Hi Jviers, I've never been to a triathlon where they have timing chips and haven't provided a strap as well. Good luck in the race

You never know what condition the velcro on the ankle strap will be in, so I always bring a safety pin to pin it just in case.  Also, make sure you wear the ankle timing chip on your left ankle (so you don't risk getting it caught up in your bike chain).

Agree, I've never been to a race where a timing strap wasn't provided. My advice however, is to invest in your own strap for a few reasons. Much like Julie pointed out, sometimes the condition of the strap provided isn't great or in my case, I had one that was so stiff and uncomfortable that by te end of the race (sprint) it had rubbed the skin off my ankle in a few areas...not life threatening by any means but noneless it was annoying. Now it's my "triathlon scar" lol.

I picked up a very comfortable strap at my local running/tri store for about ~8 bucks, I bring it to every race and use it when the straps provided aren't great, but some events use quality materials. If you get your own just remember to make sure they don't keep it at the end of the race. Good luck and have fun racing!!!