Carrboro Classic Q&A

LONG COURSE DUATHLON WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS QUALIFYING EVENT FAQs:

Who qualifies?

The top 2 individuals in each age group (starting with 18-19 year olds) of the long course duathlon will get first dibs on accepting a Team USA slot.  After that, it rolls down to 5th place until the 2 slots are filled.  USAT will only recognize athletes racing in their age group as qualifiers for Team USA.  If an athlete wishes to qualify for Team USA, they MUST race be an annual USAT member and they MUST race in their age group wave, not Elite wave, Clydesdale wave, Athena wave, etc.  Athletes racing in any other wave other than their age group will not be considered.

If I race in the Clydesdale or Athena category, will I be eligible to qualify for TEAM USA?

No.  You must race within your age group to qualify for Team USA.  See previous Q&A about "who qualifies."

What is Team USA?

Team USA was created by USA Triathlon to be a team of age groupers/amateurs who will best represent the United States and compete in the International Triathlon Union’s (ITU) world championships, which attract the best athletes representing over 50 countries each year.  Team USA World championship teams are fielded for:

Short Course Triathlon (1.5K swim, 40K bike, 10K run)
         2008 Short Course World Championship – Vancouver, CAN – June 7-8
Long Course Triathlon (4K swim, 120K bike, 30K run )
         2008 Long Course World Championship – Almere, Holland Aug. 30-31
Short Course Duathlon (10K run, 40K bike, 5K run)
         2008 Short Course Duathlon World Championship – Rimini, Italy Sept. 27-28
          http://www.duathlon.it/
Long Course Duathlon
         2008 Long Course Duathlon – Geel, Belgium – August 10

Athletes qualifying for the team have the right of first refusal to accept or deny the Team USA spot.For more information, please go to http://www.usatriathlon.org/AthleteFocus/TeamUSA.aspx.  

I qualified for Team USA; do I need to claim my spot now?  

USAT will contact athletes via email within two weeks of the race.  Athletes must be a USAT annual member in order to compete for Team USA.  If he/she is not a member and plans to compete for Team USA, please have them visit http://www.usatriathlon.org/Membership/PurchaseRenewMembership.aspx or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and USAT will then direct the athlete as to how he/she can become an annual member.  The Team USA email will include an Active.com link where athletes must go to secure their spot.  Athletes need to click on that link, fill out the appropriate information and pay online.  Once athletes have submitted their online registration and payment, their spot has been secured for Team USA and they are officially on the team!  

Do I need to pay or sign anything now? 

No.  Athletes have no obligations on the day of the race.  They neither sign nor pay for anything until they receive an email from USAT with the Active.com link.  Once they receive a Team USA invitation via e-mail, they can click on the Active.com link, fill out the information and pay. His/her spot has then been officially secured and USAT will be in contact with World Championship and Team USA information.  If athletes have questions, they may also contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .   

Since I am on the roll down for a Team USA spot, how will I know if I got a spot? 

Roll down athletes can expect to receive word from Team USA via email within two weeks of the qualifying race.  Typically automatic qualifiers are given a deadline to secure their spot on Team USA.  If they do not accept their spot by the given deadline, roll down athletes will be notified via email within two days of that deadline.  Once again, athletes must be USAT annual members in order to be eligible Team USA.  When can I expect to hear from USAT?  Both automatic qualifiers and roll down athletes can expect to hear from USAT within two weeks of the race.  Roll down athletes can expect to hear from USAT again within two days of the deadline for automatic qualifiers to secure their spot.   

How much does Team USA cost? 

The cost for team USA is $300 per World Championship.  However, athletes are also responsible for funding their own travel, accommodations, transportation and uniforms. They are permitted to find their own sponsors to alleviate the cost.    

Does that include my registration fee for the race? 

Yes. The $300 covers the entry fee for the race, a parade package, celebration meal and access to a support staff of doctors, chiropractors and bike mechanics. Massage therapists will also be on hand for a reasonable price.   

Who do I contact at USAT about Team USA? 

Athletes may contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit http://www.usatriathlon.org/AthleteFocus/TeamUSA.aspx.   

Are there Team USA uniforms?  If so, am I required to wear one? 

