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IM Cozumel tips?
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I am racing Ironman Cozumel (140.6) in a few weeks. Has anyone done the race before? If you could share any advice that would be awesome. I know it's hot and windy. Is there anything else outside the athlete guide I should know. Thanks
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [trainerdave924] [ In reply to ]
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trainerdave924 wrote:
I am racing Ironman Cozumel (140.6) in a few weeks. Has anyone done the race before? If you could share any advice that would be awesome. I know it's hot and windy. Is there anything else outside the athlete guide I should know. Thanks

Watch out for the Clenbuterol


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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [trainerdave924] [ In reply to ]
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Do NOT rely on aid stations... EVER! Have everything you need on your bike and special needs. Same for run.

Draft.. or you're going to be VERY slow in comparison. Mostly pink because you shouldn't draft but it's true. It'll be the largest draft packs you may ever see on the east side of the island.

Stay at an all inclusive.
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [BrentwoodTriGuy] [ In reply to ]
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BrentwoodTriGuy wrote:
Do NOT rely on aid stations... EVER! Have everything you need on your bike and special needs. Same for run.

Draft.. or you're going to be VERY slow in comparison. Mostly pink because you shouldn't draft but it's true. It'll be the largest draft packs you may ever see on the east side of the island.

Stay at an all inclusive.

Legal draft yeah? Should I expect strong winds coming from the North west direction? Is it as bad as Kona?
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [trainerdave924] [ In reply to ]
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trainerdave924 wrote:
Legal draft yeah? Should I expect strong winds coming from the North west direction? Is it as bad as Kona?

Depends on the day but I'd say same as Kona but only a headwind on the east side of the island.
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [BrentwoodTriGuy] [ In reply to ]
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BrentwoodTriGuy wrote:
Do NOT rely on aid stations... EVER! Have everything you need on your bike and special needs. Same for run.
Are you talking water too. I have all my fuel and only take water off the course.
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [Stelvio] [ In reply to ]
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Stelvio wrote:
BrentwoodTriGuy wrote:
Do NOT rely on aid stations... EVER! Have everything you need on your bike and special needs. Same for run.

Are you talking water too. I have all my fuel and only take water off the course.

Yes, even water. Maybe they fixed it but 4 years ago they ran out of everything during the bike leg.
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [BrentwoodTriGuy] [ In reply to ]
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Huh. I did it 2016 and disagree with Brentwood's advice. As he said maybe they fixed everything. Bike and run aid stations fully stocked with cold water, on the bike in actual water bottles.... (although some of those may have been refilled, I try not to think about that part). Run - There's a fully stocked aid station every K - that's 42 total. I did carry a hand bottle just because I am used to it and like cold water on demand. The run crowd is outstanding, even out near the northern hotel zone.

Drafting - I was out of the water relatively early at 1:01 and saw very little drafting, ones and two here or there but Canada at the Pemberton Flats was much worse. I didn't find the wind that bad, but a local divemaster whose done it several times says it was about average. A good position on the back side is key, lots and lots of folks sitting up into the wind. The wind will build so the sooner you get through it the better.

Here's a good site to pore over. Wind typically from north or east. But anyway the wind shifts, you're going to end up with some headwind. https://www.windguru.cz/76381

Hotel -This is a personal thing, I've been to Coz probably 10 times over the last 7 years (mostly for diving) and would never stay at an AI. Too far from town (in general) and the restaurants in Coz are out of this world. Go to La Perlita for Coconut Lionfish and El Moro back in the hood. Best meals on the island. Oh, and Del Sur for Argentinian steak and empanadas, Casa Denis for margaritas, Le Chef for a lobster bacon sandwich, El Maple cafe for coffee and a crocodilo... and tons more. It's a great place to gain back all the race weight you lost

One good tip if you can swing it. My wife volunteered in the med tent/finish line last year (not a doctor), and that gave her access to the athletes area so she was able to come back with me after I finished. That was nice

Any specific question, just ask. I've been racing since 2004 and done a couple hundred races. IM Coz was the best organized race I've doe hands down, which is saying something given it's a point to point and it's.... well... Mexico. Which isn't exactly known for its efficiencies.

