Is there anybody in the Phoenix area out there who has checked out the planned bike and run courses for next years Ironman AZ? Flat, hilly, or??
The Michigan Outlaws have a bike profile up.
That seems like a bad bike course… 1/4 way climb, 1/4 descend, 1/4 climb, 1/4 descend…
I would say that its better than 1/1000 up 1/1000 down, 1/1000 up 1/1000 down… 
If that map is correct it seems like a course that a negative split is possible.
Sergio’s right…I have a feeling it will be fast-fast-fast.
i’ve ridden in the area. i think the rolling middle section will be more difficult than the profile looks, but in general, it should be a fairly fast course. could be windy at that time of the year, so take that into consideration. most likely some type of cross wind.
I ride that course every week from work, its one of my standard weekly base rides. The climb up to Fountain hills is actually big ring stuff (unless its windy), the rollers through Fountain hills are not to bad, there is one climb on the way back from the park that does put you into the small ring, but its not very long. The road in the park is oil and chip sealed, pretty rough.
The wind varies, it can go from a cross wind to a head wind. A head wind is common on the way out and will really make you work. When coming down out of Fountain Hills be ready to spin it out in the big ring. I would consider going for a 55/42 if you are strong so you dont spin out.