Replicating the end of a linear chromosome poses a problem that can be solved by the combined action of the general DNA replication machinery, DNA repair factors, telomere proteins and telomerase. In this issue of The EMBO Journal , a new study by Moser et al examines the timing of replication, repair and telomere factor association with fission yeast telomeres. The study demonstrates the dynamic nature of protein binding and provides a framework for understanding how leading and lagging strand polymerases, DNA damage signalling and telomere factors cooperate during telomere replication.