Challenge Vs Ironman

Triathlon Forum
1

Well I just got back from doing Challenge Roth and found it to be way better IMO than the Ironmans I have done or seen. The spectators in Roth were absolutely amazing. People were chugging beers at 8am in the morning and kept on drinking throughout the day. There was a one climb where you couldn’t see the top because there were so many spectators closing in on the road. It was like you were some professional cyclist in the Tour. It gave me goose bumps when I turned the corner to see thousands of people lining the climb.

One really cool aspect to Roth is the ability to compete as a relay. Next year my plans are to do the Olympic race the week before and then do the swim as part of a relay. One thing I will miss though is that fun climb with all the spectators. I guess I will be the spectator. :slight_smile:

Ironman has left me with a negative taste these days. They have become a business rather than a race. A friend of mine qualified for Hawaii at Eagleman. She had signed up for Florida last year, since you basically have to sign-up a year in advance for an Ironman race these days. Anyway since she qualified for Hawaii, it doesn’t make sense to do another Ironman race the next month. Also costs and time off to do two Ironman races back to back would be quite hard unless your rich, retired or Joe Boness. Ironman would only refund her $150 back for Florida. IMO this just plain sucks. It is not like she is backing out of the race because of some lame excuse. Ironman should know that it is pretty unreasonable that an age group athlete could perform well at an Ironman a month after Hawaii, again unless your Joe boness.

Next year Ironman Germany’s date has been changed to be the same day as Challege Roth. This year Hawaii was moved to be conveniently the same day as The Great Floridian. IMO this is total BS.

The last Ironman race I did was Florida and the awards ceremony left me with a feeling of being a member of some cult. It was too slick or something.

I think I am pretty much done with Ironman races. I think I rather support the race directors of non-Ironman races instead.

2

I did this race in 2001 which was the last year that it was Ironman Europe. The elements that make the race special are still there which is why it is thriving even without any Kona slots. The feeling of riding up Solarer Berg is awesome. There are some really cool photos on the www.xtri.com website that made me wish I had gone back to do it.

3

I think I am pretty much done with Ironman races.

I think you are a little premature in saying this.

Didn’t you hear today’s announcement. You can do IMC in 2007, for only $2,500.

:slight_smile: