As for the Ottawa event, I think the success of the event will be a factor of the course and the base location. As a past local (1 hour away) race director I worry about some of the great local events surviving the next few years.
I had a chat with a friend about this yesterday. As much of a triathlon town Ottawa is, I think Ironman’s huge profile stands to bring even more new local triathletes into the sport.
This would help local races (Somersault top of mind)…at least that’s what I hope/expect. They don’t compete with Ironman, they offer smaller events that a lot of Ironman athletes will use to either build their skills over progressively longer distances, or build their season up to a 140.6 crescendo. Adam is a great race organizer, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he saw this as welcome news.
What about starting a little closer to 5th avenue and using Landsdowne as a transition area?
Bank street would be a great run (if a bit hilly to start), but I suspect they’d have trouble closing it to traffic. If you were doing transition at Landsdowne, they could easily just put the run on the run path next to the canal - assuming QEW is used for the bike. 2.5 loops around the canal and by the Parliament buildings, ending at Confederation gives you exactly 42km.
What about starting a little closer to 5th avenue and using Landsdowne as a transition area?
Bank street would be a great run (if a bit hilly to start), but I suspect they’d have trouble closing it to traffic. If you were doing transition at Landsdowne, they could easily just put the run on the run path next to the canal - assuming QEW is used for the bike. 2.5 loops around the canal and by the Parliament buildings, ending at Confederation gives you exactly 42km.
I would think they’d have to figure out a solution for crossing the canal. I don’t think they’d have weary Ironman athletes crossing the locks…it’s kind of sketchy.
Good point. Its a cool experience when you’re 100%, but I think you’re right about having athletes on hr 16 try to cross might be a bit dangerous. Maybe down Prince of Wales?
They used to have a big accessible bridge at Hog’s Back that they built while Hog’s Back bridge was under construction that was wide enough to bike over if you were feeling confident, which would certainly work. That was Pre-Covid, so I suspect its all been removed by the city. But obviously they wouldn’t re-build it just for this.
Interesting course. 10 years ago, I would have done it. No interest in sitting on a bicycle for that many hours.
I just watched the Ironman video and the finish is in front of Parliament Hill. Pretty cool route overall. Lots of funny turns though. (ie. bike is 2.75 loops)
Now that it’s out - interested to hear from the locals what they think of the course!
swim - clean water? (probably, I mean it’s Canada, not AZ)
bike - good pavement?
Run - they say it’s flat but it doesn’t look flat
Swim - clear water, they had a tri at that beach for many years. Also a very popular 3km swim that ends just north of the beach. Done both a number of times.
Bike - roads will be very good. It is pretty much flat with minimal risers occasionally. Very fast. Also, roads used for different tri/du venues for many years.
Run - similar to bike but not much shade. Sunny afternoon will cook.
Swim - clear water, they had a tri at that beach for many years. Also a very popular 3km swim that ends just north of the beach. Done both a number of times.
Bike - roads will be very good. It is pretty much flat with minimal risers occasionally. Very fast. Also, roads used for different tri/du venues for many years.
Run - similar to bike but not much shade. Sunny afternoon will cook.
That was one of the first things I thought of when the rumours started. Could be a VERY hot run that time of year late afternoon!
Swim - clear water, they had a tri at that beach for many years. Also a very popular 3km swim that ends just north of the beach. Done both a number of times.
Bike - roads will be very good. It is pretty much flat with minimal risers occasionally. Very fast. Also, roads used for different tri/du venues for many years.
Run - similar to bike but not much shade. Sunny afternoon will cook.
Thanks!!
I’ve been looking for a replacement for Tremblant. This looks like it fits the bill.
Any run for me feels like I’m walking on the surface of the sun. Guess I’ll have to do much better at heat acclimation this time.
