Monaco's own triathlon.
On 5th September this year, there'll be plenty of people leaving the car at home and traveling by one of 3 self propelled means of transport. Yes, triathlon returns to Monte Carlo, but this year there's a difference. Monaco is hosting its own brand of the competition that tests athletes' stamina. It's called TriStar111 and includes a 1km swim, 100km bike ride and 10km run.
Last year's fastest competitor completed the Monaco Ironman 70.3 (half ironman) in just over 4h15, and the 2010 event organizers are expecting the winner to arrive in around 3 to 4 hours. Starting at 8am, swimmers dive into the ocean en masse from Larvotto Beach. After a 1km swim there's little time to dry off, as competitors jump onto their bikes and pedal towards Roquebrune Cap-Martin, then into the hills for a 100km ride through mountain villages. There won't be much time to admire the scenery tho', as the fastest back to the Principality park up and set off for the final 10km run, taking in many of Monte Carlo's most famous landmarks.
If you're mad enough to want to enter the grueling challenge, you need a 2010 license from a national triathlon federation, otherwise you'll have to buy a one day license from the Monegasque Triathlon Federation at race registration. It costs 30 euros and you'll need a medical certificate for "practicing triathlon in competition". The same rules apply for relay teams, whose members need either a triathlon license or one for the relevant relay sport (swimming, cycling or running).
Although the race itself is on the Sunday, Larvotto Beach will be welcoming visitors from 3rd September:
Fri 3rd September
- 9:00 - 18:00, expo and registration
Sat 4th September
- 9:00 - 18:00, expo
- 9:00 - 13:00, registration
- 13:00 - 17:00, bike and bags check-in
Sun 5th September
- 06:30, bike park opens
- 08:00 - 18:00, expo
- 08:00, start of the first TriStar111 Monaco
- 08:15, start of the first Relay TriStar111 Monaco
- 11:00, finish line party
- 14:00 - 17:00, bike and bags check-out
- 15:00, finish line closes
- 19:00, party in the Chapiteau Fontvieille
For more information, visit the TriStar111 Monaco website.
