Darkhorse is correct. To add something like Lee Hill, or Left Hand, or even Super James is not something anyone will be able to get a permit for much less want to risk putting athletes on.

Think about it from my perspective guys. Lets just assume we send you guys up on an out and back, or up Lee Hill and back down further north. The fact that we all can agree on is that 90% of triathletes do not handle a TT bike very well. I am not concerned at all to have everyone climb up Lee Hill or Left hand....its how do I get them down from there. This is the largest hurdle an event director needs to address.

Darkhorse also mentions the other largest hurdle that some may not consider, and that is the local communities perception, and more importantly their access. We can't just shut down roads that people live on for hours at a time. Its not how this all works. If you observe all of the IRONMAN's in the country this is the prevailing issue. I manage or have managed about every bike course in the country for an IRONMAN and this is the largest hurdle behind safety, public access.

A few people have referenced Wisconsin or Lake Placid as hard courses that are super attractive to people and they sell out super fast. You have a point but keep in mind Boulder had more climbing than both of those with 2014's course. So even though we did not climb into the mtns, we still had a rolling course that was challenging. Wisconsin and LP are both historic and popular races because of the tradition. It will take time for other races to gain that status and appeal.

I will never be able to find a course that makes everyone happy but you can count on it not going into the mountains. Its not something we can get a permit for or throw triathletes racing in a straight (or not so straight) line onto. Sorry guys, its the way the permit process works.

The new course I am working on approval for is not out East of the mountains. It would stay in and along the foothills and canyons of Boulder and Larimer county. This course would also be a bit flatter and should roll faster than last years. I am working on final approvals with local authorities and should be announcing something soon. I don't want to announce and then have to change it, so I want to make sure it is properly vetted. The run course will not go up and over the Foothills Parkway Bridge this year. It will stay along the Boulder Creek in that area and cut the 4 times you have to climb that bridge out. The run course will be much faster due to this.

You guys know how to get a hold of me, so let me know if you have any questions. Follow us on Facebook, that is where I make most announcements.

DC

dave.christen@ironman.com