I am very interested in doing the 70.3 Pays d’Aix-en-Provence race (from USA) but our family trip logistics on the back end (traveling to Spain right after and boarding a cruise) is making it difficult for me to bring my bike to the race.
So - has anyone ever rented a bike in Aix-en-Provence (in the area) and if so can they provide any vendor recommendations? Or, if you have ever rented a bike for a 70.3 race I would love to hear more about your experience and any advice you might have.
Obviously, if doing an IM this idea might seem ridiculous - but I am only doing a 70.3.
Background info: I have been doing 70.3 races for 19 years so I am not worried about completing the race. I am an experienced cyclist and feel very comfortable riding and handling either a TT bike or road bike. Given that I would be renting a bike and traveling there shortly before, I would have no expectations for the race in terms of finishing time but just enjoy the opportunity to race in another country.
I am very interested in doing the 70.3 Pays d’Aix-en-Provence race (from USA) but our family trip logistics on the back end (traveling to Spain right after and boarding a cruise) is making it difficult for me to bring my bike to the race.
So - has anyone ever rented a bike in Aix-en-Provence (in the area) and if so can they provide any vendor recommendations? Or, if you have ever rented a bike for a 70.3 race I would love to hear more about your experience and any advice you might have.
Obviously, if doing an IM this idea might seem ridiculous - but I am only doing a 70.3.
Background info: I have been doing 70.3 races for 19 years so I am not worried about completing the race. I am an experienced cyclist and feel very comfortable riding and handling either a TT bike or road bike. Given that I would be renting a bike and traveling there shortly before, I would have no expectations for the race in terms of finishing time but just enjoy the opportunity to race in another country.
Taking a bike along for a race and then traveling can be a real challenge so I understand. We’ve done it both ways. I’m not sure how much luck you’ll have finding a tri bike. I’ve used France Bike Rentals a couple of times in Nice. Once ahead of the 70.3 Worlds to recon the course. Then after the event for my wife so she could ride the great climbs around the area with me on a road Nike instead of her tri bike. They list this race as one they support: https://www.francebikerentals.com/ironman/ironman-events/
We raced the Aix 70.3 in 2018 in a huge thunderstorm. There are some challenging climbs and technical descents on the bike course and the rain made for some crazy descending and lots of space blankets and DNFs. Solidly run event, but split transition and lots of logistical requirements ahead of race day - shuttle for bikes to T1 requires reservation. Race meeting was mandatory and also required a reservation. If you want to preview the course be sure to secure a car rental in advance. Probably from Marseilles as we couldn’t find one at all in Aix.
Thank you for this info on the race and the bike rental! It is extremely helpful and I plan to follow up on the link you provided.
Yes I looked at all the options to fly and ship but with multi country travel post race - I have no way to travel with my bike bag. Plus, shipping is out of the question due to all the delays these days in shipping - whether domestically or internationally.
I wish I could ship! But, Shipping is practically out of the question these days due to delays with covid - at least that is what I have been experiencing plus what bike shops/vendors have relayed to me when dealing with international shipping. Not to mention domestic shipping is experiencing significant delays.
