If you meet the eligibility criteria set by the national federation, you can apply to register for an international event through the current procedure at Triathlon Canada. To learn about the eligibility criteria, please contact Triathlon Canada.

Access to the Canadian Paratriathlon Team depends on the athlete’s previous sporting experience. Triathlon Canada seeks to recruit athletes with high-level sporting backgrounds into its parasport stream. If you are a Paralympic athlete from another sport or have participated in elite Para-sport, please contact Triathlon Québec at info@triathlonquebec.org and Triathlon Canada.

There are various subsidies available. Visit the Canadian Paralympic Committee and Parasports Québec websites to see if there are any possibilities. You’ll also find information on the Equipment and Documentation pages in the Paratriathlon section of the Federation website.

You can also check with local authorities and private partners.

No special membership is required to set up a Paratriathlon section. All you need to do is define the terms, objectives and resources of your Paratriathlon section in your club’s statutes.
Training courses and information are available to support you and your coaches. Contact the Federation to have your club added to the list of clubs welcoming paratriathletes.

Triathlon Québec owns and supplies equipment specific to the organization of a paratriathlon event (coloured swimming caps for each category, race numbers, rubber tags for the swim and identification jackets for personal assistants).

There are also various subsidies available. Visit the Canadian Paralympic Committee and Parasports Québec websites to see if there are any possibilities. You can also find information on the Equipment page in the Paratriathlon section.

A technical guide to organizing a Paratriathlon event will be available on the Triathlon Québec 2025 website. This document sets out the facilities that can be provided, as well as recommended human resources.

Quebec-level events are accessible to all types of disability, especially if a classification based solely on mode of locomotion is applied. Thus, athletes with a mental disability are considered triathletes and can also be paratriathletes under Triathlon Quebec’s paratriathlon competition rules, and can therefore take part in Quebec-level events.

However, mental disabilities are not represented in the official disability classes defined by the International Triathlon Federation (World Triathlon) and the International Paralympic Committee. This means that athletes with a mental disability cannot take part in international paratriathlon events.

Quebec-level events are accessible to all types of disability, especially if a classification based solely on mode of locomotion is applied (standing category). However, the deaf and hard-of-hearing are not represented in the official categories regulated by the International Paralympic Committee. They cannot therefore take part in international paratriathlon events.

In theory, it’s not possible to give an answer without the athlete having passed through the classifiers. In any case, taking out a paratriathlon license by mistake will not be detrimental to you, as it is no more or less than a classic license with the mention “paratriathlon”. This will not prevent you from taking part in able-bodied events.

Paratriathletes may be classified according to the simplified classification before the start of paratriathlon events by a member of the Federation. In the event of a paratriathlete being eligible for higher-level events, proper classification must be carried out in accordance with World Triathlon regulations.

Each paratriathlete must be classified in a disability category before taking the start. The International Triathlon Federation (World Triathlon) has established regulations for disability categories. These apply to international paratriathlon events, as well as to Canadian title and selection events, unless otherwise specified.

There are nine classifications defined in the World Triathlon regulations, six of which are eligible for medals.

• PTWC: wheelchair users. Paratriathletes must use a handcycle on the bike course and a racing chair on the running section. Depending on their physical limitations, there are two sub-classes: PTWC1 and PTWC2.
• PTS2: severe disabilities. Amputee athletes may use approved prostheses or other approved support devices in cycling and running events.
• PTS3: considerable disability. In cycling and running events, amputee athletes may use approved prostheses or other approved support devices.
• PTS4: moderate disabilities. In cycling and running events, amputee athletes may use approved prostheses or other approved support devices.
• PTS5: Mild disabilities. In cycling and running events, amputee athletes may use approved prostheses or other approved support devices.
• PTVI: partial or total visual impairment. The International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) define sub-categories PTVI1, PTVI2, PTVI3, which include athletes who are totally blind (B1) and partially sighted (B2 and B3). The bike portion is compulsory on a tandem bike, and a guide is required throughout the run.

To make it easier for paratriathletes to participate in Quebec-level events, athlete classification has been simplified by mode of locomotion. The simplified classification allows all paratriathletes wishing to take part in a triathlon to be quickly classified. This simplified classification is based on World Triathlon regulations.