Also, I tried a little heat acclimation the last few weeks, bugger guy and in dry southern california so typically don't do well in the heat. Sauna sessions, easier trainer rides with long sleeves no fans, that kind of thing. I think it helped. Also, it was drier and cooler than I expected it to be, in fact quite comfortable most of the day other than the real high of the heat. Also, on the bike I tried to keep a cold bottle available, when I saw cloud cover I'd douse my face and neck/back. This kept me very cool until the sun came out again. Also used a vented aero helmet with a skin cooler underneath, squirted water in there as well.
Last edited by: ChrisM: Oct 27, 17 14:40
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [trainerdave924] [ In reply to ]
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I've done IMCZ 4x - 2013 to 2016 - and just did IMWC in Kona:

Swim:

Nice swim....if you swam 1:01 you should be fine in Cozumel. Just watch when you jump off the end of the pier, it's not that deep and you'll easily hit your feet when you jump in. Swim is great.

Bike - East side of the island is WINDY - hard to explain to others but it's not an easy bike ride. Yes, it's flat...but the wind is pretty strong (I think stronger than Kona)......just keep your cadence up and don't try to muscle that wind. It's a hotter bike ride too. That windy stretch is around 9-11 miles, rest of the bike is relatively normal.

Run - VERY GOOD SUPPORT! The cheering is very good and I've had no problem with aid stations on the bike or the run.

Overall, a very well-organized race and I've always enjoyed doing IMCZ!
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [trainerdave924] [ In reply to ]
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I did it last year and as a MOP (back of that pack though), there was only 1 aid station that was bad on the bike on the third lap. It looked like it was run by the local high school and they were just tired and hungry I think and not very organized. No problems at any of the other aid stations on bike and run.

Overall really well organized, especially bike and bag pick up.

One thing to be careful of is bike drop off and bag drop off. They are very strict about the procedure and exposing skin etc. Read the guide carefully. Pretty sure someone got a yellow card last year near me during drop off.

Have fun, had hoped to do it again this year but......

AJ

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IM WC Hawaii 2024
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [trainerdave924] [ In reply to ]
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Drink the tequila shots offered a the run turn around
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [Tri Bread] [ In reply to ]
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Tri Bread wrote:
One thing to be careful of is bike drop off and bag drop off. They are very strict about the procedure and exposing skin etc. Read the guide carefully. Pretty sure someone got a yellow card last year near me during drop off.

Sorry I'm not following, Someone got a penalty at the Saturday drop off? For not following the procedure or exposed skin?
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [Stelvio] [ In reply to ]
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Stelvio wrote:
Tri Bread wrote:
One thing to be careful of is bike drop off and bag drop off. They are very strict about the procedure and exposing skin etc. Read the guide carefully. Pretty sure someone got a yellow card last year near me during drop off.


Sorry I'm not following, Someone got a penalty at the Saturday drop off? For not following the procedure or exposed skin?


It was a bit of a blur and its hard to know/remember what happened because it happened near me but not to someone I know.
There was a big commotion and someone got some sort of penalty, I think a yellow card but I will look later at the athlete guide to see if i can find the transgression. People got very upset. I can't remember if it was about putting the bike in the wrong spot or taking your shirt off in transition (on the day before the race!) or littering, but people were screaming and taking down athletes numbers. Seemed petty/crazy at the time.

ETA:
They don't seem to have an athlete guide anymore, which is weird. There is nowhere on the website which details what the rules are, looks like you HAVE to go to the MANDATORY meeting.

ETA II:
I think it was either taking the shirt off during bike drop off or maybe littering. Seem to be the only two that kinda make sense. There may have been a thread on this after the race last year. All this to say that the rules of the race might also apply during transition (chinstrap?) so be careful and ask questions during the mandatory meeting.