Yes, Team USA uniforms are available and required.  The ITU has strict uniform rules that athletes must comply with in order to race.  Athletes will be contacted by Team USA and instructed how to purchase and order uniforms.  The uniforms will be Speedo Fast Skin II so athletes can visit the Speedo website to see a sizing chart and get an early look at the uniforms.  Athletes are expected to assume all costs of uniforms and shipping. Athletes will also be able to find uniform information on http://www.usatriathlon.org/AthleteFocus/TeamUSA.aspx.  

Below is a set of guidelines regarding sponsor logos: 
AGE GROUP CATEGORIES: a) Age Group athletes participating at ITU World Championships at any distance may wear any uniform style, provided that their Country name appears on the front upper chest in a size three (3) times larger than any other sponsor logo.  b) There is no limitation on the number or position of sponsor logos for Age Group Athletes, provided they do not obscure the Country name.  c) The format for the Country name (language, spelling, abbreviation, etc.) is at the discretion of the National Federation. Arial is the preferred type face.  d) Age Group athletes may wear traditional race numbers that must be pinned to theiruniform.  Race belts may be used provided that the numbers are visible to Officials on the back during the bicycle section and on the front during the run section.  e) The athlete’s torso must be covered for all aspects of the race. 

Can I wear a uniform from past years?

You may wear past uniforms; however, USAT strongly encourages athletes to purchase this year’s Speedo uniform, unless they already purchased one at the end of 2006 or in 2007.  

Are there travel packages?  

Yes, travel packages are available.  Athletes should contact the Team USA travel coordinator, Lisa Wilkinson.  She can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 303-967-2332.  As with uniforms, athletes will assume the cost of travel and lodging.  Athletes will have the option of purchasing a variety of items through the travel coordinator even if they book their own flights or accommodations.  Again, USAT will contact athletes as soon as travel arrangements are available.   

Is there any sort of support staff for athletes once they are at the race? 

Yes, there are several services available to athletes including those of doctors, chiropractors, bike mechanics and access to massage therapists (massage therapists are available for a fee).  Team USA Managers will also be available to help answer questions and prepare Team USA athletes for the race.  In fact, athletes will receive updates via email as race day approaches with reminders and information on World Championships.  These updates will come about once a week about a month out from the race.   

How does the age-up rule work? 

If an athlete is going to age-up in 2008 to the next age group, and they are racing in a qualifier in 2007 to qualify for 2008, their time will be compared to the results of their 2008 age group.  For example, if an athlete is in the 55-59 age group for 2007 and turns 60 in 2008, they will race in the 55-59 age group at the 2007 qualifiers.  However, their times will be compared against athletes from the 60-64 age group.  If their time beats all athletes in the 60-64 age group, they qualify for Team USA 2008.   

What are some benefits to being on Team USA? 

-Support Staff – USAT provides an entire support team at world championship events.  Team USA athletes are encouraged to take advantage of the staff that includes chiropractors, doctors, bike mechanics and massage therapists.

-Travel Packages – USAT has an in-house travel coordinator who puts together unique travel packages for athletes including, but not limited to, airfare, lodging, and transportation to and from hotel.

-Insurance – Because most U.S. health care plans do not cover expensive emergency room care and hospital services in other countries, USAT provides insurance through the USOC, which provides coverage under the foreign assistance program for $3 per person per day.

-Communication – Athletes will receive periodic e-mails and communication from the national office with updates on the various race related activities. In addition to emails, a plethora of information is available on the Team USA webpage of the USAT website. 

-Celebration – Team USA has a unique opportunity to meet one last time before everyone goes home to celebrate their success as a team. It is a final chance to network, celebrate and reflect on the race.

-Competition – Not only do athletes have the opportunity to travel internationally and represent the USA, but they also get to race against an international field of competitors.

-Sponsor Benefits – Various sponsor benefits are available to Team USA members.

-Team USA Newsletter - USAT sends out a monthly newsletter to all Team USA athletes to keep them informed on the happenings of the Team and the latest news.

-Team USA reunion – USAT has organized a Team USA reunion for athletes to reconnect with old teammates and get together for a social gathering. It is the perfect opportunity to rekindle old friendships, network and establish new relationships with teammates.