Race Guide the Cowman 2016

Home , Emberton, Milton Keynes, Newport Pagnell, Wolverton

RACE GUIDE THE COWMAN 2016

Big Cow’s aim is to secure the safety of all athletes who are competing in our events. With this in mind we provide a team of well-trained, experienced stewards and crew, to aid your race, maintain the rules, but also make the experience an enjoyable one. We have kept 2015 pricing for 2016, making our events cost effective for everyone from Novice to Elite. We will look after your every need from the time you arrive into the park to the time you leave.

VENUE & CAR PARKING:

HERON WATER

Y Emberton Country Park A E

N 5

L 0

Olney Road

Emberton

Buckinghamshire

MK46 5FJ

GREBE LAKE

SNIPE POOL

EMBERTON

COUNTRY PARK

HARVE Y

DRIVE

A O

0 E

D 9

N R

HULT L ON T DRIV O E

L L

T L T A B

PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN THE VILLAGES. WE HAVE ENOUGH FREE PARKING INSIDE EMBERTON PARK FOR ALL CARS. Free parking is for all athletes and spectators coming in the gates before the race starts after such time entry fees apply.

BigCow Events @BigCowevents1 99 WOLVERTON ROAD NEWPORT PAGNELL MK16 8HX [email protected] www.big-cow.com RACE GUIDE THE COWMAN 2016

EMBERTON COUNTRY PARK

IMPORTANT RACE DAY NOTES 1 This is the point you will enter the park. You will be greeted by a steward who will direct you to available parking

2 Main field. No vehicles are allowed here OLNEY AND NORTHAMPTON Public static toilets HERON WATER – the lake for the open water swim OTTER POOL

HERON WATER

MAIN

GREBE LAKE FIELD

SNIPE POOL

1 STATIC CARAVAN PARK

GATEHOUSE

NEWPORT PAGNELL AND MILTON KEYNES

EVENT MANAGEMENT TEAM: Race Director – Mark Booth (please contact though Michelle Quill) Senior Event Manager – Michelle Quill – [email protected]

BigCow Events @BigCowevents1 99 WOLVERTON ROAD NEWPORT PAGNELL MK16 8HX [email protected] www.big-cow.com RACE GUIDE THE COWMAN 2016

GENERAL RACE INFORMATION

RACE PACKS We do not send race packs in the post. The times you are able to collect your pack are:

SATURDAY 16:00 – 18:00 COLLECTION ADDRESS: Emberton Country Park, Olney Road, Emberton SUNDAY 05:00 – 06:45 Buckinghamshire MK46 5FJ

Items that will be in your race pack: • 2x Race Numbers • Swim hat • Bike label for your seat post • Timing chip strap (place onto the LEFT ankle) • Timing chip • Leaflets to read at your leisure • Day Licence – if you don’t already have BTF race licence • Your free gift for racing with Big Cow

KEY TIMINGS FOR RACE DAY 05:00 Registration opens 05:00 Transition opens 06:45 Registration closes 06:45 Transition closes 06:50 Race briefing 07:00 WAVES 1 – AGE GROUP One Wave LETTER CATEGORY ALL

REFEREE FOR THE DAY Daren Haseldine

BigCow Events @BigCowevents1 99 WOLVERTON ROAD NEWPORT PAGNELL MK16 8HX [email protected] www.big-cow.com RACE GUIDE THE COWMAN 2016

HEALTH AND SAFETY

RISK ASSESSMENT LOST OR FOUND CHILDREN A copy is held at registration for your viewing. All stewards and crew members are fully briefed These assessments are carried out every year and on how to deal with these situations. checked before each race for your safety If you, as a member of the public, get into a and comfort. situation of finding a child without a parent or FIRST AID & EMERGENCIES guardian, or yourself have lost a child, please contact the nearest member of the Big Cow team For all issues with athletes or spectators, whether who will assist you with your needs. it is an emergency or not please contact Michelle Quill through one of the stewards or crew The Big Cow team can be recognised by their members. Michelle will take care of contacting red uniform, a high visibility vest or yellow lanyard relatives and paperwork regarding the incident. with the wording ‘MARSHAL’ on it.

MEDICAL COVER BY: R.A.C.E – Pete Nolan

WATER SAFETY TEAM: Canoe Trail – Bedford

BigCow Events @BigCowevents1 99 WOLVERTON ROAD NEWPORT PAGNELL MK16 8HX [email protected] www.big-cow.com RACE GUIDE THE COWMAN 2016