AJ

-------------------------------------------------------
IM WC Hawaii 2024
Last edited by: Tri Bread: Oct 31, 17 14:21
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [Tri Bread] [ In reply to ]
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They just came out with the Athlete Guide in the last 24 hours so no link up yet (the 70.3 has a link on the web page). Here is the link for the full: http://www.asdeporte.com/...acozumeling_roja.pdf
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [Tri Bread] [ In reply to ]
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Wow, that’s crazy. Didn’t hear anything about that. Odd also because many folks ride down and take the bus back. I’m sure a lot changed out of their jerseys, I probably did but don’t remember

Athlete guide is out, nothing is said about bike drop off and penalties. I do know technically they can ding for no helmet riding out bike to transition under usat (I think) rules

Then again it’s Mexico. Things are different there
Last edited by: ChrisM: Oct 31, 17 19:11
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [Tri Bread] [ In reply to ]
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Do we really have to wear our bib numbers on the bike, there is already a number on the bike and helmet. I haven't had to do that in probably 10 years. Perhaps it is "lost in translation" the sentence immediately following says "bike number must be properly attached to your bike in a visible place" which of course will be on my seat tube.
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [trainerdave924] [ In reply to ]
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I did the race in 2015, and I'm a BOP guy and I have to agree with Chris on his thoughts. It really is a good race. I got there a couple of days early and had some jelly fish stings after an El Norte went through, so beware. Kind of like bad mosquito bites.

Also about those draft packs, I was in a group on the really windy side of the island and the referee came by and just waved a yellow card at about 4 of us, but the wind was so loud you couldn't figure out who he was waving it at. Went to the next penalty tent (just after the turn across the island) and they didn't have our numbers, so they marked our bib and sent us all out. I really liked that the entire course was closed to traffic.

jsm
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [Stelvio] [ In reply to ]
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I was wondering the same thing. I don't see the purpose of having two frame stickers plus the stem sticker then also having to wear the bib number.

Any IMCOZ veterans have any insight?
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [trainerdave924] [ In reply to ]
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From my IM 70.3 Cozumel experience Sept 2017 (couple weeks back). Not sure how all these will translate to the IM distance and to November time frame.

Swim:
-Swim start changed this year from jump off pier (about 5 ft above water) to a jump in off pier at water level. You enter one at a time and cross the mat as you jump in. Very civilized and i had no issue with congestion in the swim. (This swim started at the Dolphin Discovery park; can't remember is IM Coz does as well because I think its a point to point swim?)
-Water was absolutely gorgeous and 27 deg C (85 F?). Very good visibility. I found the swim to be fast but it was my first IM 70.3 so have no basis besides training swims.

Bike:
-Drafting: terrible amounts of drafting; literally pelotons of 20+ people clogging up the road. really hard to get away from. I actually found it to be worse on the west side of the island during 60-80km portion of the 70.3. Marshalls were out on scooters trying to break them up, and I even saw one filming the peloton trying to get all their numbers but I have no idea if any action was taken.
-aid stations: I only ever required water but every station had loads of volunteers and seemed well stocked with water and gatorade. Some bottles early on had ice in them and were cold; warmer ones at the last couple aid stations. Water was given in 500/600mL? proper cycling water bottles.
-wind: We had basically zero wind on the day, but have heard the east side can be rough. it is completely exposed coastline.
-frame sticker/bib on bike: We had one frame sticker. In previous years, athletes were required to wear a bib on the bike. My understanding from the athlete's briefing is this used to be a Triathlon Mexico requirement, but they have changed the rule. No bibs were required during the bike leg
-Road conditions: I found the pavement to be in really good shape except through town is gets a little more rough. Watch your line through town and you should be fine. They remove all the brutal speed bumps for the race, so dont let those scare you if you are out for a pre-race spin.

Run:
-Heat:the heat is real...32 degrees C, 90% humidity, virtually no shade.
-aid stattions: Again, i found them to be well stocked. For the 70.3, they were every 1.05km. They always had ice available as well as gatorade, pepsi, and water (with or without ice); i had all my own nutrition so cant speak to that. Sponges were available but a little more scarce.
-Crowd support: great support through town; as you head north there are less spectators.
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [Sweet T] [ In reply to ]
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Sweet T wrote:
That windy stretch is around 9-11 miles, rest of the bike is relatively normal.

11 miles x3. That's why it will suck the life out of you. Think of it as an 11 mile climb with someone pushing you around the whole time and you have to do it three times. The bike is much harder than it looks so be ready for it. That section can get hot too but you won't feel the heat much because of the strong wind. I did that race in 2012 and 2014. In 2012, the temp reached around 93 in that section according to my Garmin. There will be an aid station right before you turn into that stretch. Load up and make sure you drink. Many forget because they are trying to handle their bike and fight the wind.

