I am trying to plan my '08 season and I would appreciate any advice as to which to sign up for. I have never raced in Europe and in all likelihood it will be a one time deal. My gut says Roth for the history, etc., but something about France or Germany sounds nice. Thank you in advance for any help. John
I guess it depends on what you’re looking for-great food, lots of scenic climbs, Nice, topless french girls at the beach? what exactly?
Nice is an awesome venue for a race, I happened to be there just before IMF last year. If I could find some moutains to train on eventually (we lack those here in FL), I will definitely be back to do IMF…the bike course sure has some nice elevation to it!
I did Germany in 06 and was disappointed…
Organization seemed messy. I ended up waiting hours for the bus to take me to and pick me up from the bike dropoff the day before - missed a meal and didn’t bring enough water. Swim was in a very crowded mudpit - nasty. Bike course was ok but not great - definitely not the nice views I had expected (technical support on the course was very limited as far as I could tell - a friend of mine waited for over an hour for help before dropping out having blow his chances to qualify for IMH). Run was nice along the river, although many aid stations ran out out gels quickly and I had to switch to coke.
(I crashed 10mi into the bike breaking my collar bone - but that is a separate story…)
Haven’t done Roth or France.
Ron.
ROTH!!!
just look at the photo in the “roth short course” thread (solarberg!!). It’s a great race+ nice people.