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Post by marcus on Jun 5, 2016 19:40:31 GMT
Hi guys,
Just joined with the plan to complete an IronMan in 2017 (sorry, I know I am looking massively ahead but want to be organised!)
I see lots of people going for Canary Islands based races? So I was wondering if people had any recommendations or suggestions?
If you had to do one next year (its my first IronMan so please bear that in mind) then which one would you suggest and why?
Any help massively appreciated! Marcus
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Post by britta on Jun 5, 2016 20:17:08 GMT
Hi Marcus, was just thinking about your question and realised that we have actually in the club quite a broad experience for IM races, Austria, Lanzarote, Zuerich, Challenge Roth, Barcelona ( actually quite a few guys are heading over to Barcelona this year ) and some non branded IM races, myself hope to be at the start line in Mallorca this year.I can tell you what made me decide to pick that one: Weather, the thought of possibly being in Torrential rain was a no go that excluded the UK races for me .The cycling route, I'm rubbish at all 3 disciplines so needed a course that is mostly flat ( Mallorca has one nasty hill ).Last point it is pretty much the last one in the season which gives me the full summer to train.I really admire the guys /girls who go for the early season ones, which meant they trained fully though the Winter. Let us know which one you are going for
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Post by rkane on Jun 5, 2016 21:12:01 GMT
Zurich is excellent, great stmosphese simple logistics but pricey. Austria is reputed to have the best atmosphere and has a very fast bike course (not flat but fast) Austria sells out incredibly quick ( like the day they go on sale) so if you are keen have the credit card ready!!
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Post by marcus on Jun 5, 2016 21:30:06 GMT
Thanks guys... Ronan, I have been looking up Austria and Zurich since Saturday. Watched some of the live webcam from Nice today as well for a bit more motivation!
Britta, thanks. Yeah I bet the temp would make life a lot easier! I've had a look around to see if there is a 2016 calender of races so I can get an idea of when each one falls ready for next year.
Think the potential to either drive to an unofficial one (like Challenge Galway) or drive to a UK based one (Weymouth looking favourite at the moment) is a bit too easy!
I read about Cologne... is that the European Championships venue? Anyone heard anything about that?
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Post by hani on Jun 6, 2016 11:04:16 GMT
Hi Marcus,
Haven't finish one myself but cycled majority of Mallorca course and was there as a spectator 2.5 years ago. The weather can be equally unpredictable there as anywhere else (like this year for 70.3) Swim is a two loop course (out of water over a mat and back) generally non wetsuit, nice and warm water in a sheltered bay As Britta mentioned, the bike has a one mad hill going up to Lluc (fricking long drag up for 6ish km) but that is about it, also worth mentioning the excellent road surface Run is flat as it gets looping around Port Alcudia at sea level, can get hot as not much shelter on the route Atmosphere is amazing, the town is buzzing till late OK, now I want to go back and have fun!
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Post by GundaDorothea on Jun 6, 2016 13:17:41 GMT
The European Championships are in Frankfurt/Main. The race is in the middle of the summer, so it can be quite hot and last year they had close to 40 degrees. I think the course is quite flat for that region (had a look at the 70.3 near by but ruled that out due to it's hilly course).
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Post by andyshinnick on Jun 6, 2016 20:21:04 GMT
IM Austria or Barcelona would be my preference.
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Post by kathleen on Jun 7, 2016 15:21:12 GMT
Hi Marcus There are some excellent race reports available on Belpark website. Key is to firstly identify your own preferences / strengths. Sea / lake; flat / hilly bike / run and if heat stroke / hypothermia thrills you more The next priority is finding a race that meets your preferences/strengths and that other club members /friends are also doing. Austria/Barcelona are fantastic depending on which time of year suits best. It is an amazing addictive experience and it is important to start planning for 2017 now but you have time to consider your options.
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Post by liamobrien on Jul 22, 2016 19:23:46 GMT
Copenhagen is meant to be a good first full distance race. Anyone got any experience of it?
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Post by conormacguinness on Jul 26, 2016 12:43:58 GMT
I did Austria in 2014 and Zurich last year, both great races. Logistically Zurich is easier with direct flights, klagenfurt is a few hours from Vienna and munich. Both lake swims with canal in Austria being great last km or so. I found bike in Zurich harder but both have great views which means some climbs, great quality roads. 4 lap run in Zurich was a bit repitive but changes for this year looked good on paper as they took in more of city centre. Austria was 2 lap run so felt easier. I'd a no wetsuit legal swim in Zurich which was tough but that can happen either place.
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Post by alanheade on Aug 25, 2016 11:06:35 GMT
I'm looking at registering for IM Barcelona in 2017. I can't handle the heat so places like Austria and Frankfurt are out for me. There's no way I could get through a full marathon in 30+ degrees ( plus there is the possibility of a non wetsuit swim). Barcelona has the advantage of being late in the year when temps are normally low 20's. Also the bulk of training can be done in spring/summer as opposed to winter.
Good luck to the Belpark crew heading over for the race this year, I'll be interested to hear how you all get on.
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Post by liamobrien on Aug 25, 2016 12:36:36 GMT
Barcelona is defo a good option. Probably the only risk is that the swim can be choppy. Have you considered Copenhagen? End Aug, so timing not bad, and swim is a sea water lagoon, so defo wetsuit - and almost guaranteed flat.
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Post by liamobrien on Aug 25, 2016 12:38:23 GMT
P.S. I've signed up for Copenhagen next year! 362 days and counting!
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Post by alanheade on Oct 16, 2016 12:41:12 GMT
I''m in for IM Barcelona 2017. Seems like a popular race..
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Post by johnbrennan on Oct 16, 2016 15:54:43 GMT
I''m in for IM Barcelona 2017. Seems like a popular race.. By all accounts a good race well worth doing il be signing up for it during the week.
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