Try not to get sick. Careful what you eat there. I got sick both times I went there and the second time was worse than the first. Just try to avoid most food except maybe pasta until you finish the race.

Other than that, the island and that race is one of my favorites. Enjoy it.


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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [trainerdave924] [ In reply to ]
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Coz 2014 was my first full IM. You always remember you first, amirite;)

I was unfortunately in the last swim wave that year. The wind gets progressively stronger as the day goes on so by the time i got to the third lap it sounded like jet engine thru my helmet and sucked the life out of me. So if you can train outside in the wind do so.

The swim is beautiful and point to point, but the current can also be at you for the first half before switching to downstream. Look at the buoy guidelines to get an idea what you're swimming in for currents.

Lastly, crowd support on the run is awesome, Especially running by the Hooters near the finish line 3 times.
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [ChrisT] [ In reply to ]
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Done IM Coz: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014..... IMO, best race ever. Great venue, great people, great place, plus going diving after the race is bonus.

Swim is better and clearer than Kona.

Bike sucks, like Kona....but only for 8 miles on each of 3 laps on the backside of the island.

Run is awesome! Crowd support is great. Several years I did it, though, it poured rain during the run. No drainage on the streets, so slog thru the puddles. But, the finish is great and race support is awesome.

Friends or family, volunteer at the finish so you can meet your athlete, as they are very sticky about letting anyone (athletes included) back into finisher area.

Team Zoot-Texas, and Pickle Juice
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [CyclingClyde] [ In reply to ]
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CyclingClyde wrote:
-frame sticker/bib on bike: We had one frame sticker. In previous years, athletes were required to wear a bib on the bike. My understanding from the athlete's briefing is this used to be a Triathlon Mexico requirement, but they have changed the rule. No bibs were required during the bike leg

Thanks CC. Glad to hear that. Going to all the effort to get more aero only to have a bib number flapping around doesn't make sense. Seems that most federations are adopting this change. I did try and search the internet for something about this change in writing but couldn't find anything.
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [trainerdave924] [ In reply to ]
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Did Coz last year. Nice swim, although we were against the current for about half of it before it finally switched to the "normal" down current swim. Bike, I went 5:30 so I was passing a lot of people after my slow 1:25 swim. I saw a couple people drafting on the east side but more than anything it was people who were sitting up on the base bars directly into the wind. There was a portion of the bike when I started my 3rd loop where I could not see a single rider either in front of or behind me. That was pretty cool. Wind picks up throughout the day so the sooner you can get through the east side on your 3rd lap the better. To give you an idea, up the east side of the island from Punta Sur to Mezcalitos, my average speed per lap was 19.9, 19.4, and then 16.5. Run - very little to no shade until you get past the airport.

ETA - I was running 60mm front and rear and did not have any issues with wind, although I was about 185lbs at the time.
Last edited by: Harbo99: Nov 2, 17 12:38
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [trainerdave924] [ In reply to ]
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Anyone know if you are swimming with the sun in front or behind you? Is it possible to swim and sight easily without tinted goggles?
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [dirtbag] [ In reply to ]
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I have not done the race but looking at a map we swim in a SSW direction. If you breath to your left you may have some issues with glare but looking forward to sight buoys shouldn't be a problem I would surmise.

It would be helpful to hear from someone who has done the race however.
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [dirtbag] [ In reply to ]
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Last year, started in front of 1:00 corral and finished 1:01 ish (just for sake of sunrise time, don’t recall the actual time of day), no issues with sun. As I recall it didn’t clear the island for a bit, may have been an issue further back
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [ChrisM] [ In reply to ]
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ChrisM wrote:
Last year, started in front of 1:00 corral and finished 1:01 ish (just for sake of sunrise time, don’t recall the actual time of day), no issues with sun. As I recall it didn’t clear the island for a bit, may have been an issue further back

Was the front corral really congested, or should you have started closer to the back of the corral? I know there will be people who have no business or ability to swim near the front that will put themselves there anyway.
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [dirtbag] [ In reply to ]
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They funnel you from the corrals into a single line so it’s not like the front is more crowded than the back. So that doesn’t matter at least in my experience.

