Heard the course for the WC will not be the classic Marbella course? anyone has info?
on the classic course, how “technical” (if at all technical) are the descent?
Looks like the average water temp is 18-19 C in November so im guessing no risk of non-wetsuit race?
On the usual course there are some fast descents, but I wouldn’t call them technical - I was able to eat a fair amount on the downhill.
Normal course is not technical just scary fast, not something i enjoy on my wobbely felt b14. Felt lige going down on a piece of rubber 
Is it still going to be in Puerto Banus (Marbella) ??
I have an AirB&B booked in Puerto Banus right by transition so if it is a totally different course in a new Marbella location, I’m screwed. Hopefully it’s just a change in the bike course like Nice was for Worlds 70.3
Ironman website still says the Ironman Village and swim are at Puerto Banus! I wsa just looking around for AirBnB’s and hotels near there this weekend
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I live in Marbella and have done the original course several times. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to connect.
I am also an Ironman U certified and Tridot Coach and will plan course recon weekends or midweeks after the summer on the final course designed. Let me know if you are interested in joining one one of those.
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I’m going to Marbella but I haven’t had the best experiences descending - my only major crash came on a fast, cornering descent. Granted there was gravel and a car took up half the road at the last second so I didn’t take the best line there. I also live in a relatively flat area compared to the mountains we’ll be riding in Spain, so I don’t have a ton of opportunities to practice descending. I can repeat climbs or climb on the trainer, but sustained fast descents are a different thing entirely!
If I ride my tri bike, it has carbon fiber rim brake wheels which further makes me concerned haha.
Given these challenges, any tips on how to prepare for the long descents that will likely be part of the final course?
I rode the Marbella 70.3 course that is available on Rouvy.com. It did not look like there is anything really technical on the long descent back to town before T2. But that’s on a video screen not real life.
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Yep, the downhills are more long, sweeping, fast corners, rather than switchbacks or something like that requiring heavy braking. That’s if the course doesn’t change for the worlds anyway!
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I just did a reconnaissance ride of most of the bike course today. If the route stays on the A-355, it’s not techical- as said, longer sweeping corners on the descents and very good pavement (when compared to Ontario roads). There is little flat road- either up (and up and up) or down.
There is little to no shade and wind seemed to swirl- headwinds/tailwinds depending on the peaks. It was hot today (~25°) so likely more temperate in November.
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