Thanks to The Pineapple Inn for providing all the pictures commemorating the coming of the 2010 Games torch to Rincón.

 

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The good thing about the Triathlon event is that the roads will be closed for only a few hours.

The Course:
Competitors begin with a mass start for the swim leg of the race. The swim is followed by the bike course and finishes with the run.

“What distinguishes the Triathlon from other multi-event sports such as the Decathlon is that the competition is continuous without breaks or rest periods between the events. The transition time from swimming to biking and finally to running is crucial. The time it takes to transition can be the difference between winning and losing,” said Albert. “If swimming is not the athlete’s strongest event, positioning is key as the swim sets the stage for the entire race.”

After the open water swim, the second leg of the Triathlon requires competitors to ride a bike six (6) loops over the Carr. #115 course of 40 km. (24.9 miles) in length. This course is technically more difficult from previous Triathlon’s because it has been shortened and therefore there are sharper and more turns. When traveling at high speed and with other bikers close to you, a tight turn, well – executed will require greater technical ability.

The final leg of the Triathlon competition consists of a 1,000 meter run over a four (4) loop road course along the Balneario of Rincón. “All the strategy and positioning of the first two legs bring the tri-athletes to the final segment of the competition. An athlete whose strongest event is the swim and/or biking can build up a lead and challenge stronger runners who are behind,” Albert explained. The transition from the bike to the run is crucially important. The athletes must discard their cycling gear and put on their running shoes as efficiently as possible.

The competition on the 25th is unique because it will be the first time in the history of Olympic Triathlon that there will be a Relay Race with teams. The teams will consist of two men and two women. At this time fourteen countries are scheduled to participate. This totally new event will be featured at the 2010 Games.

Plan to get to Rincón with the athletes before 5:30 a.m. and view the whole event. Or use the parking lots and shuttle buses to viewing areas. It should be an exciting two days.

If you are interested in participating in training for a race or a Triathlon, you can meet Albert Morales and other runners by going to the Balneario at 6:00 a.m. any morning. Albert told me, “Show me someone willing to run and train at 6:00 a.m., I’ll be eager to help with training.” Get yourself some running shoes and try it.