9 Hamilton Island Triathlon Tips from Race Director Steve

With the Hamilton Island Triathlon just around the corner, it’s more important than ever to make sure that you’re prepared on the day. 

We spoke with our Race Director, Steve Jackson, to find out the top 9 insider tips and tricks to get you over the finish line. 

1. The swim has a beach start, so make sure that you practice your entry into the water. It’s a good idea to work out how far out you can wade and then swim before you get there.
    
2. As the beach is tidal, a quick check of the weather conditions on the day will help you get away quickly.
    
3. After the first turn, the swim runs parallel to the shore. Practice breathing just on the right hand side, breathing every 2 or 4 strokes for the unlikely event there is any chop or swell. This will help prevent you taking on water which can be unsettling early in the race.
    
4. Sighting helps minimise the distance that you swim. We normally use catamarans for turning buoys, and if conditions allow, their colourful sails will be up for you to aim for. Aiming for something on shore (a flag, a distinctive landmark or a building) behind where you are heading will give you an even better perspective.
    
5. One of the key areas to concentrate on in the cycle leg is gear selection and the timing of changes. You want to maintain rhythm, and dropping gears too soon will cost you speed and energy.
    
6. New run course for 2021! The monster climb at 4k is no more, but you're not off the hook altogether! The new course has two internal loops in the Marina section. The run start sees you run through the resort, before the punchy little climb up to what we know as Mango Tree Corner.
    
7. Be smart riding up the Mango Tree Corner hill; there's a false flat, so don't power to the corner and have nothing left! Steady on the steep part, pick up the intensity on the false flat and save your legs for the flat and downhill section that follows.
    
8. It's a beach run finish and this year the tide will be on its way out, so there will be more hard sand as the race goes on. Once you hit the beach, head for the water line and run on the compressed sand as you head towards the finish.


9. Remember to smile for a photo at the finish line!