I am headed out to Thailand to race the 2006 Laguna Phuket International Triathlon. I used to live in Malaysia and race the region, but never got to this race - Has anyone done the race in the last 2 years …and aside from all the post race write ups and course data- can they give any good advice on ‘tactical tackling’ of the bike leg? Rolling terrain, hills, headwinds…etc…I’ll take any gouge I can get.
One thing I noted from 2005 race photos…only one individual had a rear disc (McGlone) -none of the Pro-men used one - is this significant in and of itself?
The bike has 3 steep climbs that all come in the first 20km. They are all climbs you’ll need to stand up on. I’m fairly strong and need 39 * 25 for the first (and steepest) climb.
The next 20km is fairly flat / rolling and the last 10km has a small climb.
The decents are also technical (one even has a no-overtaking rule).
Swim is wonderful (beach start, 1200m in sea, 800m in lagoon).
Run is two laps with a gradual hill on each lap and nice bit of off-road (1km).
Brilliant race, very well organised, superb after race banquet !