SPONSORS

BODY LIMITS CLINIC MULTISPORT DISTRIBUTION (MSD) Body Limits offers its customers a commitment to total MSD was formed following the merger of Fusion Sports health and fitness through it’s specialist clinic UK and Erox UK. The stated intention of MSD is to and gymnasium practice. build the UK’s premier multisport (swim, bike, run) Our experienced therapists will provide you with an ‘distribution’ company to deliver multisport products accurate diagnosis and fast effective treatment for a into the UK (and other european markets) with whole range of physical conditions and sports injuries. an unrivalled level of customer service. More than that, you will experience caring therapists and Brands include; Fusion Sports UK, Xlab, ISM saddles a warm welcome. Whatever your age, choice of lifestyle & Nineteen wetsuits to name a few. or sporting activity, it’s good to know that there is a team www.multisportdistribution.co.uk of experienced therapists whenever the need arises. Our therapists will be your massage team for this event. PRECISION HYDRATION www.body-limits.co.uk Precision Hydration sweat test serious athletes, providing them with Personalised Hydration Plans & multi-strength CORLEY CYCLES electrolytes that match how they sweat. They’re the Bike Maintenance Official Hydration Partners of The Cowman Middle Distance and Sprint races in 2016 and will be providing We have Corley Cycles on hand for your last minute multi-strength electrolytes at our aid stations. Take their bike needs, but remember on race day BTF rules say: free online Sweat Test to find out what strength is right 26.2 During the event, competitors are individually for you and use the code COWMAN10 for 10% off your responsible for the repair of their machines. first order 29.5 The following penalties will be imposed for infringements: Disqualification – to include, GET BUZZING but not limited to: Outside assistance WHAT WE ARE MADE OF So make sure your bike is sorted for race day! We’re about real food, real taste and real expectations, www.corleycycles.com that’s our promise to you. We’re full of natural fruity goodness but there’s not a nut in sight and we’ve zero additives, preservatives and colourings. RESULTS BASE Results Base was officially launched in April 2014, with a central base in Milton Keynes and additional Southern and Northern offices. However, we are by no means a new starter in the timing industry! Every member of the 12-strong founding team has many years of experience of working first-hand in the events industry. This outstanding combined experience across all areas of event management, and of course event timing, means we are in an un-challenged position to support every aspect of your event.

BigCow Events @BigCowevents1 99 WOLVERTON ROAD NEWPORT PAGNELL MK16 8HX [email protected] www.big-cow.com RACE GUIDE THE COWMAN 2016

HELPFUL INFORMATION

CATERING TROPHIES There will be a catering van available with a Along with the photography we would like to selection of foods, so pop along and see Nick introduce our trophy supplier: and his team. Mick Howard [email protected] WASTE AND LITTER MANAGEMENT Mick has been with us as a supplier for many, many Emberton Country Park provide us with waste bins years and is brilliant! He has never let us down. within the park normally kept within the trees by We are offering for you: the portaloos. Please use these to place all litter in. A chance to gain a plaque to stick on the back of If you use energy bars or gels, please either drop your Cowman finishers medal with your race times. the wrappers at the marshaling points or take them This can be a total time or split into the disciplines. to the end with you. The fee for this service: We want to remain using this country park and keep £3.50 plaque, 50p postage and packing everyone, including animals safe so please use the £4 total (Payable to Mick direct) bins provided and protect Emberton Country Park. Email him with your times and details and he will We had problems in 2015 with discarded gel take care of the rest! wrappers. These must be dropped at marshal points or at the finish line. Anyone found disposing of BALLOONS these wrappers incorrectly will be disqualified. Our lovely finish line is provided to us by Steve at: www.dreamsballoonart.co.uk TOILET FACILITIES A local company who have provided us with our There are a set of static toilets by the café in the balloons for the last 2 years, not only for events, park but we also provide portaloos within the main but for our parties too!! field where the transition and finish areas are.

CAMPING Camping is also available and is within the confines of the park. Full park details can be found at: www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/embertoncountrypark or give them a call on 01234 711575.

BigCow Events @BigCowevents1 99 WOLVERTON ROAD NEWPORT PAGNELL MK16 8HX [email protected] www.big-cow.com RACE GUIDE THE COWMAN 2016

RACING INFORMATION RACE BRIEFING All of the competitors must attend the briefing prior to the start of their race, which will be by the start of the swim. In this briefing any hazards will be highlighted and explained. Youmust attend in order to get the correct information before the race starts.

1. SWIM Wetsuits Wetsuits are compulsory for our open water swims when the temperature is below 15°C. For your heath and safety we will only accept optional wetsuits if the water temperature is above 22°C and will only ban wetsuits if the water temperature is above 23°C.

2. BIKE Helmet Drafting A correctly fitting cycle helmet is compulsory and Competitors must keep their distance from the must be worn for the cycle section. cyclist in front of them, so as not to gain an advantage. Approved cycling safety helmets of ANSIZ90.4, SNELLB90, EN1078 or an equivalent national In standard distance and shorter events, the gap standard must be worn by competitors. between the front wheel of the leading bike, NB: A CE mark is NOT an approval mark. to the front wheel of the following bike should be 10 metres – if overtaking a competitor, you Bike passing conduct have 20 seconds to pass through their draft zone. It is the overtaking cyclist’s responsibility to make the pass safely. In middle and long distance events, the gap is 12 metres and the time allowed to pass through Bike Collection is 25 seconds. Once all the bikes are in and the transition is reopened for bike collection please go around the outside of the course. Head to the front of the park where you came in on your bike. Please do not go back around the run course. The path is a small one and should be left for the runners in order to make it a fair race for everyone.

