If you look at the race profile, it does not have many (any?) steep climbs, but it is very undulating. I am not sure if to use my triathlon bike or my road bike. Will I be going up and down all the time? would I be able to use my aerobars much?
I was wondering what are Olaf’s plans.
BTW, I think that he is going to win this race.
Julian has ridden this course, at least in training, I belive. Perhaps he could add something.
Course profile:
http://www.ironmanuk.com/2005/course-bike-prof.jpg
(I am using FireFox so I can’t insert images and links)
Olaf rides quite in an unconventional position so I’m not sure it helps. He will use his Ziemen. Custom tri bike + either disc and front 4 spokes like Ullrich used last year, or two 4 spokes.
His tribike has an 82 degree seat angle, his seat is really high (too high but it works for him) and he rides very forward, actually he is nearly standing up on the pedals, will probably stay on the aerobars and never shift.
His prep. was so so…injured his foot (cut) and got the flu. He told me he was just doing a training race there…although knowing Olaf a training race can be pretty fast 
Hi There, Lady Boy (judging by your sex change, according to your changed profile;-0).
Lion’s gate is the only hill of note on the course, but the second time around you will be pleased about this. As I live a 40 minute drive from the course I have ridden it on a number of ocassions and will offer the following advise. If you can remain aero on your tri bike for the full duration and climb in that position as well as steer tight turns in same use your tri bike. I have ridden it on my Kalibur with 39/54 and 12-26 and found the gearing fine, but it was easier on my r2.5 with 34/50 and 11-23 to spin up the hills.
As you say the hills are many but not too bad. The top loop north of the castle is very narrow, very pot holed and bumpy. The best decision would be based upon handling abilty (the rider’s), each bikes harshness of ride and the wheels that you would use, not a good course for an unforgiving ride. If you search my threads you will find one with some more info about 2 to 3 weeks ago.
Feel free to pm me if you require more info, although I won’t be here for this one I know a fair bit about the first two disciplines and what will likely be available gear wise.
Thanks Francois. I see what you mean; his bike is very special indeed. I hope he will have a good race.
Unfortunately, I will finish when he is on his way back to the hotel, so I would not have the chance to see him in action.
Would you consider the bike course a technical one, where an ordinary age grouper who did most of his training on a road bike, should use a road bike.
Or would you say that a triathlon bike could be a better choice? Of course, you don’t know my personal riding style and abililities, I am asking in general.
This is the bike course :
hard to tell…but my guess is that if you’re hesitating, that means you’re not super confident with using your tri bike (be it for handling reasons or whatever) and in which case, i’d recommend to use the bike you feel most comfie on, which may be your road bike.
from the profile, it’s hard to say if the hills are rolling hills or steep, etc.
if truly undulating and without technical sections (say something like IM Roth) then I’d go for the tri set up. Otherwise, maybe a road setup is more appropriate for you on a more technical course with lots of climbing.
I think europeans used to narrow, winding roads wth poor surface would be ok on their tri bikes if they are comfortable on them. However, my reason for posting the original, a couple of weeks ago, was because anyone coming from the States used to big straight, smooth roads would be best coming over with their road bikes and clip-ons. Obviously this is a generalisation dependent on abilities but a well intentioned generalisation.
this is also what I thought…at the half sunday, they talked about a long downhill with a technical left turn at the end that is really dangerous…3mi into the run I thought to myself that it was probably behind me although I was still waiting for it to arrive
.
I know precisely what you mean. It’s all about perception isn’t it?
well, I’m far from having good handling skills and didn’t find the course technical at all…so that says a lot (to me at least)…
of course, I missed 3 turns, but that’s only because the volunteers were knocked out by the sun
of course, I missed 3 turns, but that’s only because the volunteers were knocked out by the sun
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Huh?
Thanks Julian and Francois. I really appreciate that you have taken the time to reply.
My road bike has the normal 53/39 12/25 setup (although I have a new Ultegra 12/27 that I can fit – but I have never tried this setup before). The Tri bike has a 50/34. In the future I will change them around. From my experience, I can climb anything on the road bike. In the winter, I will change the cranks between the bikes, so I have a mountain goat, and a flat course speed weapon (not by Bjorn standards).
Overall, I am faster on my Tri bike and I can climb in the aero position, but I prefer the road bike for descending through twisty corners. I also feel more powerful in a shallower position - but only prefer it in very steep hill.
In addition, my neck muscles prefer my road bike for anything more than 60 miles (perhaps because most of my long rides are group rides with the local cycling club). Thanks again Julian. I think I have made my decision; I will use my road bike with a shorty type bars.
BTW Julian, I have always been a man. I was making fun with you & SAC that time.
Julian - good luck in the race!
there were 3 intersections during the race where the volunteers weren’t watching for bikes coming, and each time I went straight as they didn’t indicate I had to turn until after I went through…lost me a 1’ each turn or so as all of them were downhill…couldn’t use the race map which was so tiny it was useful only for locals.
I’m glad I could have been of help. I hope you enjoy the race and that the start isn’t delayed due to mist over the lake!! It is a beautiful site and, I think, A beautiful part of the country, but then I am biased. If my luck is anything to go by you will have better weather than I shall in Penticton the following weekend!
All the best,