Thanks in advance!
Would appreciate anyone’s insight on how they will plan/attack the day. Primarily on the bike but please throw in any insight on the swim and run as well.
Was hoping to get to Des Moines to ride and run the course but doesn’t look like that will happen.
Swim is rolling start with buoys on your right. Anyone in DSM have predicted water temp? Anything to know about Grays lake?
Bike appears to be flat with some rollers. Anyone have a breakdown of the course? What PSI are you riding? Wheelset selection etc.
Run looks pancake flat, anything notable to share?
Much appreciated!
I don’t think it will be wetsuit legal as the week previous will consist of temperatures well into the 90’s and it’s a shallow lake. I plan to manage the swim and not go out crazy hard as I haven’t raced since 2019.
The bike has 1,470’ elevation gain. It’s pretty flat but not dead pan flat like Ohio 70.3. Probably similar to Muncie with rollers. I think it will be fast. I keep seeing a south wind which would mean a crosswind for most of the east/west course. This again sets up for a fast bike. Veterans was recently paved per the Athlete Guide. Raccoon Road is flat. That comprises over half the bike. It should be quick. I plan to run my HED 60mm front and HED Vanquisher Disc on the back at 90 PSI (manufacturer recommended PSI).
The run has two hills on a double loop, so four hills. At 382’ its flat AF. I’m going to back off the hills to keep my HR down and hammer the flats.
I’m looking forward to the race and the pro field should make it a lot of fun. I’ve never spent much time in Iowa, so it will be a new experience.
Unfortunately it looks like the heat wave isn’t likely to break before the race. The heat with high humidity will determine race strategy and pacing more than the course.
FYI, 80 is the max psi for Vanquish with 23 tires. Max drops as tire size increases.
FYI, 80 is the max psi for Vanquish with 23 tires. Max drops as tire size increases.
It says 90 PSI right on them and I’m running 25mm tubeless. Never had an issue. 80 PSI seems a little low although I run 87 PSI as recommended on my Mavics.
I swam at gray’s lake today. Temp is probably about 80. I’d guess wetsuit optional for next weekend.
It says 90 PSI right on them and I’m running 25mm tubeless. Never had an issue. 80 PSI seems a little low although I run 87 PSI as recommended on my Mavics.
If there was anyone to listen to about all things HED, it’d be andy. I believe he’s worked there for 20 years now…
Thanks Andy. I’m running a Vanquish Disc and will probably run it at 70 PSI (max 80 PSI) as mentioned.
I have the Jet 6/9 and will run the 6 up front at 80 PSI (90 PSI max).
that sounds about right.
go fast!
I grew up in DSM - enjoy the paris of the midwest.
I appreciate the positive vibes sent. I haven’t spent any time in Iowa, but have passed through on my way to see family in Canada. I’m looking forward to the trip!