It's a complicated problem, compounded by the chain type and the overall setup. Generally, the chainline should be middle rear cog aligned between the front small and large cog. You can't be exact without some alignment tools, but you should be able to sight over the cogs to the chainrings and see if there's a gross misalignment. If there is, changing the bottom bracket spindle is usually the correction. The triple chainrings have extra stuff on'em to make 'em easier to get onto the little chainring. You might be running up against that - it sounds like the chainrings are too far outboard. If you gotta race (and can't borrow something), then you'll have to remember to shift to the little chainring from a little back cog...I know that ain't gonna work in the heat of the moment, tho. good luck.