We are pleased to announce the organization of a triathlon event with the following distances: Half, Standard & Sprint. The historic Municipality of Messolonghi, in collaboration with the company whynot, is organizing the athletic event WTL Messolonghi Legacy on May 3 & 4. The sports event includes two sub-sports events. On Saturday, May 3, swimming competitions will take place, and on Sunday, May 4, triathlon races will be held. We invite all athletes to participate in this unique experience and discover the beauties of the area.

The region of Messolonghi offers a captivating setting and a unique experience for visitors. We encourage participants to come with their families and friends to enjoy the local culture and hospitality.

Date: May 3-4, 2024

Location: Historic city of Messolonghi

Under the auspices of 

  • the Region of Peloponnese
  • the Region of Western Greece
  • the Regional Unit of Aetolia-Acarnania
  • the Ministry of Culture
  • the Ministry of Tourism
  • the Greek National Tourism Organization (EOT)
  • the TOE

Sport Events

Saturday May 3 

WSL_Swim

Kids 300m Swimming (2017 – 2011)

1,500m Swimming (2011 and earlier); ages 2012 & 2013 will also be allowed only with a swimming federation card and official time participation in freestyle races of +400 meters.

3,000m Swimming (2009 and earlier)

 

Sunday May 4 

Triathlon Events 


WTL_113_Half Distance : (Individual – Relay): swim: 1900m, bike: 90km, run: 21km, (+18 years )

Strava Bike (3 loops): https://www.strava.com/routes/3298759364199491528

Strava Run(2 loops): https://www.strava.com/routes/3298755534273584284

Bike: Distance: 90km, Elevation Gain: 21m

 

WTL_52_Standard_(Less): (Individual – Relay): swim: 1500m, bike: 30km, run: 10.5km, (+18 years )

Strava Bike (1 loop): https://www.strava.com/routes/3162374354087887288

Strava Run (1 loop): https://www.strava.com/routes/3298751057917347784

Bike: Distance: 30km, Elevation Gain: 7m

 

WTL_26_Sprint_Plus: (Individual – Relay): swim: 750m, bike: 30km, run: 5km, (+16 years )

Strava Bike (1 loop):  https://www.strava.com/routes/3162374354087887288

Strava Run (1 loop): https://www.strava.com/routes/3298753029219238856

Bike: Distance: 30km, Elevation Gain: 7m

 

Age groups & Awards

 Triathlon 

WTL_113_Half: +18 years

Men-Women’s General Category

Age Categories for Men – Women (18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-69, +70)

Relay: Men/Mixed (teams only consisting of men or mixed with men and women), Women (wholly women’s teams).

 

WTL_52_Standard_Less: +18 years

Men-Women’s General Category

Age Categories for Men – Women (18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-69, +70)

Relay: Men/Mixed (teams only consisting of men or mixed with men and women), Women (wholly women’s teams).

 

WTL_26_Sprint_Plus: +16 years

Men-Women’s General Category

Age Categories for Men – Women (16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-69, +70)

Relay: Men/Mixed (teams only consisting of men or mixed with men and women), Women (wholly women’s teams)

 

Swim

Men-Women’s General Category – There is no general category in children’s events. 

Swimming Kids_300m: Age Categories for Boys – Girls (8-9, 10-12, 13-14)

Swimming WSL_1,500m: Age Categories for Men – Women (*12-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, +70)

Swimming WSL_3,000m: Age Categories for Men – Women (16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, +70)

* Ages 12 & 13 will also be allowed only with a swimming federation card and official times in races of freestyle +400 meters.

 

Important Notes

 

  1. Award Ceremony
    • There is no general category for kids.
    • The First athlete of the general category will not be placed in his/hers age categories.
    • If not three athletes per category, age categories will be combined with the next immediate one.
    • The categories +16-19 & 20-24 for the sprint distance and the category 18-24 for the Standard distance, as well as the categories over 60, will not be combined.
    • Combinations will be made upwards, and three (3) athletes must be completed. If even one athlete remains in the last category 55-59, he/she will ascend to the podium.
    • Combinations will always be made with finishers; therefore, the award combinations will take place after the completion of the race, and in some cases, the categories in live results will be temporary.
    • For individuals with disabilities, separate awards will take place based on all of the above terms (General categories, age groups, etc.).
  1. Contingency plans

Due various circumstances, a race may not be able to be executed as scheduled. In this case, the organizing committee conducts the race based on the contingency plans provided by the international federation. For example, if the swimming segment of a triathlon cannot be executed, then swimming is replaced with running.

