Race Guide - Ironman Barcelona
Not by design, but this post couldn't be timed better, with last weekends Social Media overload fresh on peoples minds and the impending release of entries for IM Barcelona 11, it's a race that no doubt some of you are contemplating! Myself included!
It was the 70.3 for me in 2017, which actually happened at the other end of the summer. Using the same transition and run route as is being used still... And swim 😁
The 70.3 bike route back then was a different ball game, 5km out of town right turn and into hills, which led to mountains, it was a brute, with the sketchiest descent I've ever done at a race. It was my first race on my new TT bike, the previous version of the Canyon Speedmax with the clip on hydration system. Which you could also mount your Garmin to. Very aero for the time. Whole thing flew off on the descent, Garmin in tow. And it was too dangerous to try and stop and get it, fuel and data gone. Rode the second half of the bike on "feel". 🤪
My overriding memory of the whole race though was having the privilege of (briefly) sharing the run route with the Goat, who was racing that day too. If you think he's impressive on TV, you should see him in action live!!
So what can I tell you that's actually relevant to today's race.
Speaking from an Irish perspective, logistically it's a very easy race. There's a reason so many make it their Ironman, plenty of choices of flights, which aren't too long either, a time which allows you to do the majority of your training throughout the summer. Bike shipping options, good local transport and at a beach resort with no shortage of accommodation. The weather is normally pleasantly hot rather than the mad shit they normally get in central Europe during the summer.
When choosing a race, remember it's a holiday too and you'll hopefully have support going with you, who have put up with the training, washing, taper meltdowns etc.. pick somewhere that they will like too, and having Barcelona a short train ride down the coast, is a major bonus too in my opinion.
Now I do remember the choice of hotels not being brilliant, and as Spanish resorts go, there's better ones. No you're not there for the ambiance, but you're invariably bringing family who probably aren't as lazer focused on the impending suffering!!
The course itself, looking at it from a far, looks to be fairly flat, I'm not gonna call it easy, because that's bullshit, flat courses aren't easy. The only people who think that are those who chose to do hilly ones in either the pissing rain or blistering heat.
So if you're looking at a late season IM, and are not precious about the ambiance of the town its on in, then Barcelona is a good shout.
And if it does take your fancy, let Comeragh Coaching get you in unbelievable shape for it!
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