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Hi there,
WANT TO KNOW HOW TO SAVE SOME MONEY?
It’s simple, just enter the ninth Rydges Capricorn Half Ironman Triathlon before 8:00pm July 26th!
It's certainly not too late to enter for this exciting race - but we have to let you know that we have now surpassed 70% of our maximum field and we also know so many more people have booked their travel and accommodation than have entered for the race, as of one week remaining in standard entry time.
It’s easy to avoid those pesky late fees, just enter now, or at least before 8:00PM, on July 26th… remember on minute later and the late fee is incorporated in your entry fee; AND there’s no guarantee of the famous Capricorn ‘Hoodie’ either!
Don't miss out on the most fun filled race in the Half Ironman series!
A TRIPLE TREAT:
Many of you know the Rydges Capricorn Half Ironman is a validation race for Ironman Australia, but did you know that it’s also the Queensland Long Distance Championship too? And this year the race is also take on another important role and we sure hope we can tell you about it prior to standard entries closing!!
An update of the entry stats show that we now have:
Tight now we have 293 male entries and 108 females entries in 21 age group and open categories – and 11 teams. This is well ahead of the numbers at this time last year and especially so in female entries! PLEASE REMEMBER THERE IS A CEILING OF 600 ENTRIES IN THIS RACE!
We’ve long said that this is the perfect event in which to 'go long'. We now have entries from every state and the ACT (we’re missing only NT this year!) and a growing team from New Zealand, looking to also "Escape Winter!" - and what a year to head north from the frigid conditions in both NZ and Oz.
Incredibly there has been massive growth in the number of clubs and squads represented at Yeppoon with a record 89 represented so far! Incredibly there are 118 people racing who haven’t declared their club status!
Bring your club tents – I can feel a recruitment drive coming on!
There’s also time to email us and add your club details, but remember - the FOC entries are granted to the club with the most entries at close of early entry - and that's 8:00pm, July 26th.
HERE’S HOW IT’S SHAPING UP:
Right now there are 47 tri clubs with one entry each, 16 with two each and Ballarat, Newcastle, Samford, Sharks, Snapper Heads, Sunshine Coast and Townsville each with three entries.
Sydney’s, Cronulla, Engadine, and LAPD have four entries each as has Noosa, Ringwood, Spike, Southport, and Warringah clubs.
There are five entries each from Balance, Bilby’s, BRATs, North Harbour (NZL) and Tri South (TAS)
The outstanding clubs right now are Croc Squad, IN Training, Hervey Bay, and Maitland with six entries each but six clubs have staged a breakaway.
Frenchville Frogs has seven entries whilst Coffs Harbour and Mackay have nine entries each.
Redcliffe Club is third on 13 entries trailing TriBal, with 15 entries.
But whilst there’s been some shuffling down the order for some traditionally high entry clubs, leading the way right now is the familiar name of the East Coast Cycos, with a 20 member entry to the Rydges Capricorn Half Ironman as they lead the rest, for the second year in a row...
Don't forget the leading club gets an FOC entry for one lucky member!!!
And on that note has your club arranged to bring a Club Tent to Yeppoon? These are most welcome and we’ll be working to make a club alley on course, so everyone can sheer on their club mates!
ACCOMMODATION UPDATE:
The good news is that Tri Travel has additional rooms for this year's event and there's still room at the Rydges Capricorn Resort and then further cheaper rooms at the Melaleuca Motel (part of the resort) but a 500m walk to the main complex).
Capricorn Coast Tourism advises that there is a growing number of accommodation properties in the Yeppoon area also, so if you are currently without accommodation or looking for a bed for this event - first try through 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:
Did you enter the Rydges Capricorn Half Ironman before June 30th? Then if you have not yet renewed your membership you are no longer financial.
All national association memberships expired on June 30 and you WILL need to renew membership before the date of registration OR pay an admin fee containing a one race membership fee and insurance benefits at registration in order to race.
We will be checking with the STTAs, and TA on the status of all competitors and you will not be permitted to race unless licensed or having purchased the admin package containing the one day license.
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 if your license does not arrive in time. NO receipt means you will need to pay the one race permit regardless of your status - DO NOT LEAVE IT AT HOME!
AEROMAX TRAINING BLOCKS:
Been using your Aeromax training blocks? Just a few weeks remaining, and then the taper into the race..
MERCHANDISE & DINNERS:
For those still to enter the Capricorn Half, don't forget you can order merchandise, with your secure online entry form, and ordered items 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 these, we have launched a downloadable order form that can be faxed, or emailed back to us immediately on the website, under the Competitor Information tab. Don’t forget to act immediately for Merchandise if you want it at the race. For all late orders we will need to charge a postage fee this year.
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 currently 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 the Team Challenge is for you; the annual battle of the teams that race within the race that is the Capricorn Half.
Team entries are also a great way for corporate entities 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 recognize the outright winner in each category with trophies and prizes.
There’s a great atmosphere within the team challenge and even the Rydges Capricorn Resort GM will taking the challenge again this year.
So, plan now and enter soon to make it into the Rydges Team Challenge.
TEAM MEMBERS WANTED:
We're looking for some team members to make up some teams. If you want a ride or a run on August 19th, why not contact me at nick@x-tri.com.au and we'll put you in touch with seeking teams… And also check out the team page at www.capricornhalf.com for those waiting right now.
PRIZES AND AWARDS:
The prizes for the Rydges Capricorn Half Ironman are growing. There’s $5.000 in prize money available to the open category, 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 open male and female in each category. There are some unique trophies and product prizes for all age group categories.
IRONMAN VALIDATION:
The Rydges Capricorn Half Ironman Triathlon is of course the first east coast validation race for 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 in a few days. Please make sure, as competitors, you read this booklet thoroughly, but note it does not replace the race briefing.
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 who want to, to attend the presentation and lucky draws.
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.
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. You can sign up at the front desk at the resort, and just let them know you are with the triathlon for a very, very good price!
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 marvelous team of supporters each and every year in Yeppoon and these include companies, Rydges, Enervit, Aqua Shop, Blue Seventy, Erox, Zoot, Tri Travel, Triathlon Photos, Head Sweats, Aeromax Coaching, Tropical Auto Group, Wurth Motorcycles and Tuckers Cycles.
And then there's the incredible SES people, the SLSA clubs, medical teams, 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 which club is our 2008 winner of an FOC entry! We’ll look at the stars of the race and bring you up to date with all breaking news pre-race.
Remember if this race isn’t on your “to-do list”, change your list!
Meantime - Train safe, race hard and we'll see those of you who enter in Yeppoon
Regards
Nick Munting for the X-Tri Team.
"Escape Winter - Come for the race - stay for the holiday!" | 