Important note: In the event of the implementation of contingency plans in a championship-league race, the scoring remains valid and is calculated in the same manner—based on time.+

 

  1. Wave Starts 

By categories for Men and Women to avoid overcrowding.

Wave Starts:

18-29 | 30-39 | 40-49 | 50-59 | +60 – Relays will start with the last group of the same distance.

 

Calendar / Schedule

Friday May 2
17.00 – 21.00: Registration services (TBA)

Saturday May 3

08.00 – 21.00: Registration services (TBA)
10.30 : WSL_1.500m at Tourlida beach.
10.40 : WSL_3.000mat Tourlida beach.
12.15 : Swim Kids 300m at Tourlida beach.
12.30: Award ceremonies for Swimming Races at the Tourlida beach.
19.30: Briefing Τριάθλου

 

Sunday May 4

06.30 – 11.00: Registration services (TBA)
06.45 – 07.35: Bike check in for all races  
08.00: Start WTL_113_Half
08.40: Start WTL_52_ Standard_Less
08.50: Start WTL_26_Sprint_Plus
11.45 – 13.30: Bike check out for all races exept WTL_113** 
13.30 – 15.30: Bike check out for WTL_113**
14.30: Award ceremonies at the Tourlida beach.

 

** Due to the fact the transition  zone contains important athletes’ assets, finishers’ presence  will not be allowed, and of course no bikes will be taken before the designated time. In case of violation of the above, athletes are automatically disqualified.

 

Route Details

Swim Events

Swim Kids 300m (Loop: 1): The start will be given in the water. The athletes will pass counterclockwise at the next two buoys before finishing at the arch out of the water. Essentially, the course is triangular

Swim 1500m (loop: 1): The start will be given outside of the water. The course is 1500m long, completed once (1 loop), and consists of four (4) red turning buoys and two (2) yellow direction buoys. Athletes will pass the next three buoys on the left before reaching the fourth, which indicates the completion of the race. All turns at the red buoys are in a counterclockwise (left handed) direction. The finish is outside of the water on the beach.

Swim 3000m (loops: 2): The start will be given outside of the water. The course is 1500m long, completed twice (2 loops), and consists of four (4) red turning buoys and two (2) yellow direction buoys. Athletes will pass the next three buoys on the left before reaching the fourth, which indicates the completion of the first loop and the beginning of the next and last loop. All turns at the red buoys are in a counterclockwise (left handed) direction.  The finish is outside of the water on the beach.

WTL_113_Half Distance (Individual – Relay):
swim: 1.900m, bike: 90km, run: 21km
Cut Offs: Swim= 1:10h,  Swim+Bike = 5:00h, Swim+Bike+Run = 8:00h

PLAN A: Swimming (loops: 2): The start will be given out of the water, likely in waves. The course is 950m long, completed twice (2 loops), and consists of four (4) red turning buoys and two (2) yellow direction buoys. Athletes will pass the next three buoys on the left before reaching the fourth, which indicates the completion of the first loop and the beginning of the next and last loop. All turns at the red buoys are in a counterclockwise (left handed) direction

PLAN B: Swimming (loops: 2):  same, from the other side of beach 

Bike (loops: 3): After exiting the transition zone, athletes move towards the town of Mesolonghi and, via the coastal road, head towards Aitoliko. Just before the village, there is the first turnaround point (15km). After completing the turnaround route, athletes reach the second turnaround point (30km), which is located just before the transition area. This particular route is completed 3 times (loops: 3) before the athletes return to the transition zone

Run (Loops: 2): After exiting the transition zone, the athletes move towards the town of Mesolonghi via the bike path. At the end of the road, they turn left at the port, where they run around it until the first turnaround point (5.25km). Completing the turnaround route, the athletes reach the second turnaround point (10.5km), which is located just before the transition area. This particular route is completed 2 times (loops: 2) before the athletes finish.

WTL_52_Standard_Less (Individual – Relay):
swim: 1.500m, bike: 30km, run: 10km
Cut Offs: Swim= 0:45h, Swim+Bike = 2:30h

PLAN A: Swimming (loops: 2): The start will be given out of the water, likely in waves. The course is 750m long, completed twice (2 loops), and consists of two (2) red and two (2) yellow turning buoys. Athletes will pass all the buoys in a counterclockwise (left handed) direction.

PLAN B: Swimming (loops: 2):  same, from the other side of beach 

Bike (loop: 1):  After exiting the transition zone, the athletes move towards the town of Mesolonghi and, via the coastal road, head towards Aitoliko. Just before the village, there is the turnaround point (15km). Completing the turnaround route, the athletes return to the transition zone.

