Hi all
I am trying to figure out whether the FL bike course is as quick as say IMMD
Best bike split has me at 4-39 on 230 watts which seems fast when I look at prior results amongst he AGs and who in particular was riding slower than that
Is it the road conditions and or the wind ?
The pros seem to defy all of the above as ever so not helpful
The website has average air temp as 69 which also doesn’t seem right !
Thanks
Steve
It is a fast flat course. Wind can be a problem, but not something that is a usual worry.
Roads are not ideal. You should have a fast bike time.
Because it is flat and fast, many overbike it and pay for it on the run. Get out of the saddle regularly and give your back a break.
It’s fast. Roads are mostly good though there are a few bad sections of roads that aren’t the best. Wind is definitely a factor but whatever is a headwind, eventually becomes a tailwind with the way the course is setup. Last year, the back half was 6.5 min faster than the first 56 for me. I road 4:29 on 237np.
In 2013, I was an hour faster on the bike at IMFL than I was at IM MD in 2015. Wind was the biggest factor. IM MD is a two loop course so we had to fight the headwind twice. Florida, as far as I know, is still a 1 loop course.
ETA: Also, I was on a Speed Concept at IM MD & on an aero brick Kuota at IM FL
In Maryland the winds can swirl around the course. Sometimes that means that it can be headwinds for most of the ride. But every once in a while… you get the 60% tailwind day and just fly.
Thanks all
I did see your ride Steve , maybe 4-40 is possible then at 230 (3.2 w/kg for me )
We met once btw - Ali drive 2018 on the EMJ run , I am a friend of Walter M
Cheers Steve
.
Yes I remember and I knew this was you posting. Hope you are doing well and hopefully we can chat again on a run in kona again someday.
Did both, just like others said they are about the same.
Big factor is wind in MD which could be a good 20-30 minutes “penalty” (I think). Florida is typically hotter.
As a first time IMFL’er I’m liking this insight to the bike course. I’m from the hilly northeast, so I’m actually a little scared of how flat it is, need to remember to get out of aero and stretch occasionally…
It’s definitely flat and fast, but the biggest problem is that its very mind numbingly boring. Ill be there this year embracing the flat but, have to come up with mental mind strategies to keep it interesting ,without blowing up and wrecking my run.
It’s definitely flat and fast, but the biggest problem is that its very mind numbingly boring. Ill be there this year embracing the flat but, have to come up with mental mind strategies to keep it interesting ,without blowing up and wrecking my run.
A couple of friends who have completed IMFL prescribed me a lot of 4 hour trainer rides to get used to the boredom and lack of hills. It’s been….fun.
Trainer rides are great for practicing keeping in Aero longer. Try to hold as long as you can. Neck and back will be sore after the rides, but it will make race day that much more bearable.
2019 was high of 60 or something close. Very cold that morning, 40 degrees to start the bike… Rode a 4:48 on 205 NP (I am 160lbs). Ran a 3:21. 9:35 total.
Just did 3-45 at 15 watts over race pace plus 25 OTH - so boring !
Never done a totally flat race