I just find self seeded starts more congested overall than AG starts, where people naturally spread out based on speed. Self seeded I just have 1:00 swimmers around me the entire swim, and it generally feels more crowded
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [ChrisM] [ In reply to ]
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While on the subject of the swim start. A friend cut her foot on coral in 2015 jumping off the start dock. Was that an issue last year?
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [Stelvio] [ In reply to ]
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No, but perhaps because I had heard about it and didn’t allow myself to go too deep feet first. But I think that was caused by a sinking platform which was fixed. But any time jumping into not too deep water always wise to be careful
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [ChrisM] [ In reply to ]
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Good to hear the sinking platform was fixed, she did mention that. I sure that would have contributed to less than idea water entries.
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [Stelvio] [ In reply to ]
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No issues with the dock last year. If I understand it correctly, the dock was extended a bit further out than it was in 2015 and fortified to hold up a little better under the weight of everyone. I feel like they somewhat limited how many people were out on the dock at any point (someone else may be able to verify if I am remembering that correctly).

@Dirtbag - Don't worry about the sun during the swim. It will not have cleared the island by the time you finish.
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [trainerdave924] [ In reply to ]
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If you are staying at a resort but sure to triple check what time the last (and only?) bus leaves for the swim start.

AJ

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IM WC Hawaii 2024
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [trainerdave924] [ In reply to ]
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Bumping this up for 2018. Anyone racing this year? It will be my first time racing in Cozumel. Hoping for a fast swim since I broke my wrist 3 weeks ago and haven’t been able to swim.
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [ffmedic84] [ In reply to ]
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I’m there, not really researched the race yet (late switch from IMFL, actually turned out a bit cheaper than PCB, option due to my wife wanting a beach holiday).

Couple of early questions:
- I assume it has never been wetsuit legal?
- Are discs banned, unadvisable or worth a gamble if you can ride it well in the wind.
- 9:55 in PCB last year, any views on how much slower to plan for.

Thanks for any responses.
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [TRO Saracen] [ In reply to ]
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TRO Saracen wrote:
I’m there, not really researched the race yet (late switch from IMFL, actually turned out a bit cheaper than PCB, option due to my wife wanting a beach holiday).

Couple of early questions:
- I assume it has never been wetsuit legal?
- Are discs banned, unadvisable or worth a gamble if you can ride it well in the wind.
- 9:55 in PCB last year, any views on how much slower to plan for.

Thanks for any responses.

Wetsuit illegal
Disc is not allowed
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [TRO Saracen] [ In reply to ]
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TRO Saracen wrote:
I’m there, not really researched the race yet (late switch from IMFL, actually turned out a bit cheaper than PCB, option due to my wife wanting a beach holiday).

Couple of early questions:
- I assume it has never been wetsuit legal?
- Are discs banned, unadvisable or worth a gamble if you can ride it well in the wind.
- 9:55 in PCB last year, any views on how much slower to plan for.

Thanks for any responses.

The swim will be quicker. Its point to point. Generally, the first 1/3 or so is against the current and the last 2/3rds with the current. There is an underwater reef that makes this happen. Don't go by last year. The wind was no out of its normal direction so we had a following sea. Fast by about 5-10 minutes. Typically people are about 5 minutes faster than a wetsuit swim but without a wetsuit. I know a handful of people who have done this and IMLP and IMMT and compared their times. Beautiful swim, you will see lots of fish.

The bike will be windy. Its still flat but very exposed. I understand PCB to be similarly flat but away from the water. It will be slower. Its a 3 loop bike (almost 2 3/4). Typically there is a strong cross wind on the back side of the island where there is little development and very exposed. You can see the ocean at almost all times on this stretch. With the different wind direction last year the cross wind wasn't as strong as it was coming across the island but still not much cover to slow it down. We did have it coming straight at us crossing back to the center of town when it would normally be at your back. So we had a bit less wind but longer exposure. Bike times were pretty similar to prior years comparing times. I went 5:18 on 164NP/161AP. Its 113 miles. You will be baking out there. I didn't feel hot but was caked with sweat, which only happens on the hottest days for me. I wore arm coolers.