Run (Loops: 1): The athletes, after exiting the transition zone, move towards the town of Mesolonghi via the bike path. At the end of the road, they turn left at the port, where they run around it until the turnaround point (5.25km). Completing the turnaround route, the athletes head towards the finish point

WTL_26_Sprint_Plus (Individual – Relay):
swim: 750m, bike: 30km, run: 5km
Cut Offs: Swim= 0:35h, Swim+Bike = 1:45h

PLAN A: Swimming (loop: 1): The start will be given out of the water, likely in waves. The course is 750m long, completed once (1 loop), and consists of two (2) red and two (2) yellow turning buoys. Athletes will pass all the buoys in a counterclockwise (left handed) direction.

PLAN B: Swimming (loop: 1):  same, from the other side of beach 

Bike (loop: 1):  After exiting the transition zone, the athletes move towards the town of Mesolonghi and, via the coastal road, head towards Aitoliko. Just before the village, there is the turnaround point (15km). Completing the turnaround route, the athletes return to the transition zone

Run (Loops: 1): The athletes, after exiting the transition zone, move towards the town of Mesolonghi via the bike path, until the turnaround point (2.5km). Completing the turnaround route, the athletes head towards the finish point.

 

Registration – Supporting Documents

Your Application- Registration is pending until your supporting documents are sent, at least 2 days prior to the events, to the following e-mail: contact@why-n.gr. In the case of late submission of documents, your application will remain pending at the secretariat until the documents are provided.
Without the submission of the necessary documents, your registration will be canceled.

Supporting documents depending on the event-race:   

  • Triathlon – Aquathlon – multisports : Recognized federation valid Athlete ID or Medical certificate specifying that the athlete can participate on sport events and races.
  • Cycling – Swimming (pool or OW): Recognized federation valid Athlete ID or Medical certificate specifying that the athlete can participate on sport events and races.
  • Running: No additional documentation.

 

The athlete package can be collected at the registration desk. All the necessary information (address, opening hours, technical specs, etc) can be found at the official web site https://why-n.gr.

 

General Conditions and Terms

  • In the event of cancellation or postponement of an event – competition (in part or in whole), the cost is non-refundable. Participation can be transferred to one of the upcoming competitions of the organization within the year. Only in the case of cancellation of the last event of the year, participation can be transferred to the next year.
  • If an athlete is unable to attend the event – competition, their participation cannot be transferred to another event or another athlete, and the cost is non-refundable.
  • Transfer to another event can only occur in the case of proven (medical certificate) illness or injury

 

Benefits for athletes

  • Technical briefing
  • Safety support
  • Τechnical t-shirt of the race
  • Digital – interactive maps
  • Award ceremony
  • Award medal
  • Commemorative medal for all finishers
  • Electronic timing (Live results on our website)
  • Swimming cap
  • Race numbers
  • Goodie bag
  • Surprise gift
  • Hand bracelet
  • Supply of water, refreshments, isotonic drinks, and gels during the race
  • Juice, banana, and water after the race
  • Discount coupons for clubs, families, schools, unemployed individuals, and free for people with disabilities (PWD)
  • Photographic material

Competition Committee

  • Safety Officer: Rotas Peter Panagiotis
  • Race Doctor: TBA
  • Lifeguard Company: Lifeguard Hellas
  • Technical Race Director (TD): TBA

 

The events will be conducted according to the rules of the World Triathlon Competition Rules.

For the cycling section, the regulations of the Hellenic Cycling Federation apply regarding the conduct of the race as well as the equipment of the participants.

The schedule may be modified according to the peculiarities of the race. The representatives responsible for the preparation and formalization of the schedule, as well as for anything not covered by this announcement, are the representative of the Technical Committee and the Chief Referee.

