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Hi there,
The ninth annual Rydges Capricorn Half Ironman triathlon is confirmed for August 17th 2008 at the sensational Rydges Capricorn Resort at Yeppoon in central QLD.
The event is open to both Individual and Relay Team Entries and in fact celebrates the tenth year of LD triathlon in Yeppoon (though you have to wait another year for the tenth anniversary of a Half Ironman there - so why not use this as a practice!)
A recent visit to Capricorn saw some minor revisions to the run course that now eradicates the dirt road run at the back of the course, with more time now spent in the grounds of the resort! It's great for spectators, competitors and especially the aid station volunteers, who are now no longer in the dirt and dust all day!
All facets of the race have been reviewed and tune ups made where required as we want this race to be the very best experience for you, your family and/or supporters!
ACCOMMODATION AT THE RYDGES CAPRICORN RESORT:
Tri Travel advises they have a limited number of Resort Kitchenettes (sleep you and some mates and a cook!), Resort Suites (Live it up a little with a few mates!!), and just a few One Bedroom Apartments (You and your partner and a couple of mates!) still available - BUT be fast as they won't last. When they've gone it's a drive in from Yeppoon!!)
IS THIS RACE ON YOUR TO-DO LIST? IF IT ISN'T CHANGE YOUR LIST!
Here's some simple reasons to start your Ironman journey at the Rydges Capricorn Half Ironman; as part of your entry you will receive:
1. Up to six months training program advice from Aeromax International - available as you need it, online (but of course if you haven't yet entered you're leaving your training a little late!
2. Every competitor gets a Capricorn Hoodie, PLUS there's optional and race specific merchandise - just order through your entry form or on the optional and downloadable form (coming soon to the website at www.capricornhalf.com)!
3. One FOC entry to the club or training squad that posts the most entries to the race BY THE CLOSE OF STANDARD ENTRIES.
4. Score points for the National Half Ironman Series for you, and your club...
5. Come for the parties, stay for the race!
And did we say this race will validate your entry to Ironman Australia, (you can enter Ironman later!), providing you finish in 7h30m or earlier.
So don't miss out on the best sun and fun filled race on the Half Ironman series calendar, and don't forget we take entries until the nominated closing date or up to 600 competitors, whichever comes first.
An update of the entry stats show that right now we are heading towards record entries!
The field has actually reached 50% total capacity with a surge of entries in recent days. At our last stat count however there were 221 male entries and 73 females in 21 age group and open categories plus a brace of teams and these numbers have now increased further. We now have entries from every state and territory in Australia (except NT) and a BIG group from New Zealand looking to also "Escape Winter!" - and what a year to head north from the frigid conditions in both NZ and Oz.
There are an amazing 71 clubs and squads represented in this year's race so far; the biggest numbers ever seen here and hey continue to grow. Remember the FOC entries are granted to the club with the most entries at close of early entry - and that's 8:00pm, July 25th.
The Club entry list now looks like this... There are now 40 tri clubs with one entry each, 13 with two each and with three entries each we have BRATS, LAPD, Newcastle, North Harbour, Ringwood, Samford, Sharks, and Sunshine Coast.
There's been four entries each for Balance Tri Club, Bilbys, Croc Squad, Engadine, Intraining and Southport Tri Club...with five each for Maitland and Noosa tri clubs...
Right now the top clubs are Mackay, with six entries, then Coffs Harbour and TriBal with seven each and leading the charge is the East Coast Cycos on 9 entries! By the way, there are 105 entries who have so far entered with no club details!
With four weeks of entries remaining to the cut off for the free entry; there's going to be some changes! May the best club win out and there's an entry awaiting!
Other big news is the amazing open category for the race current also growing on a weekly basis with top competitors currently including in no particular order, Brian Fuller, Chris Kemp, Josh Rix, Sam Hume, Nathan Stewart, Boyd Conrick and don't be surprised if we see 2005 winner Leon Griffin back in action this year, together with some more big names still to confirm...
In the women's race former World Champ Jo King is making her first appearance in Yeppoon, together with 2007 runner up and third placed ladies, Nicole Ward and Elly Franks and you can add in Kate Bevilaqua and Melinda Cockshutt.
The pressure will be on come race day and there are more surprises to come!
ADMINISTRATION
In keeping with changes in general IMG Ironman policy; X-Tri has moved to change the date for last withdrawals closer to the race date and so we'll make refunds, less admin fees, for all withdrawals notified in writing up until 5:00pm on Wednesday August 13th.
Our next admin run will include refunding all withdrawals made to date. As per our withdrawal policy, this can happen as late as after the event, however we attempt to make these admin runs at least each fortnight this close to the race.
Please note we've also moved to work with the many age groupers who inadvertently entered the open category and those changes we are aware of have been made. If you haven't yet entered PLEASE NOTE that there is an AGE GROUP entry as well as an OPEN Category choice - and these are divided into Association Membership and non membership divisions. Please note that club membership alone does not contain Association membership in most cases.
ACCOMMODATION UPDATE:
The good news is that Tri Travel some rooms remaining in the Rydges Capricorn Resort. Once the allocation has been exhausted Rydges will look to place rooms in their Motel (around 500 metres from the resort proper on immediate sale at a reduced price (it's not the resort, though all facilities there are open to those staying at the resort.)
We'll publish a special information sheet to cover procedures if this happens.