The run is hot with only a bit of shade in the middle of the flat out and back. There is one rise but wouldn't call it a hill. 3 laps. The start and end of each lap are right in the town of Cozumel. Lots of spectators and things for your wife to do. The run turnaround is in the middle of the north hotel zone. We were south about a mile from T1 so my family saw me there and each lap of the bike before heading into town. T2 changing tent was a furnace. Good aid stations. I was expecting little bags of water that were used in the past but they had cups. Sun sets a little after 6 so a bit of relief toward the end even for fast folks as it starts to go down.

I think the age groupers started at 7:30, my Garmin data shows I was in the water at 7:44 and I lined up with the 1:10 group. Out of all the rolling starts I've done this was the worst job people did seeding themselves. I passed some people like they were just floating along and was not passed by many.

The bike has had a reputation for large draft packs but I didn't see it; but I was generally passing people pretty quickly. I was passed by 1 person per lap except for a few swapped positions plus Kinele and Weiss came by me on their last lap. Saw 1 guy blatantly drafting inches from someones wheel. I yelled at him but he didn't care.

My wild guess would be 15- 20 minutes slower than PCB. I just don't have many friends who have done PCB; at least fast ones who would have greater consistency to make a better judgement.

Had a great time. I would like to go back again some day.
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [Stelvio] [ In reply to ]
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Stelvio, thank you for a superb, detailed reply with tons of useful info. Really appreciated.
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [TRO Saracen] [ In reply to ]
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Other than a minor correction- town is called San Miguel, island is Cozumel :) - spot on

I did it in 2016. My time was the same as a wetsuit swim but most I talked to were :20 slower, pretty good current against for a full mile or more. But huge push in the second half.

It’s hard to judge progress in a 2.4 point to point swim, there are three landmark bldgs to use. First is the presidente, second is the Landmark condos, third is fiesta americana, and from there you can see the pavilion at the chankanaab finish. If you look up photos of these resorts from the ocean side you’ll know what to look for. There are of course plenty of buoys too

Worst part of the bike for me was one straight shot 9 ish mile section going west to east. Seemed to never end and just jingle to look at. At least the exposed ocean leg you have the water to look at and there are a couple small rises you can use to stand up and stretch out the legs/use some different muscles.

Enjoy it. I’d be there this year if they hadn’t changed the date.
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [ChrisM] [ In reply to ]
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ChrisM wrote:
Other than a minor correction- town is called San Miguel, island is Cozumel :) - spot on

I did it in 2016. My time was the same as a wetsuit swim but most I talked to were :20 slower, pretty good current against for a full mile or more. But huge push in the second half.

It’s hard to judge progress in a 2.4 point to point swim, there are three landmark bldgs to use. First is the presidente, second is the Landmark condos, third is fiesta americana, and from there you can see the pavilion at the chankanaab finish. If you look up photos of these resorts from the ocean side you’ll know what to look for. There are of course plenty of buoys too

Worst part of the bike for me was one straight shot 9 ish mile section going west to east. Seemed to never end and just jingle to look at. At least the exposed ocean leg you have the water to look at and there are a couple small rises you can use to stand up and stretch out the legs/use some different muscles.

Enjoy it. I’d be there this year if they hadn’t changed the date.

Shoot and I knew that. San Miguel de Cozumel. Mostly people seemed to refer to it as "in town" vs. north or south.

I stayed at the Fiesta Americana, we liked the place. Very friendly. Kienle stayed at the sister resort behind us that is more like bungelos. Only saw him on race day at breakfast and then after the race heading back to his room.

I think you may mean the straight section across the island that is east to west. Agreed until you got into town the scenery was all the same. That was a tough section. There were very wide shoulders on that road and people were hanging very far right to block the wind some. I didn't want to risk a flat and stayed to the right of the travel lane which was clear of road debris.

Yes when it was Thanksgiving weekend it either worked perfectly or was a fiasco with family schedules. My wife was happy to get out of hosting for the first time in over 10 years.
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [Stelvio] [ In reply to ]
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No, not the cross island road. That was typical tailwind for us. But the road around the bottom of the island heading from the west side to the east side, there was just this one section, right before the last aid station before turning truly north, that was the worst for me for some reason. Just straight into the headwind and monotonous. The east side didn’t bother me much. I was shocked how many people though that were sitting up not in aero, in th very place you want to be aero.