Should a paratriathlete be eligible for higher-level events, a formal classification must be carried out in accordance with World Triathlon regulations.

Here are the simplified categories, by mode of locomotion, used in Quebec-level paratriathlon events:

Consult our coaches’ directory. Many offer the service to paratriathletes.

In all cases, both persons must have a one-day Triathlon Québec membership or be members of the Federation. Payment of registration fees is the responsibility of the organizing committee. Triathlon Québec recommends, but is not obliged, to charge only one registration fee.

Yes, athletes with an intellectual disability can take part in paratriathlon events. Paratriathletes, whatever their disability, must have an annual membership or take out a one-day membership with the Federation.

The various intellectual disabilities are not represented in the official disability classes defined by the International Triathlon Federation (World Triathlon) and the International Paralympic Committee. As a result, athletes with an intellectual disability cannot compete in any international paratriathlon event.

Events where a classification based solely on mode of locomotion can be applied are open to all types of disability.

Theoretically, it is not possible to answer without the athlete having passed through the classifiers. You can consult the Triathlon Québec regulations to find out which official disability classes are eligible for paratriathlon (these are defined by the international triathlon federation, World Triathlon).

Please note that more flexible regulations are applied in Quebec to allow access to athletes whose disability is not taken into account in international regulations (e.g. deaf people, people with mental disabilities, etc.). A classification based solely on mode of locomotion is also applied by Triathlon Québec.

In any case, taking out a “paratriathlon” membership by mistake is not a problem, since it’s a classic membership with the “paratriathlon” mention. This will not prevent you from taking part in competitions.

The guide must provide the same guarantees as the athlete, since he/she practices the same sport. If the guide is not a Triathlon Québec member, he or she must take out a one-day membership when registering for the competition.

We recommend that guides take out a “paratriathlon” membership for the reasons given in the previous question. Guides can specify their “guide” status when joining.

To become a Triathlon Québec member, the athlete, whether disabled or not, must follow the same procedure with the Federation. However, a “paratriathlon” mention will be added to the membership of athletes with a disability.

Athletes with a disability must answer “yes” to the question “Are you a person with a disability?” when applying for membership. Athletes must then specify their disability status using the drop-down menu.

This enables Triathlon Québec to identify paratriathletes and send them paratriathlon-related information. The “paratriathlon” membership is no different from any other membership and offers the same benefits. What’s more, there’s no need to provide any proof of disability, as the “paratriathlon” label is declarative only.

In an ideal world, each paratriathlete is accompanied by his/her own personal assistant. In the event that the paratriathlete is not accompanied by his/her own personal assistant, the organizing committee must provide volunteers to act as personal assistants to paratriathletes needing assistance outside the race (number pick-up, moving, etc.) or during the race (pre-transition zone, transition zone, etc.). The paratriathlete must contact the organizing committee and request this when registering.

Personal assistants are people who help paratriathletes during the transition phases of the event. Each assistant is assigned to a single paratriathlete. In some categories, the use of a personal assistant is prohibited.

For example, a maximum of 1 personal assistant is authorized for the “wheelchair” category. No personal assistant is allowed for the “visual disability” category, since the guide acts as personal assistant. For the “standing”, “bike/chair” and “bike-tricycle” categories, a maximum of 1 personal assistant is allowed. The classification process will determine whether or not a personal assistant is allocated for these categories.

Personal assistants are only allowed to help paratriathletes with the following actions:

• Wearing prostheses or other assistive devices
• Carrying the athlete on and off the handcycle and racing chair
• Removing the athlete’s wetsuit and clothing
• Repairing the bike and assisting the athlete with other equipment in the pre-transition and transition areas or in the wheel change area – Only a guide may assist the athlete he/she is guiding in repairing the tandem
• Storing the bike in the transition area

It is important to know that all personal assistants are subject to the competition rules in force, in addition to any other rules deemed appropriate or necessary by the chief official. Any action taken by a personal assistant to propel paratriathletes may result in disqualification.

All personal assistants must be identifiable. Triathlon Québec will provide them with vests. Vests must be returned at the end of the event.

All personal assistants must be positioned in the transition zone at the assisted athlete’s location. They may not circulate on the course.

