Some things to consider, or not consider:
Swim: EM jellyfish vs CW ocean swim (I know bay swim in 09, but usually ocean)
Bike: Both flat; CW known for chronic drafting, but let’s assume you are not a cheater
Run: EM hot and flat vs CW hot w/bridges
Which one do you think is harder overall?
eagleman wind sucked! how windy is clearwater?
I went almost the same speed on both, but was probably better rested for Eagleman. So, I’d say EM is SLIGHTLY harder.
Eagleman bike course can be stupid windy out in the refuge and the run course is a complete death march if it’s hot like in 2008. I’d prefer the CW course for some scenery and more interesting run. The bridges aren’t a big deal - at least you get to run down the other side.
I always see people mentioning jellyfish at EM. I’ve done this race at least 10x. I even did it when it was called the Cambridge Triathlon with the swim. run, bike format and I never had a problem with jellyfish. The only races I remember getting stung by jellyfish were Annapolis Tri and Colonial Beach, VA tri.
2009, got stung several times in the practice swim and on race day. Doesn’t hurt, and I never actually saw one as you really can’t see anything in that water. People said they felt like they grabbed some grass in the water and assumed that was a jellyfish-type-thing. Again, never actually saw one, but definitely got stung by something.
I raced CW the first year (2006?) and last year (2009) and there was no significant wind. We did have some wind heading back to Cambrdge last year (2009) at Eagleman, btu I don’t remember it being too bad. I have heard that EM can get very windy.