Important Technical Remarks

  • For anything not covered by the following or the general regulations of the sport based on the Hellenic Triathlon Federation and the World Triathlon Competition Rules, the race jury will make an immediate decision.
  • For participation of minors, the guardian must sign the relevant responsibility statement.
  • There will be timely announcement of water temperature for the use or non-use of a wetsuit. In case of wetsuit use, the allowable thickness is up to 4 mm.
  • Before athletes enter the zone to leave their bicycles, there will be a check by the event judges and a photo of the athlete in their suit with their bicycle.
  • Athletes must arrive at the check-in process wearing their helmet, with their bicycle secured and ready for inspection, stickers properly placed, and the timing chip also worn.
  • In swimming, participants are required to wear the cap provided by the organization.
  • Wearing a helmet is mandatory during the cycling segment for all participants. It must be properly fastened for any movement with the bicycle (even when carrying the bicycle) within and outside the transition area.
  • The event will be conducted under non-drafting regulations. Maintain a distance of 12 meters from the front wheel of one bicycle to the front wheel of another (10 meters clear distance in between). The penalty for improper drafting is 2 minutes in the penalty box.
  • Overtaking in cycling must take a maximum of 20 seconds during which the athlete being overtaken must slow down and allow their competitor to pass. After that, they are allowed to attempt to overtake again. Always announce when overtaking.
  • Athletes must move without leaning or receiving propulsion or rhythm from other athletes, or non-athletes, moving within or outside the competitive area or being assisted by fixed points when changing direction.
  • All participants must move on the road according to the Highway Code. Violating the double dividing line on the roadway will result in an immediate penalty of disqualification.
  • For safety reasons, the use of headphones and audio playback devices is prohibited.
  • The upper body (chest-stomach) must be covered during cycling and running in both triathlon and aquathlon for all categories.
  • The use of triathlon swimwear according to the World Triathlon Competition Rules is recommended.
  • The number must be visible at the front during the running segment, while it is not required during cycling for Age Group Athletes. The organization DOES NOT provide a race belt.
  • Wear the timing chip with the special strap around the left ankle.
  • You will receive 3 stickers with your participation number in your envelope. Place 1 small sticker on the front of your helmet, and 1 small sticker on the bag you will receive. For some events, the swim start is not close to the transition area, so you will need to give your bag with your things to an organization vehicle. Stick the large sticker on your bicycle seat post. If you’re unsure about how to do this, consult a more experienced teammate.
  • You will find your designated basket in the transition area with your number. This is your spot, and you are not allowed to move your basket to another area of the zone. Athletes place their belongings inside the basket, while the helmet is placed securely on the handlebars of the bicycle without being fastened (15 seconds penalty otherwise).
  • Keep the transition area clean with all of your items inside your individual basket. You are allowed one pair of shoes in front of your basket. The penalty for messiness is DISQUALIFICATION in case of non-compliance.
  • In the sprint distance, bicycles of all kinds are permitted, provided they are in good condition and not deemed dangerous. In the standard distance, only racing bicycles of “road” or “time trial” type meeting the approved specifications from the World Triathlon Competition Rules or UCI are allowed. Bicycles with disc brakes are allowed in all categories.
  • Failure to carry out penalties in the penalty box will result in disqualification of the athlete.
  • Athletes are responsible for knowing the routes, laps, turns, as well as any penalties that may be imposed on them. Check the boards in the penalty box to ensure you haven’t received a penalty.
  • An athlete who does not comply with the regulations and the judges’ instructions will be disqualified.
  • In the Standard distances, time limits (cut-offs) will apply, which are detailed on the pages of each event. After this time, those remaining on the course run at their own risk and are at the discretion of the organizing committee regarding inclusion in the official results.
  • The start will be signaled by the sound of the horn after “Get Set”. If continuous horn sounds are not heard, the start is valid and will not be repeated.
  • During transitions, mount your bicycle outside the transition area AFTER the designated mount line and dismount BEFORE the dismount line. In any case, do not ride within the transition area for any reason, neither before nor during nor after completing your race.
  • Athlete presence at the technical briefing is deemed essential as you will be informed of all the latest details and will have the opportunity to clarify any questions.
  • The use of mini-cameras on bicycles

Important Notes – Variations for Relays

  • The “baton” is the timing chip. A team in which any member moves or finishes without the timing chip will be disqualified.
  • All baton changes (from swimming to cycling and from cycling to running) are made within the transition area next to the bike of the team’s cyclist, with each athlete passing the team chip to the left leg of the next one.
  • The swimmer places one of the small stickers with the number on the bag they will receive. The start of the swimming section is not close to the transition zone, so they will need to hand the bag with their belongings to an organizing vehicle.
  • The cyclist places a small sticker with the number on the front of their helmet, and the large sticker on the seat post of the bike. A team cyclist who moves without numbers will be disqualified.
  • In any case, the cyclist is NOT allowed to mount the bike within the transition area, as specified by the individual race regulations.
  • The bib (number) is worn by the runner – it is not necessary for the cyclist to wear it. The runner should wear it on the front of their body and must finish with it. The organization does NOT provide a race belt.

Information

For more information you may email us: info@why-n.gr, or call at us: 210-9830680

Modification of the Announcement 

The organizers reserve the right to modify this announcement by notifying them of any change.

For more details and registrations, on the website www.why-n.gr