Not mentioned but the race and crowd support on the run is tremendous. Except for the drunk women in the northern hotel zone, wanting to “salsa” with me on loop three, when I just wanted them to get he fuck out of my way at that point.
Last edited by: ChrisM: Oct 27, 18 20:22
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [ChrisM] [ In reply to ]
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Ahh. With our different wind pattern last year this section was quicker for us but can see where it would be a problem..

Yes always shocked at how many are out of aero. I only got out of aero at the aid stations and some of the turns in the town.
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [Stelvio] [ In reply to ]
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I did the race in 2015.

One thing to add: sunscreen.

They did not have a sunscreen station leaving T1. When I was in T2, I asked one of the volunteers for it, and he went and got some and applied it on me while still in the T2 change tent.

"Protector Solar" is sunscreen in Spanish. I suggest asking for it in T1. I had pre-swim sunscreen off and it got me to T2 with only a minor burn. My friends who didn't ask after it in T2 got very, very badly burned - i.e. blisters.

All in all, I thought it was a great course.
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [ChrisM] [ In reply to ]
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Would Zipp 808 be too deep for the wind condition there? I'm lightweight but fairly good at bike handling (mountain biker turned triathlete).
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [tie3] [ In reply to ]
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Front and back? Might be a bit deep for the front on a good wind day. We had IMO relatively mild winds and no issues whatsoever with a 60/90 combo, but then again I race at 185, I'm not going over easily LOL
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [tie3] [ In reply to ]
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Should be alright. That’s what I ride there and have had no issues.

____________________________________________________

Instagram | Team Kiwami North America | Nuun
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [trainerdave924] [ In reply to ]
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A couple of things i didn't see otherwise pointed out...


The area near the race finish is very touristy... expect meal costs to be comparable to US costs. (I was under the mistaken impression that the expensive part was getting there ... once you were there, everything is cheap.)


Everyone accepts US dollars and Pesos... don't stress about converting currency


If your bike can handle them, go for 25mm tires... the roads are comparable to chip-seal


Consider some type of cooling sleeve to keep the sun off of you


There are a couple of grocery stores within walking distance of town...if you are picky about food, this can save you a ton of money


The green salsa is HOT


There is a movie theater on the island, if you have friends/family that wants to get into air conditioning for a couple hours, new release movies are offered in English with Spanish subtitles


If you rent a car and go even a couple of miles inland, it is a completely different experience than the tourist traps by the cruise terminals


The mopeds seem like a lot of fun... but last year i saw a racer crash one the day after the race due to slow reaction times (100% his fault too)


The Mayan ruins on the island are interesting... but they won't be what you are thinking of... if you want to see ruins go to Chichen Itza from Cancun


If you want to know more about the island and the culture, go to the museum (and pay the extra $20 for a tour guide)


Make it a point to go to the awards dinner... the food is good but has a great dancing demonstration

Plan a day after the event to go to an all inclusive beach to celebrate (Mr Sancho's is a good choice)

I do the same thing as them, just slower
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [Sbradley11] [ In reply to ]
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Thanks, Chris & Sbradley!
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [tie3] [ In reply to ]
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Athlete guides up!
http://m.ironman.com/~/media/8f51a4b03b8f49628d3be13cc7a05b0c/guia%20ing.pdf
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [ffmedic84] [ In reply to ]
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ffmedic84 wrote:
Athlete guides up!
http://m.ironman.com/~/media/8f51a4b03b8f49628d3be13cc7a05b0c/guia%20ing.pdf

I guess that means I have to put the bag of chips down then.

AJ

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IM WC Hawaii 2024
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [Tri Bread] [ In reply to ]
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Does anybody know if I can buy a Mexican cell phone/data plan at the Cancun airport? I can still go through AT & T, but I am about to switch carriers to Straight Talk anyway and would like to break my umbilical ASAP.

