As has been stated a couple of times the 2010 PA Sprint is taking on a slightly different style than in years past.  Planet Adventure has added a number of shorter sprint races to the calendar that are great for beginners and experienced racers alike.  Their length make them perfect races for first timers and novices to "get their feet wet".

This race will still fit into that description to some extent, but we're trying to also make it a better transition for teams looking to step up to (or just warm up for) a 24 hour race, or just looking for a race that is a little bit longer and a little bit more challenging that the traditional sprints.

(Now not everyone has a desire to "step up" to a longer race, so we'll have a standard sprint length offering, but it will still have the same format/layout as the full "jumbo" sprint.)

In an attempt to answer some questions before they get asked, here are a few things you can expect at this years PA Sprint, (as well as some things you shouldn't expect).

(note that the following statements only apply to the Jumbo version of the course.  If you've chosen to do the shorter offering, skip to the end!)

What to expect:

1) Longer legs of each discipline.  Nothing crazy long, but you could/should be spending over two hours on a particular discipline at one time.

2) Multiple legs of each discipline.  You will do each discipline at least once.  Being able to transition from one to another efficiently will be important!

3) UTM plotting.  Although you will not be required to plot ALL your points, you WILL be required to plot some points.  And there is a very high likelihood that you will be required to do that while on the clock.  Get online and research how to do it or find someone to show you the ropes.  This is probably the easiest thing to practice as all you need is a map and a UTM tool!

4) Slightly more challenging navigation.  Some of the control placements were chosen because chances for parallel error in the wrong reentrant is not only possible, but likely.  You will have to be paying attention at all times to clear the course quickly!

5) Length.  Obviously the course is longer.  Long enough that we will be scoring a larger portion of it "rogaine" style.  If you want to clear the entire course you will have to move quickly when possible, and navigate cleanly.

6) Hills.  Not a lot, but more than the Indianapolis area has.  Which admittedly, is not really saying that much.

7) An opportunity for discounted entry into the PA24 race this June.  That's right, if you compete as a 3 or 4 person coed team in the Jumbo version of this years Sprint, you have an opportunity to get a discount off your  entry into PA24!  Keep an eye on the PA website for more info on this.

7) A fun, challenging yet rewarding race!

What NOT to expect:

1) Special challenges.  Although a great element of sprint races, and frequently a source of great entertainment/humiliation, you generally don't find special challenges in longer races.  It's because of this that we decided to exclude them from this race and give you that much more time on your feet, on your bike, and in your boat.

2) Single track riding.  I wish we didn't have to include this one in the what not to expect, but unfortunately there will not be any trails to ride for this race.  (Those that raced last year might actually be quite happy to hear this...)

If we think of any other details pertaining to the race, we'll be sure to let you all know!