Equipment

• Don't forget your a) wrist band, b) ankle strap & timing chip, c) swim cap, d) swim goggles, e) wet suit (optional), f) bike helmet, g) running shoes, h) cycling shoes (optional), i) sun screen, j) towel, k) socks, l) filled water bottles, and a great attitude.
• USAT Approved Helmets
  Notice to athletes regarding USAT approved helmets for competition .
  
  USA Triathlon requires that all participants use a US CPSC approved bicycle helmet. The CPSC approval sticker is found inside the helmet. As in the past, all professional athletes will have their helmets inspected on race day and any helmet that does not contain the CPSC approval sticker will not be allowed for use. All helmets purchased in the United States are, by law, CPSC approved. Aero or Chrono style helmets may be used but must be CPSC approved.
  
  Examples of approved aero or chrono helmets are:
  

  • Giro Advantage 2	• LAS, Chrono
  • Lazer Chrono 3	• Limar Chrono 05
  • Louis, Garneau Rocket	• Louis Garneau Chrono
  • Rudy Project Syton Supercomp	• Rudy Project Syton Open
  • Shain BK500	• Spiuk Kronos

  
  Examples of aero helmets that do NOT meet CPSC standards and are illegal for use are:
  

  • Bell Meteor II	• Briko Chrono
  • Casco Warp II	• Catlike Chrono
  • Cratoni Chrono	• KED Zeitfahren
  • Limar Superchrono	• MET Pac III
  • Selev Chrono	• Specialized Chrono
  • Uvex Factory Pilot 2

  
  A list of all helmets on the market and whether they are CPSC approved may be found at www.bhsi.org/helmet07.htm . Specific questions may be addressed to Charlie Crawford, USAT Commissioner of Officials. Email Charlie@USATriathlon.org Phone 334-332-9092.

Transition Area

• Transition opens at 4:15am. Regardless of your wave, your bike must be in Transition by 5:45am. Transition is divided into sections by event (Sprint or International). There will be a diagram of the transition area on this web site with an updated rendition at the Course Talks at the Multisport Expo. Racks will be numbered by wave. You must return your bike to the same location in the racks. When racking your bike, rack it by the seat and not the handle bars. You will not be able to pick up your equipment from transition until the last age group participant is out on the run (approximately 11am). Your equipment must be removed from Transition by 2:00pm. The event is not responsible for lost or stolen equipment.
• Only race participants, event staff, event security and volunteers are allowed in the transition area. An event wristband and race number are required for access.
• No extra equipment (wheels, 2nd helmet, 2nd wetsuit, etc.) is allowed in Transition. Transition is fenced & secured by Chicago Police Officers. Gear bags larger than 24" will not be allowed.
• ANSI, CPSC or SNELL approved helmets are required during the cycling portion of the event. You will be prohibited from participating if you don't have an approved helmet (no refunds). Helmets must be buckled in place during all aspects of the bike including inside Transition.
• You must walk your bike in the racks & walk or jog with your bike in the transition lanes to the designated mount & dismount areas at the Bike Out and Bike In transition gates.

Race Numbers & Body Marking

• Your race number must be visible on your body, bike frame, bike helmet & pinned to the front of your run jersey or in front on your race number belt.
• Body marking will be limited to shoulders and the right & left calf.

Timing

• The Accenture Chicago Triathlon is timed with the ChampionChip Electronic Timing System. Participants are required to wear a ChampionChip, strapped on their ankle, throughout the race. NO CHIP, NO TIME, NO RESULTS!!! Chips will be collected at the end of the Finish Zone before entering the hydration area. If you manage to slip through without turning in your chip, please make sure to return to the Finish Zone and drop it off.
• Relay Team Members must pass the strap/chip at each transition at the rack where the team’s bike is racked. Chips will be collected at the end of the Finish Zone.
• If for any reason you are unable to complete the event, you must either turn in your chip at transition when you collect your gear (11am – 2pm) or at the timing tent, located at the finish line. It is mandatory that you turn in your chip so we will have a record that you are safe and off the course. There is a $35 charge for a lost band/chip. Even if you own your chip, it is important that you report in so we will know that you are safe and off the course.

The Swim

• The 1st swim wave will start at 6:00am (unless there's a weather delay). You've been assigned to one of approximately 56 waves. Each wave is designated by a numbered sign (same # as the # on your right calf). The same color cap may be used for more than one wave. Don't change waves. If you have lost or forgotten your cap, report to the information tent, located just north of the Swim Start and get a correctly colored cap.
• You will be entering the swim via a set of metal stairs. Once you are in the water, be careful not to kick in the direction of the stairs where there may be exposed pipe, bolts and clamps.
• The swim is near and parallel to the shore and begins with an in-water start. You will enter & exit the water from stairs anchored to the shore. Be careful when entering. The water is shallow and the bottom is rocky. You should seed yourself according to your swimming ability (fast swimmers to the front). You are prohibited from striking or swimming over another swimmer. Failure to heed the command of an Official or a lifeguard in the Accenture Chicago Triathlon will result in a DQ & ejection from the event (no refunds).
• Any swimmer wearing any artificial propulsion device, including but not limited to fins, gloves, paddles, or floating devices of any kind shall be disqualified from the event.
• If you have entered the water and believe you are in need of assistance from a lifeguard, it is recommended that you roll over on your back and signal to a lifeguard. If a lifeguard believes you are in danger at any point during the swim, the lifeguard has at his or her discretion the right to remove you from the swim leg of the race. If you are not able to complete the swim, you are still entitled to participate in the bike and the run, but please turn in your ChampionChip prior to entering transition to start the bike.
• In the Accenture Chicago Triathlon if the water temperature is 78 degrees or less, wetsuits are allowed. It is recommended that you wait until 5-10 minutes before the start of your wave to put on your suit. Keep the suit rolled down to your waist until just before you enter the water. If you are new to wetsuits, it is recommended that you purchase the wetsuit from a reputable dealer and make sure the suit fits properly. Be sure to heed the manufacturer's warnings. It is also recommended that you train in your wetsuit under supervision before wearing the suit in a competition.

Swim Gear Check

The Bike

• Although a bike safety inspection is not mandatory, it is highly recommended. If an Event Official deems your bike to be unsafe, you will be prohibited from participating in the Event (no refunds). A number of bike shops are offering FREE bike inspections (August 12th-August 22nd). CLICK HERE for a shop near you.
• The Accenture Chicago Triathlon is a USAT sanctioned event. Drafting Marshals on motorcycles will strictly enforce USAT rules including the prohibition of drafting. Officials will also be in Transition. Failure to heed the commands of an Official will result in your disqualification & ejection from the event (no refunds).
• There are caution areas on the bike course (near transition on-ramps and during turns) where you are required to slow & ride single file. Race officials will be on hand, and failure to heed their instructions may result in a penalty or your disqualification (no refunds).
• If you break down on the bike, you must remove yourself and your bike from the course. Bike Course Personnel with vans will be circulating the course. Need assistance? Flag down an official race vehicle! Do not attempt to repair your bike while on the course.

The Run

• The run takes place on roadways & sidewalks in the lakefront park. There may be an occasional in-line skater or recreational cyclist. Keep your eyes open & use caution at the turns. Avoid contact with other runners. If you intentionally strike another runner (Race Officials call), you will be penalized & may be removed from the event (no refunds).