RAC E INSIDER
Race director John Lunt has staged over 500 multisport events, including London 2012, so who better to provide this month’s course-busting advice…
Against the Brighton Regency buildings, the pier and the colourful beach huts backdrop, Brighton and Hove athletes can race in four different events over smooth seafront roads after a sea swim off Hove Lawns.
The super-sprint races are the ideal baptism for beginners, starting on Brighton beach before a 400m swim. The rectangular course allows athletes to swim no further than 100m offshore. Athletes swim in a clockwise direction and exit up a carpeted beach towards the promenade and straight into the transition area. See session 1.
As over 1,500 athletes are expected this year, you’ll need to identify your racking position before you start.
Transition on Hove Lawns is a hard grass surface so bare feet running is okay. Exit transition out on to the flat, fast seafront road, which is an out-and-back, looped 5km course. The sea will be on your left for half the ride so you’ll be able to see others begin their swims as you cycle round the multi-lap course. See session 2.
The smooth tarmac provides a fast loop, although if it’s windy it can be quite exposed and challenging. Getting into an aero position early into the race will certainly help your performance. See session 3.
Once back into transition, rack your bike, helmet off, shoes on and it’s out for a fast, flat run along the Brighton and Hove seafront promenade.
As you run out of transition, adjust your pace and ease your cycling legs into run mode. Depending on which distance you’ve entered, it will be a number of laps of an out-and-back flat tarmacked course. Pace your run as it will be fast and try to avoid going off too quickly.
The course is ideal for spectators, so don’t forget to enjoy the crowds and the scenery. Use them to push you towards that finish line! Next month: The brand-new Outlaw X, on 22 September.