SMASH YOUR UK RACE
IRONMAN 70.3 WEYMOUTH
From 70.3 Weymouth to the London Triathlon via Helvellyn, we’ve got all the advice you need to conquer each course
You’ve done the training and are ready for race day. But how do you overcome what the event throws your way? From cornering to camping, here we provide all the tips you need to conquer 18 of the biggest UK events.
01
PRE-RACE
Having transition close to the start/finish makes travelling by train extremely convenient. Allow extra time if you’re needing to park as the town gets very congested on race day and trying to find a spot will prove difficult. Accommodation books up quickly, so Portland island provides a good alternative and is only a 30-minute drive from the start at Lodmoor.
TRANSITION
Conveniently, both T1 and T2 are in the same location and right next to the sea start. Keep your wits about you when emerging on the bike as the tight left cornering can be dangerous in slippery conditions.
THE SWIM
Weymouth Bay is relatively sheltered and offers a fairly high salt content, which translates as more buoyancy in the water. It’s a simple one-lap course from a rolling seeded start but, since it’s a late-season race, the weather may play up and it could get choppy. If you’re offered the chance to acclimatise, take it. Your body will thank you later.
THE BIKE
The bike route has a lack of turns, which means that tri-bars are ideal for the long, open straights. Though slightly undulating, the route isn’t majorly hilly, the elevation being a cool 1,000m. It’s often windy in Weymouth, so you might want to check the forecast before using deep-rim wheels.
THE RUN
The run is a completely flat jaunt along the esplanade, with 3.5 laps going between Lodmoor Country Park and the Pavilion. Stay focussed as the multiple laps can prove a mental challenge, emotionally and mathematically – just don’t lose count! On the upside, you’ll have constant roadside cheering and support, which is a big boost.
Kate Milsom, 2018 finisher
02 COTSWOLD CLASSIC
4 AUGUST. ASHTON KEYNES WATER PARK, GLOUCESTERSHIRE
“My big tip is to really familiarise yourself with the bike course during the Familiarisation Days, or drive it the day before. It’s flat and very fast! You can really gain so much time (and save energy) by knowing where the corners and junctions are, to be ready for them so you can keep the speed up.” Ali Hardie, 2018 finisher
03 ABERFELDY TRIATHLON 18 AUG. LOCH TAY, SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
“The one-loop swim course is a refreshing start to the day and sets (i.e. wakes) you up nicely for the challenging bike course ahead. The swim looks beautiful but it’s cold, very cold, so try to find a body of water that best replicates a similar sort of temperature.” Alison Rowatt, 2016 Aberfeldy Triathlon winner
04LONDON TRIATHLON PRE-RACE
Aim to arrive at the ExCeL Centre at least 90 minutes before your start time. Bikes are allowed on the DLR off-peak at weekends but are limited to a maximum of two bikes per set of doors. If you’re driving then be aware that the A13 will be very busy during race weekend because of the road closures.
TRANSITION
Be mindful of the stairs and entry and exit into the big hall at ExCel. T1 and T2 are both in the same place and it’s easy to find your bike, you just need to remember the area where you rack (marked by a letter). I write it down on my hand as it’s always confusing when you’re coming back into transition.
THE SWIM
Deep-water starts can be really daunting and raise your stress levels. If this is your first open-water race then I’d suggest you start at the back and the side, and count to five slowly after the gun goes and then start swimming.
THE BIKE
The aid stations are really clear but I use my own nutrition so I never need to stop at them to avoid a potential collision. You can make some great time up on the multiple flat sections on the bike course. You just need to make sure you don’t get passed by that person on a mountain bike!
THE RUN
I increase my cadence and drive with my arms more on the run course’s sloped approaches to the ExCel. In terms of lap counting, I check my watch when I get on to the run and get the first split to know how many loops I’ve done. There’s one aid station – SiS on the run route – so practise using their gels and drinks. Mel Berry, multiple London Tri finisher