Age Group Teams

FAQ’s

1. I want to compete in Triathlons, how do I get started?

The best place to source information about triathlons in your region is to contact and join your Provincial Governing Body (PGB) for the sport of triathlon. There you will find lists of races, training resources, and information pertaining to Triathlons near you. For a list of and contact information for Provincial Governing Bodies, click HERE.

2. What is an Age Group Athlete?

An Age Group Athlete is an amateur athlete of any age who competes within a group categorized by gender and his/her 5 year age bracket. 

3. Who is Triathlon Canada and what is their mandate?

Triathlon Canada is the recognized national governing body for triathlon and its related disciplines.  It is a Registered Amateur Athletic Association  formed in 1990.  They are a member of the International Triathlon Union (ITU), Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), Commonwealth Games Canada (CGC), and the Pan American Triathlon Confederation (PATCO). Triathlon Canada’s goal is to achieve international high performance excellence in triathlon and provide leadership and support for a vibrant Canadian triathlon community.  It’s mandate is “To Promote, foster, organize and develop the sport of triathlon, and its related disciplines, in Canada”. 

4. What is the ITU and what are the ITU World Championships?

The International Triathlon Union, or ITU, is the world governing body of the sport of triathlon.  The ITU is also responsible for related multi-sports such as duathlon, long distance duathlon, winter triathlon and aquathlon.  The ITU is headquartered in Vancouver, BC. 

Triathlon is unique in that age group athletes can compete against each other in internationally recognized competition, often on the same course as Olympians such as Simon Whitfield.  ITU events, such as Age Group World Championships, require athletes to qualify for their world championship age group teams.

5. Are there other ITU age group races other than the ITU World Championships?

Every ITU World Championship Series race has an age group race, where Canadian athletes can enter.  You may race in any one of the World Series events leading up to the final ITU World Championships.  Check http://www.triathlon.org/ for more information.

6. What happens if I get injured leading up to the World Championships?

You must notify Triathlon Canada immediately if you are injured  and unable to compete at the World Championships.  The Team membership fee of $125 is not refundable.  If Triathlon Canada is notified before your team uniforms have been ordered or before the race entry has been charged then you will be refunded the cost of the uniform and the race entry fee.  Once the team uniform has been ordered or if the race entry has been charged, they are no longer refundable.  You may not defer your team membership fees and other fees to the following year.

7. I was on the World Championship team last year and I have last years race uniform, do I still need to buy a new uniform?

Yes, you will need a new uniform.  Triathlon Canada wants to present its Team of triathletes in the best possible way while competing internationally for Canada.  This means athletes should all look like a team.  Also, sport technology is always advancing and changing.  The materials used for our racing uniform represent the latest technology for high performance athletes.  This year, 2010, we will have a new uniform sponsor and new uniform designed for Canadian team athletes.
 
8. Can I solicit sponsors?  Can I decal my uniform?

Yes, though your race uniform will carry the logo of current Triathlon Canada sponsors and your last name, you can add logos as long as they conform to the ITU uniform regulations.  For more information on where you can place your sponsor(s) logos and sizes, please click HERE.

9. Does my Team Fee include my Race Entry Fee?

No, Race entry fees will be determined at a later date and is determined by the host race organizers.  You will be notified by email of the final fee once Triathlon Canada is notified.  Race Fee normally range from CAN$50 to CAN$400 depending on the event and location. 

10. Can my friends or family come to the World Championships?

Friends and family are welcome to visit and spectate at the world championships at their own expense.  Extra tickets to events/meals can usually be purchased from World Championship host organizers.  Races and competitors can also be tracked live at http://www.triathlon.org/  or on the host website.  There is no cost for spectators to view Age Group Races or Elite Races at the World Championships.

11. I have a disability, can I still compete?

Triathlon Canada supports the paratriathlete, also known as ‘Athletes With A Disability (AWAD)”. There are currently six categories for physically challenged athletes to compete in at the ITU World Triathlon Championships each year.  For more information please click HERE.