As you may be aware from previous newsletters, the Executive has recently been deliberating on the subject of junior competition in Bermuda. Triathlon continues to grow in popularity among juniors and most races on our calendar include races for them.

 Among interested parties there has been a push for the structure of junior races in Bermuda to be more formalized. For the past couple of season we have seen different races using a variety of age groups and distances. Clearly, one of the major roles of the BTA is to promote the sport at a junior level, and to provide an environment at races that is both safe and enjoyable for the young participants.

 Over the past several weeks, the Executive has entertained submissions on the subject from a number of interested parties and has now decided to adopt a set of requirements that will be applied to all BTA-sanctioned junior races in Bermuda.

The Executive believes that the result is a structure that meets the needs of the majority of our young triathletes, while providing flexibility for individual athletes who want a greater challenge. The structure adopted, which will be effective from the Pirates Port race onwards, is as follows:

 

Junior Age Group and Distances

  1. All junior races (with the exception of the Capital G Iron kids race) will follow the same age group classification and distances, as set out below. Age is to be determined on race day. Distances are mandatory, not guidelines:

Age Group

Swim

(m)

Bike

(K)

Run

(K)

 

 

 

 

7-8

100

5

1

9-10

100

5

1

11-12

200

10

2

13-14

200

10

2

13-15 advanced (see 3)

300

15

3

13-15 sprint

750

20

5

 

  1. Separate racing bike/mountain bike categories may be provided in any or all age groups at the discretion of the race director.

  2. The provision of the 13-15 advanced distance race is at the discretion of the race director. Participation for 13 and 14 year olds in the advanced distance (if provided) is at the discretion of the athlete.
  3. All swim courses of 300m or less to be parallel to the beach, if local conditions allow.

  4. At the discretion of the race director any junior may choose to race in the next higher age group.
  5. At the discretion of the race director, additional non-competitive fun races for juniors under 7 years of age may be provided over appropriate distances and with appropriate supervision.
  6. Aero bars are not permitted for juniors 12 and under