Just a quick question for any slowtwitchers that have competed at Boulder 70.3
With the changes to the WTC temp cut offs do you think the race is likely to be wetsuit legal this year for age groupers?
I’ve signed up regardless but interested to hear people’s thoughts that have competed there previously regarding water temps in June at the reservoir.
Just a quick question for any slowtwitchers that have competed at Boulder 70.3
With the changes to the WTC temp cut offs do you think the race is likely to be wetsuit legal this year for age groupers?
I’ve signed up regardless but interested to hear people’s thoughts that have competed there previously regarding water temps in June at the reservoir.
The 70.3 race is in June and will definitely be wetsuit legal for AG athletes. Zero chance that it’s not.
The full IM will (and always will) be questionable.
AG temp is 76.1F for 2016 to be wetsuit legal-isn’t that the same as it was before? The only swim change that I was aware of was to allow for sleeved suits (to the elbow) in non-wetsuit swims. I don’t know what the pro cutoff was previously but it is 71.5F now I believe.
As for Boulder 70.3 Colin is dead on - June will 100% be wetsuit legal but the 140.6 in August will be close to the limit depending on the weather the week prior to the race. Cooler day and night temps or significant rain and it will be under 76.1F, however dry and warm and probably will not as was the case last year.
third-ing this.
it’s basically a mud hole out north of town that bakes in the heat. june it will still be in the mid 60s but august it’ll be pushing 80 if we have had hot nights and no rain.
Thanks for the info guys. Watched it last year and looking forward to racing it this time. Heading over from Oz
I’ve never NOT been able to legally use a wetsuit there. I’ve lost count how many times I’ve raced it…wetsuit every time.
haha, mud hole… so true… so true…
Everyone here is correct. A june triathlon will always be wetsuit legal in Boulder. August is where we get close to that temperature. However, last year at IM Boulder it was the first year that myself and all previous RD’s could remember us actually going non-wetsuit.
To be clear though, you can still wear a wetsuit. You are just not eligible for KONA or for your AG awards. Not a huge deal if you are just out for a PR.
Come and race IM Boulder and see how fast the bike course will be this year…hint 
DC
IM Boulder Race Director
Are you just cutting the full course in half? I can’t imagine a faster bike course than the Boulder 70.3 course of the last couple of years.
Everyone here is correct. A june triathlon will always be wetsuit legal in Boulder. August is where we get close to that temperature. However, last year at IM Boulder it was the first year that myself and all previous RD’s could remember us actually going non-wetsuit.
To be clear though, you can still wear a wetsuit. You are just not eligible for KONA or for your AG awards. Not a huge deal if you are just out for a PR.
Come and race IM Boulder and see how fast the bike course will be this year…hint
DC
IM Boulder Race Director
I heard a rumor that for the IM, the 52/lookout road loop was going to be done first followed by two laps of the normal “main” loop, so the terrain would be exactly the same, just a different order. Sounds like maybe I heard incorrectly and the changes will be more significant? I also heard a rumor that the 70.3 course was changing too… when will the courses be published? Thanks!
Ed - Changes or not, it’s a FAST bike course. Like really fast. I can’t wait to race it again someday!
Ed - Changes or not, it’s a FAST bike course. Like really fast. I can’t wait to race it again someday!
I can’t wait to do it as my first IM this year! I know it’s fast but when I’m grinding up Nelson for the second time my brain will be telling me that I’ve spent a lot of time going really slowly (having forgotten about averaging 30+ mph on Niwot twice).
Yes, the 70.3 course is changing as far as I know, they need to keep it in Boulder county.
Everyone here is correct. A june triathlon will always be wetsuit legal in Boulder. August is where we get close to that temperature. However, last year at IM Boulder it was the first year that myself and all previous RD’s could remember us actually going non-wetsuit.
To be clear though, you can still wear a wetsuit. You are just not eligible for KONA or for your AG awards. Not a huge deal if you are just out for a PR.
Come and race IM Boulder and see how fast the bike course will be this year…hint
DC
IM Boulder Race Director
I’d love to race the full but I’m coming back over in September to crew my girlfriend racing the Bear 100 Ultra.
Three trips in 4 months might break me
Thanks for the updates.
It will be interesting to see what is happening to the bike course.
Now for some altitude training
We live in Colorado and you’re making the bike course even faster this year?!?! With IM Tahoe out, couldn’t at least one race take advantage of the mountains?
I’ve only raced Boulder 70.3, but I’m shocked that it’s even possible to have that flat a course in Colorado. You really had to try.
If you want a flat course, stay in Florida. Colorado should be for those who want a bit of fun.
Emily,
thanks for your feedback. IM Boulder will still have the same amount of climbing as it did in year 1 and in year 2. Slightly changing the order of the course will put climbing in different places along the 112 mile route and make the course play faster.
As a cyclist myself I love to climb as well but the overwhelming majority of the athletes dont want the challenge to be too great to risk not finishing. We strike a balance here of challenging but not impossible.
Have no fear, 2016 will have plenty of leg burning going on.
DC