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, this summer at the beginning of August it was about 20-22 degrees and there were some showers from time to time. 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 10-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?

Yes, the competition center has wifi and 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?

The currently selected running route is illuminated.

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 are planning to put a toilet 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. The exact price will become clear before the competition, when we have selected the menu with the caterer. You can also let me know your food preferences that we try to take into account.

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. At the same time, I will 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.