DFL > DNF > DNS
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [Stelvio] [ In reply to ]
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Stelvio wrote:
CyclingClyde wrote:
-frame sticker/bib on bike: We had one frame sticker. In previous years, athletes were required to wear a bib on the bike. My understanding from the athlete's briefing is this used to be a Triathlon Mexico requirement, but they have changed the rule. No bibs were required during the bike leg

Thanks CC. Glad to hear that. Going to all the effort to get more aero only to have a bib number flapping around doesn't make sense. Seems that most federations are adopting this change. I did try and search the internet for something about this change in writing but couldn't find anything.

Anyone with insight on bib on bike? Athlete guide for 2018 still says you need one but i had thought all races had moved on from this

AJ

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IM WC Hawaii 2024
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [ChrisM] [ In reply to ]
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Any suggestion for a safe place to ride? I’m staying basically across from the finish line. I’m thinking of riding south out of town but have no idea what the roads or traffic look like. Any advice is appreciated.
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [ffmedic84] [ In reply to ]
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Ride South, you will soon pick up the cycle road which runs alongside the main road. You can pretty much follow this round the Island, it’s virtuslly traffic free.
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [ffmedic84] [ In reply to ]
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Agree south is really the only option. Like anywhere else keep your head on a swivel until you get past the cruise ship port and marina. MX traffic can be nuts.
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [ChrisM] [ In reply to ]
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Got the "Welcome to Ironman Cozumel" email this morning, except all the information was for the 70.3 in Los Cabos two weeks ago. Too funny. The spanish version of the email had all the right information (or at least the right race and dates) though

AJ

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IM WC Hawaii 2024
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [ChrisM] [ In reply to ]
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And the wind is blowing like crazy today. My condo is on the beach and I see now why disc wheels are prohibited. Fortunately, it’s supposed to be calm by Sunday.

DFL > DNF > DNS
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [Tri Bread] [ In reply to ]
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Tri Bread wrote:
Stelvio wrote:
CyclingClyde wrote:

-frame sticker/bib on bike: We had one frame sticker. In previous years, athletes were required to wear a bib on the bike. My understanding from the athlete's briefing is this used to be a Triathlon Mexico requirement, but they have changed the rule. No bibs were required during the bike leg


Thanks CC. Glad to hear that. Going to all the effort to get more aero only to have a bib number flapping around doesn't make sense. Seems that most federations are adopting this change. I did try and search the internet for something about this change in writing but couldn't find anything.


Anyone with insight on bib on bike? Athlete guide for 2018 still says you need one but i had thought all races had moved on from this


I can only say we did not have to wear bib numbers on the bike last year, 2017. I believe they confirmed this at the race briefing last year even though it still showed that bib numbers on the bike were required in the athlete guide.
Last edited by: Stelvio: Nov 15, 18 14:38
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [SallyShortyPnts] [ In reply to ]
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Anyone else had their bracelet fall off already? Didn’t even last 5 minutes into my swim.
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [ffmedic84] [ In reply to ]
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I’m staying right across the street from expo as well. Any suggestions on race morning transportation to T1? I guess taxis are still abundant that early in the morn??
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [atxtri1] [ In reply to ]
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Last year I stayed a little less than a mile north of T1 and took a shuttle down to T1. Don't remember how I found out but maybe check with the hotel.
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [atxtri1] [ In reply to ]
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All the host hotels will have buses to take you to T1 to set up your bike and then to swim start.
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [atxtri1] [ In reply to ]
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atxtri1 wrote:
I’m staying right across the street from expo as well. Any suggestions on race morning transportation to T1? I guess taxis are still abundant that early in the morn??

Taxis are out and about. I left my hotel to walk to one of the host hotels about a 1/2 mile away, taxi was by in less than a minute. Quick ride to transition and was on the first bus to swim start. Bring pesos
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [Harbo99] [ In reply to ]
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I’m reading in the packet that race morning, this is hotel guest only.
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [atxtri1] [ In reply to ]
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There will be a ton of people standing in line waiting to hop on a bus. Just go get in line at the closest host hotel. No one will be checking to see if you are staying at that hotel.
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Re: IM Cozumel tips? [Stelvio] [ In reply to ]
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They said in the meeting you only have to wear it on the run.

Practice swim cancelled because local authorities still have the harbor closed due to the winds and chop. Winds are expected to mellow out some today but I wonder if it will be enough for them to open everything up by tomorrow.
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