Frequently Asked Questions

What’s expected weather in Estonia that time of the year? Is there rain? Humid?

The weather in August can be hot, but hopefully not as extreme as in Central and Western Europe.

For example, at the beginning of August 2023 it was about 20-22 degrees and there were some showers from time to time. Or, for example, during the first Ultra Triathlon Estonia, the weather was good in terms of air temperatures, but very changeable, and on the last two days we also had a rain and thunder.
The most accurate weather forecast can be found on this page (https://www.ilmateenistus.ee/?lang=en).

Here you can get an idea of ​​what the average daily temperatures and precipitation were in August in previous years. My own experience says that in the first half of August there is usually a nice summer in Estonia, and the weather starts to change in the second half of August.

But yes, in terms of weather, all options are possible and you have to be prepared.

Do I have to bring race clothes/gears for rain, cold, heat, humidity?

Yes, just like elsewhere in Europe, the weather in Estonia can be changeable, especially considering the multi day competition schedule. It can be hot, windy, and raining during the race. So, in terms of clothes, be prepared for everything.

It's our first time in Estonia. I'd greatly appreciate help about the travel from airport to race area.

Of course, we will do everything to help. Just let us know in advance.

What is the exact address of the race?

Race center is located: Sõpruse 16, Vinni, 46601 Lääne-Viru maakond, Eesti. See here.

What's best airport near race?

There is only one major airport in Estonia where international flights operates - Tallinn Airport.

The competition center is located approx. 100 km from the airport.

Is there a wifi in hostel or near race?  Power outlet?

Since internet access in Estonia (like elsewhere in the world) has largely moved to mobile phones, there is no public and free WiFi at the competition center. If you are from the European Union, mobile internet is likely not very expensive. However, if you are from outside the EU and mobile internet service is very costly for you, you can buy a prepaid SIM card (no contract with a provider required) at a local store or airport to access reasonably priced internet.
Yes, the competition center has power outlets.

Is race under IUTA? How is the timing?

Yes, the race is part of the IUTA World Cup Series. This means that the tracks are measured by a third person who has the competence for this, the timing is electronic, and doping control must be ensured - incl. all world record holders must pass a doping test.

Is the run course lighted?

Yes, the running route is illuminated. At the same time, during the first event at night, some competitors of the continuous format preferred to wear a headlamp as well.

Will there be any other support at race who can speak English?

Yes, sure.

In Estonia, it is possible to get along well with English - a lot of people can speak and understand English (especially younger people).

Will there be porta potties (portable toilets)?

There are toilets in the competition center and we put the toilets next to the track as well.

Is the pool heated?

Yes. Swimming takes place indoor swimming pool.

Is there grocery, city near race?

One grocery is located aprox 200-300 meters from the competition center. In addition, a bigger town (named Rakvere) is located less than 10 from the competition center - i.e. it is 8 km from the race center to the center of Rakvere.

Will you have food daily for athlete in support crew? If yes how much for each crew?

We offer the athlete 3 meals a day during the race. 3 meals a day for the crew costs approx. 17-18 euros per person. Catering is provided by the cafeteria located in the competition center.

Is there professional masseuse at race?

It depends on the number and needs of participants, whether the massage service will be on site at all times.
For example, during the first event, only one athlete wanted to order a massage service.
At the same time, we certainly share the necessary contacts with the participants and help find a person who is ready to provide this service to the athlete at a time convenient for the athlete.

Is there a bike mechanic at race?

It depends on the number and needs of participants, whether the bike mechanic will be on site at all times. Since it is very expensive to order a bike mechanic with all the necessary tools and spare parts to the competition venue for races that lasts days and even weeks, this service is not usually available immediately or at all times offered at ultratriathlon races. And if the organizer advertises that a bike mechanic is available, this means, first of all, that in case needed, this person will be found or the service ordered for a fee from a nearby bike workshop.

At the same time, we will certainly share the necessary contacts and information before the race, where and how to get a solution to bike problems. If the bike needs maintenance (e.g. after riding in the rain), we can arrange this maintenance and/or provide all necessary info. Bike maintenance service would be according to the price list of the bicycle shop.

I have always had a person in my own support team with me who knows how to solve simpler and basic bike problems (including repairing flat tires) that do not require new bike parts or parts based on a specific bike brand. Therefore, my support team can also be of help to others. However, if the bike breakdown is more serious, solving it would take longer anyway and require special tools, then the athlete can get help from a bike shop approx 10-12 minutes away by car. We can help arrange transport to the store and back if needed.

In my experience, the more serious problems with a bike occur when an athlete falls, crashes or the bike stops working due to the fact that it hasn't been regularly serviced and checked by a bike mechanic.

It is important that the athlete comes with a bike that is in working order and checked by a bike mechanic before the race. Before an important race, I always have the bike completely serviced (including the center and wheel bearings checked and lubricated), the cassette, chain and brake discs replaced with new ones. I always have brand new tires put on the wheels (even if the old ones still work - I take them with me as spares). I use it myself and dare to recommend the German product Continental GrandPrix. I also used these tires on the challenges I organized for myself (i.e. 20-, 40- and 60-times per Day ultra triathlon on Canary Islands). And I didn't have any flat tires.

