Feeling Nervous? Good, coz there's only 4 days to go!

Getting the heebie-jeebies? Well, we have because the clock is ticking - and this time 4 days we will be just hours away from the dawn of triAthlone 2006! For those of you who are have their first initiation into triathlon, it a time to just chill out, read the Athlete Pack, and make sure that you have a clear picture in your head of what gear to bring, your pre-race nutrition and hydration, running order of the race etc. One of Ireland's top 10 triathletes and Midland Triathlon Club member Derek Nugent is preparing a general advice piece which will be posted here later for all of you who feel you need some help in preparing for the big day.

So here is some of the latest news and running order for the happenings on the big day:

-> Registration opens at 12.00 in Athlone Castle. It closes at 3.30 for Classic/Relays and 4.30 for Elites.
-> Setup your transition area (it will be numbered). No bags or boxes are allowed in transition - just your bike/helmet/etc
-> Following Registration/Trans setup, you should walk to the Finish Control Area to the Baggage Drop Tent.
-> Your Goodie Bag will contain your Race Numbers, Swim Cap, ID Card etc.
-> KEEP YOUR ID CARD ON YOU! You won't get in anywhere with it!
-> Put on your wetsuit in Finish Control Area, and walk to the Pontoon for Race start. Classic/Relay, get there before 4.50!
-> Here you will put in your wave according to your Agegroup.
-> Classic and Relay Races start IN the water. Elites start on the Pontoon.
-> The swim safety team numbers 60 in total and is lead by Athlone Sub-Aqua Club.
-> On exiting the water, the run into transition is up the steps by the castle.
-> For Classic/Relay athletes, bike racks will be down the middle of Grace Road - & will be numbered.
-> For Classic/Relay athletes, Rules of the Road apply during the cycle. Roads are NOT closed.
-> A corridor will be barriered across the Town Bridge on exit of transition to begin the run.
-> The Run Route has been modified, and will now not go through the Civic Centre
-> From the left turn at Griffith Street, it will now come STRAIGHT up Church Street.
-> Prize Presentation will now take place at 9.30pm on a Podium in front of the Civic Centre.
-> Post-Race Party kicks off at 10.00pm in the Price of Wales Hotel, adjacent to the Civic Centre.
-> DON'T loose your ID Card - No ID Card, NO FREE ACCESS TO POST RACE PARTY!

We're all really looking forward to seing you Saturday. Let the fun and games begin.....