# Part 17: Para Triathlon (World Triathlon Competition Rules)

Triathlon · Part 17: Para Triathlon · Insporta Book (https://book.insporta.app/triathlon/laws/part-17-para-triathlon/)

The para triathlon rules not already asked in Knowledge Testing: registration and packets, pre-transition and transition equipment, swim limits and braces, handcycle, wheelchair and tandem sizes, approvals, assistance and the para mixed relay.

## 17.171 Para Triathlon

Registration and packets, transition equipment, swim limits and braces, equipment sizes, approvals and the para mixed relay.

### Test 1: Registration, race packets and eyewear checks

- Athletes sign the attendance list and say whether they will have their own personal handler. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.8 a (i) (Para Triathlon))
- Right after the briefing the athlete collects the race package and the handler the handler's t-shirt. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.8 a (iii) (Para Triathlon))
- Personal handlers present themselves with the bib number and the official handler's t-shirt. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.8 b (ii) (Para Triathlon))
- Pre-transition equipment must carry a race number and is checked at the para triathletes' lounge. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.8 b (vi) (Para Triathlon))
- The PTVI packet includes six helmet stickers, one bike sticker and a GUIDE bib for the guide. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.6 c (iii) (Para Triathlon))
- Both the blackout goggles and glasses are checked at registration for any light getting in. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.17 a (x) (Para Triathlon))
- Logos on blackout eyewear are allowed only on the frame. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.17 a (x) (Para Triathlon))
- Sign in, attend with the handler, collect the package after the briefing, then check in together with guide and handler. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.8 (Para Triathlon))
- One bike sticker, four sets of body marking and six helmet stickers. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.6 c (iii) (Para Triathlon))
- PTWC athletes get one race number sticker for their daily wheelchair too, as well as one each for the handcycle and racing chair. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.6 c (i) (Para Triathlon))

### Test 2: Pre-transition and transition equipment

- Wheelchairs provided for this area must have functional brakes. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.9 b (Para Triathlon))
- The closest available area to the swim exit is always used, with chairs in race number order. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.9 c (Para Triathlon))
- A minimum of two officials coordinates handing out the devices as athletes leave the water. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.9 d (Para Triathlon))
- No athlete equipment may be left in pre-transition once the athlete leaves it, so a handler carries it; the one exception is running shoes for athletes approved in classification. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.9 e (Para Triathlon))
- Adapted cleats on prosthetic legs are allowed if covered or enclosed in anti-slip material. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.9 f (Para Triathlon))
- The swim exit assistants' training is supervised by the World Triathlon Technical Delegate. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.10 a (Para Triathlon))
- A post-transition area before the mount line takes prosthetic legs, which officials return to the athlete's space. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.10 i (Para Triathlon))
- Officials at the water exit pass on the race number and at least two officials distribute the devices. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.9 d, h (Para Triathlon))
- The athlete goes from the swim exit through pre-transition to their spot in T1, then to the mount line. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.9, 17.10 (Para Triathlon))
- Athletes approved in classification may leave running shoes in pre-transition, and they tag them themselves. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.9 g (Para Triathlon))

### Test 3: Swim limits, braces and swim kit

- The para limits are 45 minutes for 750 m, 1 h 10 for 1500 m, 1 h 40 for 3000 m and 2 h 15 for 4000 m. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.11 f (Para Triathlon))
- A 4000 m para swim allows 2 hours 15 minutes in the water. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.11 f (Para Triathlon))
- Sharp objects, screws, prosthetic liners or harmful prosthetic devices are not allowed in the swim. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.11 e (Para Triathlon))
- Knee braces are PVC or carbon fibre, trap no air, and are at most 5 mm thick. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.13 b (Para Triathlon))
- If a wetsuit is worn, the brace is fitted to the outside of it. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.13 b (Para Triathlon))
- Wetsuit bottoms are always permitted for PTWC athletes, within the 5 mm thickness rule. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.13 d (Para Triathlon))
- The federation applies in writing at least one month before the event, with a minimum of five pictures. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.13 c (Para Triathlon))
- 45 min, 1 h 10, 1 h 40 and 2 h 15. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.11 f (Para Triathlon))
- Approved braces are added to the Approved Knee Braces Catalogue. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.13 c (Para Triathlon))
- With water between 30.1 C and 32.0 C, para athletes may stay in the water at most 20 minutes. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.11 i (Para Triathlon))

### Test 4: Handcycles, wheelchairs and tandems

- A handcycle is an arm-powered, three-wheeled vehicle. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.14 b (i) (Para Triathlon))
- A handcycle may not measure more than 250 cm long or 75 cm wide. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.14 b (x) (Para Triathlon))
- Adjustments to the handcycle may not be made during the competition. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.14 b (vi) (Para Triathlon))
- A quick release body harness is permitted. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.14 b (xiv) (Para Triathlon))
- The maximum height of the chair's main body from the ground is 50 cm. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.15 b (iii) (Para Triathlon))
- The athlete ensures the chair conforms; no event is delayed while adjustments are made. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.15 b (ix) (Para Triathlon))
- A tandem may be at most 2.70 m long and 0.5 m wide. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.17 c (i) (Para Triathlon))
- 0.5 m for a tandem, 55 cm between handcycle wheels at least, 75 cm for the whole handcycle. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.14 b (vii), (x); 17.17 c (Para Triathlon))
- 185 cm, 250 cm and 2.70 m. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.2 c; 17.14 b (x); 17.17 c (Para Triathlon))
- The length is fine, but 80 cm breaks the width limit. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.14 b (x) (Para Triathlon))

### Test 5: Approvals, assistance and the para relay

- The panel has a Technical Committee member, a Sport Department representative and a Para triathlon Committee member. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.20 a (Para Triathlon))
- Technical Delegates may set the areas, the help allowed and the conditions. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.18 a (Para Triathlon))
- World Triathlon and its officials are not liable for consequences of equipment choices or adaptations. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.12 m (Para Triathlon))
- Para relay legs are a swim of 125-150 m, a bike of 3.5-4 km and a run of 0.8-1 km. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.21 a (Para Triathlon))
- Only one PTVI and one PTWC athlete can be part of each team. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.21 c (vii) (Para Triathlon))
- A federation may enter one team until the 15-team quota is reached; a second may enter ten days before if places remain. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.21 c (vi) (Para Triathlon))
- Each team member starts in the water with a hand on the pontoon or behind the start buoys until signalled. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.21 h (ii) (Para Triathlon))
- 125-150 m swim, 0.8-1 km run, 3.5-4 km bike. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.21 a (Para Triathlon))
- Help getting back in may come from officials, event staff or another athlete; repairs are the athlete's own. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.18 b (Para Triathlon))
- Two hours before the start a coach may replace at most one athlete, or add a fourth, and change the order. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 17.21 k (Para Triathlon))

Sources: World Triathlon Competition Rules, January 2025, Part 17 (paraphrased in original wording; original questions authored from the rules, not reproduced)

Take the tests: https://insporta.app/try?utm_source=book&utm_medium=referral