expaTRIés Paris Triathlon Race Briefing

The Paris Triathlon takes places on 30/August in Bois de Boulogne. As it is an Olympic or International distance event, it is great first triathlon for beginners especially as there is a favourable current on the swim which is the discipline most beginners dread. Otherwise, the bike is the standard 40 KM* and followed by a 10 KM run. The top athletes will finish in slightly less than 2 hours but most amateurs hope to finish in less than 3 hours thus a more manageable athletic endeavour than a marathon. And, without that pesky wall at Mile 20.

Consequently, many in this group have entered. If you are interested, there are still places available.

Of those who have entered, many have even done a few training rides with expaTRIés, the English speak triathlon club based in Paris. But if this year is too soon, do contact us about preparing for next year as we have training rides/swims/run all year long. Our website is http://www.expatries-....

Since any triathlon can be a little confusing: Where do I put my bike and sneakers? Why do I have two numbers? How do I take off my wetsuit? expaTRIés will be having a briefing, in English, that explains everything that you need or would ever want to know about triathlons. I, Brian, will be leading the briefing. I am the directeur sportif of the club and Paris will be my 34th triathlon which includes 6 Ironman.

The exact details of registration haven’t been made public yet but we are tentatively planning to meet at the Grande Cascade at noon on the 29/August. First, I will explain what to do with your sneakers, bike, etc. and answer all of your remaining questions. If there is interest, we will even ride the course. After riding the course, we will pick up our registration packets and check our bikes.

As such, please bring your bike. It is not necessary but, most likely, you will, regardless, have to check in your bike on Saturday. This is, in fact, standard for most triathlons. Don’t worry, they will be safe as not only will they be secured by the organizers of the race, there will be, trust me, much more expensive bikes to steal. (Speaking of which, has anybody seen a 2003 Trek Madone in US Postal Team colors with non-stickered Hed Alp wheels?)

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me.

And, don’t forget some ID as well as your license or medial certificate as the organizers may want to see them at registration.

*Last year, the bike leg was only 38 but the standard distance is 40. However, they may be able to extend the bike course 2 KM this year.