Timing a Triathlon
Swimming, cycling and running: the timing system and tags you use for timing a triathlon must work perfectly across all three sporting disciplines. With timingsense you can choose between a passive or an active system. Here we explain what each consists of.
PASSIVE SYSTEM
For the bigger trials
ACTIVE SYSTEM
When every reading matters
What will you need for triathlon timing, using a passive system?
TS2
The most reliable passive UHF timing equipment.
Floor antennas
Used for timing transitions and finish in a triathlon
Lateral antennas
These are the recommended option for timing the exit from the water in a triathlon.
Reusable passive tag
The most resistant option for passive systems, using high quality neoprene tape.
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Setting up passive system timing points for a triathlon
For timing a typical triathlon with five checkpoints in all, three of these will be located at the end of each respective leg: Swim, Cycle and Run, of which this last is also the finish line. Triathlons also have two transition timing points.
One at the exit from the transition area at the start of the cycling leg (Transition 1), and another at the exit from the transition area at the start of the running leg (Transition 2). In the plan we’re suggesting here, the Swim and Transition 1 timing points are not situated in the same physical place, unlike those of Transition 2 and Cycle which share a single location.
Recommendations
At the end of the Swim leg, we advise the use of lateral antennas to read the passive tags. Also, the further this checkpoint is from the actual water, the better. At the remaining checkpoints, however, it’s better not to use lateral antennas because the floor antennas will be adequate. Like this, you can avoid taking unwanted readings due to timing points being too close.
What’s needed for timing a triathlon using the active system
TSActive
Use this active timing system at the triathlon timing points.
Reusable active tag
Precise and rechargeable using Qi and with Bluetooth technology.
App
Use a smartphone for each of your chosen timing points.
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Setting up a triathlon with active system timing points
For timing a typical triathlon with five checkpoints in all, three of these will be located at the end of each respective leg: Swim, Cycle and Run, of which this last is also the finish line.
Triathlons also have two transition timing points: one at the exit from the transition area at the start of the cycling leg (Transition 1), and another at the exit from the transition area at the start of the running leg (Transition 2). Use TSRex to set up your timing points.
In our suggested plan, the Swim and Transition 1 timing points share the same physical location, as do the Transition 2 and Cycle checkpoints..
Thanks to the active tag’s Bluetooth technology, you can also take time measurements at intermediate checkpoints without needing a big investment of technology or personnel: you just need to station a volunteer there, armed with a smartphone and the App.
Recommendations
If the transition area entrances and exits are close to one another, you can use a single TSRex to time them. With a TSRex you can cover up to 12m. If, for example, the exit point from the water (Swim leg) and the arrival point from the Cycle leg are close together, you can use a single device for both. In case you get duplicates, the best solution is to make a lap check using a good piece of software such as Copérnico. With an active system you won’t lose a single reading even if the spread is wide.
SUCCESS STORY
AsTri Veracruz
The Veracruz triathlon is the biggest in Latin America. To time this triathlon a total of ten TS2 systems were used, distributed along seven checkpoints, including a start timing point at the beginning of the race.
- Boza del Río, Veracruz (México)
- 3.000 participants
- Timed for
Thinking of timing a triathlon?
Let us help you! Tell us your plans and we’ll be happy to assist.