In all cases, both persons must have a one-day Triathlon Québec membership or be members of the Federation. Payment of registration fees is the responsibility of the organizing committee. Triathlon Québec recommends, but is not obliged, to charge only one registration fee.

For the loan or rental of tandem and handcycles, please contact the Centre national de cyclisme de Bromont. For the loan or rental of a racing chair, please contact Parasports Québec. André Viger can also provide special equipment.

Visit our Equipment page in the Paratriathlon section for more details.

The guide must provide the same guarantees as the athlete, since he or she is practising the same sport. If the guide is not a member of the Federation, he/she must, like the athlete he/she is guiding, take out a one-day membership when registering for the competition.

Select the “Paratriathlon” filter on the TQ calendar to see all accessible events. Accessible events are those identified by the Federation as complying with the technical organization guide for paratriathlon.

There are no special documents required to take part in an event. Simply register with the organizer in the “Paratriathlon” category. Make sure the course is accessible by visiting the Triathlon Québec calendar (select the “Paratriathlon” filter). All participants must be members of the Federation or take out a one-day membership when registering for the competition.

No. An athlete may not receive outside help during the event, e.g. a spectator helping an athlete repair his/her bike. This will result in automatic disqualification. However, assistance from an official, volunteer or another athlete may be accepted, provided both athletes finish their race, otherwise both are disqualified. For example, an athlete giving an inner tube to another athlete is allowed. Finally, an athlete who has finished his or her race may not help an athlete still in the race, as this would be considered external assistance.

You must wear your race number only when running. It is ideally attached to a running belt or with pins and must be worn at the front.

Here are the minimum ages for each participant according to distance.

• Discovery: 10 years old
• Sprint: 14 years old
• Olympic: 16 years old

The minimum age for sprint distances is 16. To take part in Olympic distances or longer, the minimum age is 18. Youth distances are also available.

Age categories vary according to the type of event. Age categories are calculated according to age on December 31 of the current year.

Youth triathlon

• U5 (4-5 years)
• U7 (6-7 years)
• U9 (8-9 years)
• U11 (10-11 years)
• U13 (12-13 years)
• U15 (14-15 years)

Sprint and Olympic triathlon

Age groups are every 5 years (e.g. 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34).

Provincial long-distance events and duathlon

Age categories are 10 years (e.g. 20-29, 30-39 and so on).

National events and IRONMAN

All national long-distance triathlon and duathlon events have 5-year age categories (e.g. 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34).

Age category is determined according to age on December 31 of the current year.

We advise you to arrive at least 1 h 30 min before your start. This will give you time to familiarize yourself with the transition area and do a good pre-race warm-up.

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The helmet must be fastened before picking up the bike in T1 and unfastened after putting the bike back on the rack in T2.

No. You can run several metres after the line to gain space before getting on your bike.

You can dismount before the landing line. A full foot must be in contact with the ground before this line. If part of your foot touches the line, you’ll have to correct the action before setting off again.

You can get on your bike after the boarding line. One complete foot must be in contact with the ground after the boarding line. If part of your foot touches the line, you must correct the action before setting off again.

No. You can only get on your bike after the boarding line and off before the disembarkation line.

No. Marking your place would give you an advantage over other competitors. Officials will usually remove any item deemed to give an advantage, e.g. ball, chalk on the ground, highly visible towel, etc. Many events identify bike racks with letters or numbers to help athletes find their bikes.

No. Most triathlons have racks identified by start wave. It is very important to follow the volunteers’ instructions when entering the transition zone. You must return your bike to this area at T2.

Bags, boxes, bike pumps and other accessories not required for participation in the event are not allowed in the transition area. You are only allowed to leave items you will be using during the race. Also, since space is limited in the transition area, you must limit your space to a width of 50 cm.

No, except for IRONMAN long-distance events. If you wish to wear a speedsuit, you must wear it for all events (swim, bike and run).

No, you can’t wear a race bib when swimming. You can wear it when cycling, but it’s compulsory only when running.

Any athlete who makes a false start in the swim will have to serve a penalty in T1, next to his or her bike. The penalty will be 10 seconds for sprint distance or less, 15 seconds for Olympic distance, 30 seconds for middle distance and 1 minute for long distance.

