I just got back from this race and I had such a great time I wanted to do my bit to try to promote it.
The race was extremely well organised with a number of social events organised pre-race, a painless registration process, a ton of support during the race and a high-quality awards ceremony to finish.
That’s all great, but there are two things that really set this race apart. One is the course. The bike course is absolutely beautiful, with cow bells ringing as you pass spectacular views of hills and valleys. The second is the support from the locals. They are out in force all along the course, all day, and they shout you encouragement the whole way along. Children line the course at several points, hoping you’ll reach out to slap them five as you ride by. Pretty cool.
As a Canadian who lives in the UK, I noticed there weren’t many North Americans out for this race. I understand some of the reasons why (it’s a long way to go for a race, a tough course, etc) but I just wanted to give it an unqualified recommendation. Register for next year and get training!
The heat was a mixed blessing considering I’d been training in the rain/cold in the UK all summer. Some of the other UK folks suffered dehydration/digestion issues but some coped well with it. You’re right, though, it was nice not to have any rain, which I understand is very rare!
Don’t be harsh and compare the early years (May and September races) with the current date. They had so much bad luck with the weather for the last two August races. I am convinced Zofingen will stay a warm weather race just as this year for the next years and will grow back to its late 90s size.
Guys, SIGN UP!
Much better race than IM Switzerland, which is one oft the most boring IM races in Europe despite it’s praise in the neighbourhood thread. In Zofingen they will get you a homestay.
Hey, I won’t dispute that. They indeed had incredible bad luck these past two years, but also when it was in June and/or September (we usually enjoy nice weather this time around too).
I share your enthousiasm about Zofingen, although I don’t quite share your digging of IM Switzerland :-).
Hey, I won’t dispute that. They indeed had incredible bad luck these past two years, but also when it was in June and/or September (we usually enjoy nice weather this time around too).
I share your enthousiasm about Zofingen, although I don’t quite share your digging of IM Switzerland :-).
AFAIK it was never in June but in May around the Eisheiligen.
re IMCH: People in ZH care shit about the race, they have events every single Sunday which are more fun to watch/participate. Also, the run is a pain in the butt - so crowded. And to top that the drafting this year was horrendous.
Why no IMCH in Luzern or Sursee or Thun or Rorschach (sic… but bike in the hinterland not Germany/Austria) or …
IMs should be held in communities like Penticton, Taupo, Roth etc. where the folks can’t wait for the show.