Post by richcoleman on Aug 7, 2008 21:01:32 GMT
IM Austria - Race Preparation.
Some brief notes, may help when planning training or influence kit selection / purchase.
Swim -
Amazing lake, clean and clear.
Fast - world record set there in 2006 ( Christof Wandratsch 41:26 ).
Great for specators, watch start them follow swimers along canal to T1.
Transition 1 -
Short run from canal to bag collection / changing tents.
However, bikes are 200m plus from change area - decide whether to leave shoes clipped in pedals or run to bike carrying shoes then put them on before taking bike from rack. Don't run in cycling shoes, too far ! All carpeted though.
Bike -
A cyclists course rolling roads but a couple of tough hills which are worth riding before the event.
Nice road surfaces with only a couple of corners that require caution - these are well signposted.
Gearing ? 25 or 27 cassette will get you up the toughest climb comfortably, 23 if you are strong but why waste your legs ?
TT bikes are the order of the day, rear discs or deep section wheels, the bike course never seems to suffer from strong winds.
Aero helmets are popular, the only consideration is whether you suffer in the heat - it can get really hot out there.
Aid stations are situated every 20k on the bike course so why carry a excessive number of bottles when you can simply pick up a refill at the next station. The aid stations are massive ( 100 m long ) and have loads of helpers offering goodies.
The special needs aid station is just before the half way point in Klagenfurt if you do need make use of it.
Draft busters have been very visible and active in the past, effective in breaking up packs.
Spectators ? Race organisers organise coaches to take specators out to certain climbs on the course. The race returns to Klagenfurt for end of first lap - there the crowds are massive !
Transition 2 -
Bikes are taken off you when you dismount, best option is to leave your shoes clipped in to pedals.
200m run to collect bag and changing tents.
Run -
2 laps of a very flat course. This means that your leg muscles get a constant pounding with none of the relief variation that a undulating course can offer. Worth doing some long flat runs on tarmac before the race ?
It can be very, very hot with not a great deal of shade.
Again, well maned regular aid stations with plenty on offer including wet sponges.
Kilometer markings for those running to a pace.
Spectators ? Spoilt for choice, anywhere on the run course, down by the lake/park, Krumpendorf, centre of Klagenfurt. plenty of cafes etc.
Some brief notes, may help when planning training or influence kit selection / purchase.
Swim -
Amazing lake, clean and clear.
Fast - world record set there in 2006 ( Christof Wandratsch 41:26 ).
Great for specators, watch start them follow swimers along canal to T1.
Transition 1 -
Short run from canal to bag collection / changing tents.
However, bikes are 200m plus from change area - decide whether to leave shoes clipped in pedals or run to bike carrying shoes then put them on before taking bike from rack. Don't run in cycling shoes, too far ! All carpeted though.
Bike -
A cyclists course rolling roads but a couple of tough hills which are worth riding before the event.
Nice road surfaces with only a couple of corners that require caution - these are well signposted.
Gearing ? 25 or 27 cassette will get you up the toughest climb comfortably, 23 if you are strong but why waste your legs ?
TT bikes are the order of the day, rear discs or deep section wheels, the bike course never seems to suffer from strong winds.
Aero helmets are popular, the only consideration is whether you suffer in the heat - it can get really hot out there.
Aid stations are situated every 20k on the bike course so why carry a excessive number of bottles when you can simply pick up a refill at the next station. The aid stations are massive ( 100 m long ) and have loads of helpers offering goodies.
The special needs aid station is just before the half way point in Klagenfurt if you do need make use of it.
Draft busters have been very visible and active in the past, effective in breaking up packs.
Spectators ? Race organisers organise coaches to take specators out to certain climbs on the course. The race returns to Klagenfurt for end of first lap - there the crowds are massive !
Transition 2 -
Bikes are taken off you when you dismount, best option is to leave your shoes clipped in to pedals.
200m run to collect bag and changing tents.
Run -
2 laps of a very flat course. This means that your leg muscles get a constant pounding with none of the relief variation that a undulating course can offer. Worth doing some long flat runs on tarmac before the race ?
It can be very, very hot with not a great deal of shade.
Again, well maned regular aid stations with plenty on offer including wet sponges.
Kilometer markings for those running to a pace.
Spectators ? Spoilt for choice, anywhere on the run course, down by the lake/park, Krumpendorf, centre of Klagenfurt. plenty of cafes etc.