Yes, but the application of the time limit depends on the different organizing committees. The time limit for a sprint triathlon is 30 minutes. For an Olympic distance, the time limit is 1 hr 10 min. For an event from 1,500 m to 3,000 m, the time limit is 1 h 40 min. Finally, for a triathlon distance of 3,000 m to 4,000 m, the time limit is 2 h 15 min.

Yes, you can hold on to an inanimate object without penalty or disqualification. However, the kayaker must remain in place and cannot tow you. Once you’ve caught your breath, you can continue with your swim.

No, flotation devices are not permitted in competition. However, if you absolutely must use your accessories, notify an official before the start of your race. Depending on the item in question, you may be able to take part in the event, but you will be disqualified. You’ll get your final time.

The emergency flotation device inflates only when activated by the swimmer. It is authorized, but if you activate it, you will be disqualified.

No. Individual buoys attached at the waist are not accepted. However, there are systems that attach to the thigh and are inflated only in case of distress. This type of buoy is allowed, but if you use it, you will be disqualified.

No, it’s forbidden to cover hands and face. Boots are permitted only when wearing a wetsuit.

• ITU rule: only if wetsuit authorized. If wetsuits are not permitted, compression stockings must be worn during T1.
• TQ rule: compression stockings are always permitted for athletes in age-group categories.

Yes, neoprene helmets are permitted. However, you must wear the bathing helmet provided by the organization over your neoprene helmet.

Yes, but you must wear the swimming cap provided by Triathlon Québec or the organizing committee over your own, so that you can follow the starting waves. If your allergy is too severe, see the Triathlon Québec technical delegate on site.

When the water temperature is less than or equal to 12 ℃, with the correction factor applied. So even if the water temperature is above 12 ℃ but the air temperature is below 15 ℃, the correction factor comes into play.

Yes, the nose clip can be used.

Yes, participants are allowed to swim inside the line buoys. Only turn buoys may be swum from the outside.

You’ll have to come back around the buoy, otherwise you’ll be disqualified. We’re talking here only about turning buoys. But remember that you can pass on either side of the alignment buoys. So the only buoys that count are those in the turns.

No. You can’t use the bottom of the water to propel yourself. However, at the beginning and end of each swimming loop, athletes are allowed to walk or run using the bottom of the water. Once the athlete has started swimming, he/she must continue until he/she exits the water.

If you feel unwell during the swim, the organization may tow you to dry land. If you wish to continue the race and the organization deems you able to do so, you may finish the race, but you will be disqualified with your time.

Yes, the Tempo Trainer is authorized for use.

The swimming style chosen is at the participant’s discretion. Most swimmers choose freestyle, but some also use breaststroke and backstroke.

An athlete who misses his or her start must obtain approval from the official to start with the next wave. Please note, however, that the athlete’s start time will be that of the wave he/she was initially assigned.

We recommend arriving at the start 15 to 20 minutes before the start of the race. Depending on the competition, it is important to check the time of the pre-race meetings in order to attend them. Most of the time, the meetings take place 15 minutes before the start, close to the swimming venue.

Wearing a wetsuit is permitted for all ages.

The thickness of the wetsuit must not exceed 5 mm.

Wearing a wetsuit depends on the water temperature. A correction factor is applied when the air temperature is less than or equal to 15 ℃. If the water temperature adjusted with the correction factor is :

• Less than or equal to 12 ℃, swimming is cancelled
• Between 12 and 15.9 ℃, wetsuits are mandatory
• Between 16 and 21.9 ℃, wetsuits are permitted
• Equal to or greater than 22 ℃, wetsuits are prohibited
• For youth (U15 and under) and elite, wetsuits are prohibited when the adjusted water temperature is equal to or greater than 20 ℃.

If an official shows you a yellow card, it’s to correct a minor offence (e.g. having your helmet off while in possession of your bike). In this case, all you have to do is stop and correct your action according to the official’s recommendations (e.g. fasten your helmet). You can then set off again.

