THE RACE
COURSE BRIEFING
(To be read in conjunction with the race rules)
Weather conditions are quickly changeable and can be extreme in this alpine area. Ensure you have sufficient food and clothing for all conditions on all parts of this course. If unsure please ask one of the race directors.
A REAL ski leg starting on Treble Cone. Actual start area to be advised on raceday. Mass start, short uphill run to skis/board. For detailed description see below. No test runs are available unless you are a Treble Cone pass holder.
- Ski to the right off the top of the chairlift along a cat track, you will be directed to the start line. Skis and poles will be lined up and you will be marshaled for the run start. (no poles on the run)
- 100 meter run to warm up and separate the field.
- Descend the ski course and ensure you round all gates as indicated. Skiing outside the course will result in disqualification.
- The ski course is on a blue (intermediate) zone.
- Special care and control is needed at the ski transition point. It is in a novice ski area. Drop skis and poles where marked and run to your MTB team member or your MTB.
- Ski in control and complete the leg.
- Ski to the area marked by the learners slope and then run to your MTB transition (50 metres).
- SUPPORT CREWS MUST UPLIFT ALL SKI GEAR BEFORE LEAVING THE MOUNTAIN.
Course Restriction:
Note: The access road will be restricted to traffic from the start of the 1st ski leg. If you are the Kayaker in a team you need to be at the kayak start before the traffic is restricted or you may not get to your Kayak in time until the last MTB person is off the access road.
HAZARDS
- Injuries from ski crashes.
- Ice on the course
- Speed of the first run of day.
- The ski course will be restricted to other users to avoid conflict of interest and reduce accident risk.
- However there is always the potential for other ski field users to be on the race course.
MTB - 16 km (8 km Downhill + 8 km Flat)(35 min)(back to main map)
A GNARLY downhill MTB ride down the Treble Cone access road. Turn left at the bottom onto Mt Aspiring Road to the kayak transition at the Matukituki river.For detailed description see below.
- MTB start beside the ski patrol room on the east side of the Treble Cone building. This area is marked out.
- Please be careful of pedestrians and vehicles in and around this transition area.
- Again steep, slippery conditions apply. Ride in control at all times and keep left.
- Vehicles will be stopped at the top and bottom of the access road until all competitors are off the road.
- However the road is not officially closed and no guarantee can or will be given to the road being clear of vehicles, people or other natural obstacles during your descent. Normal road rules apply at all times.
- Good brakes, good nerves and good decision making is essential for this section.
- At the base of the access road turn left and ride up the Matukituki Valley for 8 km. You will see the Kayak transition on your right. Ride across a paddock for 100 meters to the transition marshal.
- Support crews going to this transition will be passing cyclist, please keep your speed down and no stopping on the Matukituki Road except at the transition area.
HAZARDS:
- Vehicles on route.
- Ice/Snow/Gravel/Mud on downhill ride.
- Sharp corners and steep drop offs.
- Limited safety barriers on corners.
- Loose gravel and numerous corrugations on downhill ride.
- Obstacles on route to Kayak Transition: wandering stock, cattle stops, narrow gravel roads, vehicle generated dust, foreign drivers.
- Support crews going to this transition will be passing cyclist please keep your speed down and no stopping on the Matukituki Road except at the transition area.
- Road rules apply at all times. Keep left.
Kayak 16 km (Flat/Braided River)(1.15 hrs)(back to main map)
A FANTASTIC kayak down the grade 1 braided Matukituki river to West Wanaka bridge.
Bad weather paddle alternative will be at Glendhu Bay. NOTE Kayak transition will be
manned from 8.00 am. All kayaks to be at transition prior to briefing at 10.00 a.m. KAYAKERS MUST WEAR A KAYAKING HELMET.For detailed description see below.
- A zero to grade one river paddle.
- Condition of river, volume etc will be detailed at the race safety briefing at Treble Cone.
- The course will be marked in some areas by spray painted rock cairns to assist with braid choices.
- Keep Cairns to your immediate left-hand side to guide you to the right braid.
- Known Hazards will be detailed at race briefing.
- A kayak sweeper will ensure you are not left on the bank with a broken paddle and will follow the last competitor onto the river and to the kayak finish.
- Kayak will finish at the run transition, which is at the West Wanaka bridge boat ramp on the true right of the river.
- 1 x Safety jet boat and a 2 safety Kayaker will be in the water at all times.
- If you need assistance attract attention by waving your hand or paddle above your head.
HAZARDS
- Failure to escape an upturned boat.
- Getting caught by a rock or under current if out of your boat.
- Getting pinned between boat and other obstacle.
- Wet and cold conditions re hypothermia.
- Some braids will be marked to ensure the correct route is taken.
- Hazards (tree roots and branches) will be marked with tape and patrolled by Safety Kayakers.
- There will be a physical inspection of Kayaks to ensure they are safe and sea worthy.
A SCENIC off-road run to Glendhu Bay camping ground via trails, paddocks and an old 4x4 farm track. Undulating and muddy! The farm we have access to is for race day only. Please do not go exploring the run course prior to race day. Access to this area is a privilege and we do not want to put this at risk! The run will be clearly marked on the day.For detailed description see below.
- Starts at the boat ramp.
- Run up to the bridge and through the gate on to a single track marked with cones. The track runs through farm paddocks and parallels the West Wanaka road.
- Cross Mt Aspiring Road on the direction of the marshal only. This will occur on two occasions.
- Follow the signs on private farm land until you join the Motatapu Road and re cross Aspiring Road into Glendhu Bay Camping ground.
- Follow road cones through the camping ground until you get to the transition area.
- The run will finish near the entrance to the campground.
HAZARDS
- Other vehicle road users on the roads during the run.
- Wet and slippery conditions on the cross country part of the run course.
- Disorientation from not following the marked course.
A BEAUTIFUL Road Cycle through Wanaka, along highway 89 in the Cardrona Valley to the bottom of the Snow Park access road.For detailed description see below.
- Road cycle starts on the inside of the entrance to Glendhu Bay Camp ground.
- Transition area will be marked.
- Turn left out of the entrance at the motor camp, cycle 10km into Wanaka to the McDougall Street intersection.
- The intersection is marked and marshaled.
- Turn right into McDougall Street and follow this for 25 km's up the Cardrona Valley.
- Turn Left into the Snow Farm and cross the one-way bridge, turn left again and into the MTB transition.
- Road rules apply at all times.
HAZARDS
- For all Cycle legs there will be no road closures and all road rules apply at all times during this race.
- Key intersection: McDougal / Ardmore Street re high traffic volume.
- High visibility clothing worn on the cycle legs is advisable.
- Beware of ice, snow and other hazards on the road surface.
- Beware of vehicles traveling in poor weather conditions
MTB - 11 km up the Snow Park Access Road. (1.20hr)(back to main map)
FINALLY a 'gentle' MTB ride up the unsealed access road to the Snow Park.For detailed description see below.
- Gentle up hill MTB on gravel road.
- Keep left at all times.
- Road rules apply at all times.
- Turn right at the intersection between the the Snow Farm and Snow Park (approx 10km mark).
- Finish across the bridge to the Snow Park Restaurant and Bar.
HAZARDS
- Be aware of vehicle traffic.
- Dust.
