Notes on the Race Course for 2009
The course used this year will be the exact course used the last year, including the point-to-point run route used for the first time in 2004. A map of each segment of the event can be found in website. In addition, there will be enlarged maps of the course on display at the Friday packet pick up and at the Saturday morning transition area. Triathletes are encouraged to review map details before arriving at the site so they can orient themselves on race weekend.

The roads used on the bike course have been resurfaced at last! Hallelujah! Still make sure your tires are checked and your spokes are properly tightened since there may be obstacles in the road we may not know about until race day. As always, we strongly encourage folks to have their bike thoroughly inspected and checked before racing. Bring fluids on your bike for the 30km (18.6-mile) course since there will be no water handups provided.

Runners are exposed to a good bit of sun on the course used in the triathlon. It might be a good idea to hydrate a bit more on the final miles of the bike ride as you prepare for the final run segment of the race. There will be water at the half-way mark (near False River Academy High School), but if it's hot you'll pay if you have not hydrated well enough.

Race organizers and city/parish officials are working hard to welcome you and make your event positively memorable.

Pointe Coupée Parish officials and citizens are once again rolling out the red carpet for athletes coming for the triathlon. Every effort has been made to accommodate participants and spectators. Please be equally considerate and thank area citizens for their hospitality. After all, we are guests in their town!

Don't forget to prepare for all kinds of weather. It can be moderate or it can be very hot in mid-April -- you can never really predict spring weather in South Louisiana. Be well hydrated, making sure you're steadily drinking increasing amounts of water and healthy fluids the week before the event. Get a good and secure bicycle helmet to use, keep your swim workouts steady, and don't neglect your running. Have a safe trip to New Roads and be careful in the race. Accidents can happen to anyone! Best of luck and God bless!

Basic Triathlon Rules Listed
While we are not going to split hairs so to speak in applying all kinds of rules and regulations, we do have important rules, which we emphatically intend for all participants to rigidly follow. All rules will be final and officially decided upon by a designated official who will be named at the beginning of the race.
If you have any questions about the rules which The Louisiana Triathlon employs, consult a USA Triathlon rulebook (which will be available at packet pickup and throughout the morning of the contest) and read this flyer before contacting a race official.

The following are some of the major rules which triathletes should know:
1) Race numbers must be worn during the Louisiana Triathlon, including marks-a-lot body markings. Relay members must pass race numbers to members of their respective teams in the transition area. The exchange area is where the relay member's bike is parked.
2) All participants must wear ANSI-approved cycling helmets.
3) Helmets must be buckled before mounting bicycles and must not be unbuckled until riders dismount in the transition area.
4) Participants are responsible for the safety of their own bicycle. There will be no bike inspections at the race site, though riders are strongly urged to have their bike checked the week before the race.
5) If you choose to drop out of the race for any reason let race officials know as soon as possible.
6) Drafting during the bicycle portion of the race is not allowed. Numerous volunteers who will be located all along the course, both on motorized vehicles and elsewhere will closely monitor the course.
7) Bike rack availability will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be no assigned positions on the bike racks for participants.
8) Know the course on both the run and bicycle portions of the race. It is the racer's responsibility to follow the course, despite what volunteers and law enforcement officials may say or instruct.
The course is always subject to change depending upon local officials and weather conditions. Race officials will do everything possible to direct participants on the proper course.
9) Properly rack your bike in the place where you originally racked it after the bike portion of the race. Please respect others' equipment in the transition area.
10) Have fun! If you're not feeling well along the way, stop, take a break. There will always be another triathlon in which to participate. Listen to the signals your body sends you and act accordingly. USA Triathlon rule books will be available at the registration desk on race day. USA Triathlon can be contacted at 719/597-9090. Participants are responsible for knowing the rules to triathloning.
11) Say thanks to the volunteers. Volunteers are becoming fewer and fewer; they need a little expression of your thanks to keep them going, too.