Capricorn Coast Tourism also advises that there is a growing number of quality accommodation properties in the Yeppoon area also, covering caravan parks to 4 star accommodation, so if you are currently without accommodation or looking for a bed for this event - first try 1 800 22 50 22 and talk to the specialists at Tri Travel or for local accommodation, go directly to www.capricorncoast.com.au, where all the CCTO accommodation members are listed with direct contact details etc.
There's room for every one - come for the race and stay for the holiday - Escape Winter!
MEMBERSHIP:
Chances are that as you are reading this you've completely forgotten to renew your TA license through Association membership.
As of July 1 all competitors who have entered as an association members need to note your current membership expired on June 30 and you WILL need to renew membership before registration. If you do not have a current license or proof or association membership at registration, you will need to pay a fee, which will contain a one-race permit and insurance benefit fee at registration before you can race.
We will be checking with all STTAs, and TA on the status of all entries and you will not be permitted to race unless you are licensed, or you have entered as a non member and paid the additional entry fee. Please note that club membership is NOT the same as association membership.
You can renew your membership or join a Triathlon Association right now and remember to PRINT our your renewal or joining receipt to present to registration in case your license does not arrive in time.
REMEMBER NO TA license / receipt means you will need to pay the non-member fee regardless of your status - SO DO NOT LEAVE IT AT HOME!
AEROMAX TRAINING BLOCKS:
The sensational Aeromax International training blocks have been supplied to all participants. The earlier you enter the more you can use from these!
MERCHANDISE, DINNERS AND MUCH, MUCH MORE...
For those still to enter the Capricorn Half, don't forget you can order merchandise, with your secure online entry form, and this can be picked up at registration - look for the Merchandising signage there.
For those who have already entered and forgot to order merchandise or Dinner Tickets, and now would like to purchase, we have launched a downloadable order form that can be faxed, or emailed back to us immediately.
The off-line order can also be used to order tickets for the optional Welcome and Presentation Dinners for adults and children.
ULTIMATE AUSSIE TEAM CHALLENGE:
Round one of this two part challenge is coming along with ten teams entered in the Capricorn Challenge. Don't forget that for all those who feel the distance may be a little long, or for whom injury has shot down the idea of the Half this year then we have Team Challenge; the annual battle of the teams that race within the race that is the Capricorn Half.
Team entries are also a great way for corporates to settle a bet or two... and who just want to get out there and have some fun. Teams are divided into all male, all female and mixed categories... and we'll recognise the outright winner in each category with trophies and prizes.
So, plan now and enter soon to make it into the Rydges Team Challenge.
TEAM MEMBERS WANTED:
If you are looking for team members please contact us and we'll canvas the 5000 people on this database. Chances are that we'll be able to find a good team mate for you!
PRIZES AND AWARDS:
The prizes for the Rydges Capricorn Half Ironman are growing as ever with $5,000 in prize money available to the open category only, split five deep and equally between male and female triathletes. We'll also have cash awards for the Aqua Shop swim, Erox bike and Zoot run primes for the first male and female. There are some unique trophies and product prizes for all age group categories AND of course there are luck draw prizes to be drawn post the presentations.
IRONMAN VALIDATION:
The Rydges Capricorn Half Ironman Triathlon is of course the first east coast validation race for the Panthers Ironman Australia. Make sure you complete the race within 7.5 hours in order to have your potential Ironman entry validated.
COMPETITOR INFORMATION BOOKLETS:
A comprehensive Competitor Information Booklet will be released online for download around a month from the race day. Please make sure, as competitors, you read this booklet thoroughly.
FUNCTIONS:
There are two major functions at the Rydges Capricorn Half Ironman triathlon. Both are optional for competitors and include the Welcome Dinner, Friday night and the Presentation Dinner on Sunday night. Please note that the doors of the Presentation Function are opened following the meal to allow all those looking for roll downs and qualifying slots to attend the presentation and the roll down/lottery process.
There's Crèche facilities open to competitors families for both functions but note we need a minimum of ten children for these crèches to function during meals.
You want golf?? A growing number of people are looking at a round of golf Monday on either of the top notch golf courses at Rydges Capricorn Resort. Remember to book this directly at the Resort but ask for the Triathlon Special.
VOLUNTEERS:
Each year we enjoy a wonderful crew of volunteers at Yeppoon and if you'd like to join them simply sign on via the dedicated volunteer form in the web site at www.capricornhalf.com
A THANKS IN ADVANCE:
We enjoy a marvellous team of supporters each and every year in Yeppoon and these include companies, Rydges, Enervit, Aqua Shop, Ironman wetsuits, Erox Switzerland (for EVERYTHING Triathlon), Zoot (born in Kona, travelling the world of triathlon) Tri Travel, Triathlon Photos, TriDownUnder, Head Sweats, Aeromax Coaching, Tropical Auto Group and Tuckers Cycles.
And then there's the incredible SES people, our medical team, the students and staff of CQU and the other local schools and the local Police, Council and Tourism offices.
NEXT TIME:
We'll explore the entry stats again, see how the club entries are going, look at the potential stars of the race and bring you up to date with further breaking news...
Meantime - Train safe, race hard and we'll see you in Yeppoon
"Escape Winter - Come for the race - stay for the holiday!"
Regards
Nick Munting for the X-Tri Team | 