For electric shifters and derailleurs, I now always replace old remote control batteries with new ones and have ready with fully charged backup battery.

If an athlete uses electric shifters and derailleurs on his/her bike, the possibility that the technique may fail must be considered. It should also be taken into account that a specific brand of derailleur may not be found in the nearest bike shop. Often the bike shop sells one brand (e.g. shimano or sram) and their parts may not be available in the shop. Besides, if something happens to the (electric) shifters & derailleur, replacing it on the bike is a time-consuming job anyway, special tools and working conditions may be needed. So it won't be a quick fix.

I had to deal with similar problem during the 60x ultra triathlon, when on the 14th day I had a collision with the car, as a result of which the bike itself and the electric derailleur were irreversibly damaged. At the race venue (Fuerteventura, Canary Islands) I couldn't find a dealer for Sram derailleur bits, nor a tool specifically designed to oil the Sram brake system. So I had to ride for 7 days with a borrowed bike that didn't suit me in terms of position, until the necessary parts and tools were delivered to me from the Estonian bike shop.

In a situation where the athlete's goal in the race is to achieve the best personal or world record, it is definitely worth considering the possibility of coming to the race with a spare bike, especially in the case when the race lasts for days or weeks.

When we get to the airport, what are options to go to Race Venue?

There are several ways to do this. You can easily get from Tallinn to Rakvere by train from near the Tallinn Airport. We can meet you in Rakvere and bring you to Vinni. You can check train tickets about a few weeks in advance here: choose "Ülemiste" as the departure point and "Rakvere" as the destination. You can find the "Ülemiste" train stop from the airport simply by using Google Maps. A city line runs from the airport to Ülemiste center (where the train station is located).

An alternative option is to use the bus. To do this, you have to take the city line from the airport to the Tallinn bus station. You can buy bus tickets here. Select "Tallinn Coach Station" as the destination and "Rakvere Coach Station" as the destination. Let us know what time the bus arrives in Rakvere and someone will meet you.

Is there also an UBER or LYFT there?

In Estonia, it is worth using BOLT, which offers rides as well as the possibility of using the car yourself (as well as other services such as electric scooters and food and grocery delivery). For example, it is possible to take a car from the airport and drive it to the competition center. If BOLT does not allow you to leave the car in Vinni (too small a place), then after your arrival you can drive it to Rakvere and leave the car there, and we can bring you back to the competition center with our car. In the case of Bolt cars, I can't say if and which vehicles can accommodate the wheel box. When taking a car via Bolt, make sure before driving that it is possible to leave it in Rakvere. Download the Bolt app to your phone and you will already get a lot of information from there.

Is FORM goggles or Engo eyewear allowed?
Yes.

Will you provide a swim cap or should I bring my own swim cap?
Yes, we will provide. The use of the organizer's swimming cap is mandatory. But if you plan to swim in the pool yourself before the competition, take it with you.

Will there be a person counting my laps or should I depend on my watch or my crew?
Yes, the judges count swimming laps. And only the judge is the one who says when the distance has been swum.

Since you'll be racing when we arrive in Estonia and it's my first time there, I would like to know the direct address where I can find nearest bike shop and grocery?
Nearest bike shop - Store name (found on Google Maps): Rattabaas.
Address: Lai 12, Rakvere 44308, Estonia
e-mail: rattabaas@gmail.com
phone: +3723222030. The store is open from Monday to Friday 9-18 and Saturday 10-15.

Nearest grocery - right next to the competition center (essentially across the street). Address: Vinni, 46601 Lääne-Viru county. Open every day from 9 am to 9 pm.

Is it okay to have pacer during the run portion of the ironman?

Accompaniment during running is not forbidden at nighttime. The supporter is prohibited from handing over food, drink, clothing or other utensils during the accompaniment. An exception for the handover is the zone designated by the organizer, usually the "pit lane" of the athletes/supporters. The first athlete on the run course may be accompanied continuously for safety reasons until another athlete joins the run course. The last athlete on the run course may be accompanied continuously for safety reasons until the end of the run. Accompaniment during the run means that a supporter is allowed to run next to or behind his/her athlete. See more on the Regulation page.

Is it okay to use lava pants or equivalent during swimming?

Yes. Neoprene buoyancy shorts are allowed.

Can I use a small speaker like this 39g https://www.noxgear.com/39g?

It is allowed on the running track and in the team tents, it is not allowed during cycling for safety reasons.

Can I carry my phone while running or cycling?

Phones are allowed on the running track, but it is not allowed during cycling for safety reasons. The phone may be with you while cycling, but must not be used to make calls or listen to music or communicate with the support team while riding.

Can I wear headphones only on 1 ear?

It is allowed on the running course, but it is not allowed during cycling for safety reasons.

Does the organizer offer ice and snacks?

The organizer plans to install a freezer in the building of the competition center (not the main tent), where the participant can prepare (for example the night before) ice for himself/herself if he/she wishes. The participant can buy ice cube bags that can be filled with water in the nearby store and the participant must fill the ice bags with water and put them in the freezer.

There is a small snack table provided by the organizer (primarily intended for the running time), but it is not intended to cover the participant's energy needs for the entire race. The exact selection of the snack table is being prepared and will be announced to the participant in the athlete's guide sent just before the start of the competition.