If an official shows you a blue card, you’ve been given a drafting penalty. These penalties must be served in the penalty zone. If there is no penalty zone, the time will be added to the final race time. Penalties for sprinting are 1 minute for the sprint distance or less, 2 minutes for the Olympic distance and 5 minutes for the middle and long distances.

If an official shows you a blue card, it is your responsibility to stop in the penalty zone (if there is one), otherwise you will be disqualified.

It depends on the event, but normally you drive on the right and overtake on the left. The various instructions are given at the pre-race meetings.

Yes, you can use your hydration pack or belt for cycling or running without any problem.

In the event of a breakage or mechanical problem, you must repair it yourself without outside help. Only event volunteers and bike mechanics can intervene and help you. Another athlete can also help you with the repair. If your breakage occurs near the transition zone, you can finish the bike section by walking or running alongside it.

Olympic distance or shorter

A distance of 10 metres between bicycles must be maintained for Olympic distance events or shorter. It is measured from the front end of the front wheel of each bicycle. An athlete may enter another athlete’s criss-cross zone provided he/she is progressing in that zone. A maximum of 20 seconds is allowed for overtaking. An athlete who is overtaken has 20 seconds to retreat outside the furrowing zone.

Medium and long distance

The furrowing zone for middle and long distance events is 12 meters. It is measured from the front end of the front wheel of each bike. An athlete may enter another athlete’s furrowing zone provided he/she is progressing in that zone. A maximum of 25 seconds is allowed for overtaking.
If an athlete is overtaken, he/she has 25 seconds to move back outside the furrowing zone.

Sillonnage is a cycling technique in which riders position themselves behind other cyclists to use less energy and cut the wind. The vast majority of age-group races are without sillonnage, while those for elite athletes are with sillonnage. Consult the Triathlon Québec calendar to find out which races are furrowed and which are not.

Yes, helmets must be worn at all times when the bike is in your possession. So when your bike is not on the bike rack, you must have your helmet fastened.

Headphones, telephones and all forms of communication are forbidden at competitions for safety reasons.

No. Unfortunately, you can’t adjust a time after the fact, because you never know what race circumstances will throw at you. So you have to do the number of laps indicated. And never trust your odometer. Otherwise you’ll be disqualified.

No, not at all! Mountain, road or hybrid bikes are permitted. However, it is important to follow the competition rules that will be applied during the events.

Any watch, regardless of brand or model, has a margin of error of between 1% and 3%.

You must remove your helmet before leaving the transition zone, otherwise you will be disqualified.

No. You can walk or run. Contrary to some spectacular videos on the Internet, crawling to finish a race is forbidden.

Yes, you can use your hydration pack or belt for cycling and/or running without any problem.

Non. Le port de la combinaison de triathlon ou du chandail est obligatoire en tout temps en vélo et à la course à pied.

No. Unfortunately, you can’t adjust a time after the fact, because you never know what the race circumstances will bring. If you don’t, you’ll be disqualified.

Age-group athletes are required to wear a race number even if their name appears on their triathlon suit (trisuit). For athletes in the U13, U15 and elite categories, bibs are not mandatory for Quebec Cup or Grand Prix series events, only if their name appears on their triathlon suit.

Headphones, telephones and all forms of communication are forbidden at competitions for safety reasons.

Normally, there are water points at least every 2.5 km on Triathlon Québec partner events. Depending on the weather, energy drinks and ice may also be available. You’ll find all the information you need about running courses and water points on the event website.

Membership is valid from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026.
Age is calculated as of December 31 of the current year.
Taxes are added to the membership fee.

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Triathlon Québec membership fees are refundable only if one of the following situations applies and the refund request is made within two weeks of the member’s registration:

• For various reasons, a member registers twice.
• For various reasons, a club registers one of its members twice.

Membership fees are non-refundable in the following situations:

• A member decides to give up triathlon.
• A club affiliates a member without his or her consent, even though the member has decided to stop triathlon.
• A competition in which a member has registered is cancelled.
• Force majeure.
• Any other situation.

A case of force majeure is an unforeseeable and irresistible event resulting from circumstances external to the parties and which prevents the performance of an obligation. The following are considered to be cases of force majeure: roadblock, epidemic, pandemic, explosion, landslide, strike, war, fire, flood, hurricane, power failure, drought, ice storm.