3. RUN Numbers Make sure your number is on your front for that photo finish!

BigCow Events @BigCowevents1 99 WOLVERTON ROAD NEWPORT PAGNELL MK16 8HX [email protected] www.big-cow.com RACE GUIDE THE COWMAN 2016

RACING INFORMATION ALL DISCIPLINES TRANSITION RULES • Competitors are ultimately responsible for their • All our races are non-drafting events own safety and for the safety of others. (time penalties apply). • Competitors must take responsibility for • Officials and competitors are only allowed knowing the technical and competition in transition. rules and for abiding by them. • Bike labels/numbers must be on bikes before • It is the competitor’s responsibility to be entering transition. properly prepared for an event and to ensure • Race numbers must be on front and back or his or her equipment is suitable and fit for its with use of a number belt. intended purpose, including his or her bike, which must be roadworthy. • No marking position in transition, all places are number marked according to your race number. • If your race contains laps it will be your responsibility to count these. • You must rack your bike in its numbered allotted space. • Timing chip must be worn on your left ankle. • iPods, MP3 players, other music players or • No chip, no time! mobile phones are prohibited during the race. RULES AND REGULATIONS • No bikes will be allowed out of transition until all the competitors have completed • Check out the BTF handbook for the bike section of the race. An announcement complete rules. when bikes are available will be made from the race director. • No nudity in transition. • Glass containers must not be used at any time. • Please show your race number to gain access. Your race number and your bike number must be the SAME for your bike removal.

COURSE TIME LIMITS The time limit for this race is: 1:30 for Swim 5:30 for combined Swim and Bike

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE RULES OR DISREGARDING STEWARD’S REQUESTS MAY LEAD TO DISQUALIFICATION.

BigCow Events @BigCowevents1 99 WOLVERTON ROAD NEWPORT PAGNELL MK16 8HX [email protected] www.big-cow.com RACE GUIDE THE COWMAN 2016

RACING INFORMATION SPECTATORS LOST PROPERTY Big Cow like to make sure we look after everyone, All lost property found must be handed in to including spectators. We have one transition for registration. The team will place it into a box. both swim to bike and bike to run. The transition If we haven’t had it handed in by the time you go is in the main headquarters. The swim is visible home please contact Michelle Quill on the email and you are able to accompany your athlete to the address below. Anything returned by post will swim and see them start. It is then a 2 minute walk be at the charge of postage only and receipt on back to transition in the main field to see them exit being sent. their swim. You can then make your way out of the field via the main entrance you drove in from to WATER STATIONS watch the bike if there are multiple laps. The run Water and/or energy drinks are provided at each is around the park and comes past transition each one, no gels or other substance are given out. time depending on the number of laps. The finish line is also next to transition and the swim exit. RESULTS AND PRESENTATION So all in all a very spectator friendly event for This will take place at the end of the race, if the all to enjoy. event is overall placing the presentation may start Things to help us make our race safe, earlier but will be interrupted when people cross help competitors and not obstruct them: the line as every competitor is important to us. • Please don’t block entrances or If it is age group prizes then every competitor exits to transition. will have to have finished before the prize giving can start. • Please don’t lean on barriers for health and safety reasons. We will only give out prizes on the day, nothing will be sent in the post. • If you need to cross the course please look both ways and respect the steward if they ask you to For this event we will be doing 1st position age wait. They will only ask if there is good reason. group prizes only. Plus overall 1-5 male and female. One prize per competitor. • Dogs are welcome but PLEASE keep them on leads in the main field. Also remember to bring Prizes will be presented to 1st position of age enough supplies to clear up after your dogs, group only. Plus, overall positions 1st to 5th male this is a country park. and female. One prize per competitor. The main thing to remember is SHOUT loudly and cheer as much as you can.

BigCow Events @BigCowevents1 99 WOLVERTON ROAD NEWPORT PAGNELL MK16 8HX [email protected] www.big-cow.com RACE GUIDE THE COWMAN 2016

THE RACE… STEP BY STEP

1 Arrive at Emberton Country Park 2 Make your way to the registration tents 3 Queue according to your surname initial 4 Get your license ready! (if you don’t have one there will already be a day license in your pack) 5 Collect your pack and freebie 6 Put your bike label on your seat post 7 Have your number in your hand so they match up as you go into transition 8 Head to transition 9 Get your leg marked – RIGHT CALF 10 Find your numbered space on the racking 11 Sort all your bits and pieces out 12 Place your medical information, if you have any on the back of your number just in case of an emergency 13 Get to race briefing at swim start 14 SWIM, BIKE, RUN, FINISH 15 Be chuffed, eat some fruit 16 Hand your chip back before exiting the athlete finish enclosure 17 Get your time, although this will be subject to any potential time penalties 18 Get a massage 19 Race presentation 20 Enter you next race! Well Done!!

AND FINALLY! Upload and tag yourself and friends in your pictures of the day. Best pictures at the end of the season will receive a treat courtesy of The Big Cow Crew!!

BigCow Events @BigCowevents1

BigCow Events @BigCowevents1 99 WOLVERTON ROAD NEWPORT PAGNELL MK16 8HX [email protected] www.big-cow.com