence is a licence for racing and covers your public liability insurance for the day.

What happens if I'm injured and I cannot compete?
Our withdrawal policy is stated in our terms and conditions.

When will I receive my race information pack?
All race information packs will be sent out to competitors in July. This will contain your race numbers and all the information you need for race day.

How do I use a number belt?
A number belt means that you do not have to put safety pins through your new triathlon clothing! You simply attach your number to the race belt and then put the race belt around you. It can then be moved to show the number on your back for the bike and on the front for the run.

Where can I watch the Swim?
The swim can be watched from the dockside and also from the hall level. To access the hall level viewing, there is a crossing point on the run route inside ExCel between transition and the finish area. From here they can watch from the hall level or by taking one of the lifts down to the Dockside. Access to the Dockside is via the East Entrance of ExCel or via lifts on the hall level.

Where can I watch the Bike?
This is the most difficult discipline to view given the speed of the competitors and access for spectators on the closed roads. We would suggest that spectators view from the West Entrance of ExCel (before the multi storey car park), the East Entrance Car Park or the Walkway from the DLR Custom House to ExCel.

Where can I watch the Run?
There are extensive viewing points all along the run course from transition, outside on the hall level, on the run course itself (access from West Entrance) and at the finish. The bike and run are lapped courses so spectators will have the opportunity to see you several times depending on the distance you're doing.

When is the closing date for entries?
Individual entries will be on a first come first served basis until February 28th 2005. After this period, individual entries can be obtained via our official charities.

How do I guarantee a place?
Apply by February 28th 2005 you will be guaranteed a place. (Subject to availability in individual categories) or contact our Official Charities for guaranteed entries.

Are charity places guaranteed?
Charity places are guaranteed so if you would like to raise money for our charities contact them directly.

Is there a waiting list I can go on?
After guaranteed entries close on 28th February 2005 prospective competitors can enter a waiting list. This can be entered by following the Entry / Login link

I have not received confirmation of my place?
You will receive an e-mail when you register online to confirm you place, and will be kept up to date with monthly E-newsletters. You can also double check your race entry by logging in to 'My London Triathlon' via the website and going to "My Details".