No one can be certain of why triathlon is becoming ever-more popular. It could be a by-product of the cycling boom, part of a trend for fitness by those in their 30s and 40s or the variety and social aspect of the sport, but growing it is; the British Triathlon Federation now boasts more than 15,000 members who attend more than 500 registered clubs.
With participants in the sport spending significant amounts of money on kit, and given that many insurance policies exclude competitive events, what kind of protection can triathletes get for their bikes? And should this sort of insurance cover cost more?
Cycle insurance from the ETA includes cover for race events such as triathlon, time trials, downhill mountain biking, sportifs and other competitive cycling in Britain & abroad. No additional cost is made for race cover, and the following summary illustrates how it can protect your bike when you train and take part in events.
Insurance cover for race events
When you are taking part in a cycle race or triathlon you are covered against theft, accidental damage and vandalism, but not third party cover, personal accident or cycle rescue. Third party insurance is usually the responsibility of the race organiser or will be included as part of your race licence if you have one.
Transition areas?
When you take part in a triathlon, your bike is covered against theft when it is left in the transition area. The bike does not need to be locked while it is in the transition areas as long as the area is supervised by a marshal (which is usually the case).
Race events abroad?
Yes, in the same way as you are in Britain. You are covered against theft, accidental damage and vandalism while you are racing. In the case of triathlon, your bike is covered against theft when it is left in transition as long as the area is supervised by a marshal (which is usually the case). You are not covered against third party claims, personal accident cover or cycle rescue while racing. Third party liability is usually the responsibility of the race organiser or may be included as part of your race licence if you have one.
Accidental damage when racing?
Yes. Our policy covers accidental damage during competitive cycling whether it’s on-road during a sportif, off-road downhill mountain biking or indoors during a freestyle BMX competition.
See a list of the main benefits included in cycle insurance from the ETA.
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