Carlos,
Just returned from Brazil this week and wanted to offer some constructive criticism on the race this year. Undoubtedly, you've heard the complaints on the blatant, risk free drafting that occured on the bike course. The elimination of standard blocking, postitioning, and passing rules offered up near draft legal and unsafe conditions. If the winds had been what they were the year before collisions would have been inevitable. The less scrupulous took advantage of the new rules. The more honest (like myself) simply rode along demoralized by the increasing time gaps being created by the cheaters. There were huge groups of AG athletes packed together throughout the entire bike leg. These groups were easy to identify due to the many turnarounds etc. The lack of marshalling was unbelievable. On more than one occasion I witnessed marshalls simply riding alongside groups for extended periods of time and then just speeding away! It was almost as if a conspiracy had been set in motion. As for the pro race I witnessed an armada of vehicles surrounding, and protecting Fernanda K from the wind throughout the bike leg. The use of media and support vehicles as wind protection should be regulated. Seasoned pros know how to take advantage of situations like this. I've done this race twice and seen it both times.
The water that was made available at the water stations wasn't in appropriate containers. I know the sponsor wanted to have their containers used, but those bottles don't fit in standard bottle cages. This made for treacherous and trashy conditions at the water stops as well as a logistical dilemma for the athletes. If one were to not have an aero water bottle mounted on their aerobars he/she was forced to do some crafty things with their own bottles to ensure proper hydration: unscrew cap of personal bottle, fill bottle, throw sponsor bottle and cap -- all within the confines of the aid station in order to keep from trashing the course. These measures on the move, in race mode, are quite risky.
The traffic cones were placed too close together on many stretches of road making the lanes too narrow. I know of one athlete who was crashed into while passing another that swirved to avoid a cone. He went home with a broken collarbone and a story to tell all his fellow athletes in San Diego.
Two years in a row I’ve witnessed and experienced some unusual problems with bouy placement in the swim. There’s a story circulating online of one of the bouy’s being moved during the race. Whether this is true or not I don’t know. But it’s bad PR for the race regardless. Many participants from the pro’s down felt the second loop to be quite a bit longer than the first.
For the run, many I’ve spoken with were unhappy with the cobbled sections included. Personally I wasn’t bothered by this but I felt you would want to know.
I can’t compliment your course volunteers enough. They were absolutley the best! Where the race organization failed to meet expectations, the volunteers exceeded them by far. Their enthusiasm lasted throughout the entire day and kept many a tired athlete going.
Word has spread far and wide via the internet on the drafting issue. Many went home disgusted by it. The race has a reputation now that you should be aware of. I personally have a great affection for the race, it’s location in Floripa, and Brazil in general. It’s likely I’ll return again and again. It’s for this reason, and the knowledge of your desire to make this race the top dog among the many international Ironman races, that I felt compelled to inform you of the above stated inconsistencies. Good luck with your other ventures and I hope to see you again next year.
Sincerely,
Keith Pillers
