In the most part it was a lot easier than pre 2016. 80 miles on a virtually straight toll road with a lot less climbing. What got virtually all the AGers apart from maybe the fastest few was the northerly wind which hit around midday. This crucified most people's hopes of a super fast time.

Although it was fast it wasn't pretty, I much preferred the pre 2016 route...

yes there were no hills and good conditions, and it was only 110 miles. I was riding a 56t chainring and never went higher than the 21 tooth cassette. The steepest part was an overpass on the highway, so maybe 1.5% grade for 0.3 miles. The only things slowing down the bike were several tight u-turns (maybe 6-8)

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Sounds like this may now be the fastest course in the IM circuit?

man, most of
You guys must've made the turn to the second lap before that front came through... I was on exact pace for a 6hr split, the front came through with ~12miles left on my first lap, so I had to fight the wind 1.5x. It was brutal, at 56miles I was at 3hrs, I ended up 6:26.
Minus the wind, I'd say it would've been a good fast course, I think it's a toss up btwn TX and AZ

yeah - at least in North America. I think places like Copenhagen may still be quicker. But if the hot weather turned up in the Woodlands that would slow things down a lot. It definitely compares with the likes of IMAZ for fast times.

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