Location
|
Zurich, Switzerland
|
Race
website
|
|
Time
of year held
|
July
|
Approx
Athlete Numbers
|
2150
|
Does
it typically sell out?
|
No; sometimes
|
One
word description for the event
|
Hilly; excellent
|
Good
for first iron distance race?
|
Yes
|
Tips for overseas athletes getting to
the venue:
- Flights are easy and frequent.
- Zurich Airport is maybe a 20min cab ride away from the race venue
- It's really well organised - easy to get to - book a taxi early for the morning of race.
SWIM
One
word description for the swim
|
Clean; long
|
Single
or multi-lap course?
|
2 laps
|
Typically
wetsuit-legal?
|
|
Swim
course description
|
Lake, rolling start.
Beach exit between laps.
|
Swim tips
- Be prepared for the swell in the lake at the turn point. It can be quite strong.
- Two loop swim - seems to be long every year by about 300m.
BIKE
One
word description for the bike
|
Tough; scenic
|
GPS
map link for the bike course
|
Map link
|
Video
link for the bike course
|
|
Single
or multi-lap course?
|
2 laps
|
Bike Course description
- Flat for 30km; then small hill; then rolling. Then two massive hills. Then fast downhill. Flat then small steep 1km hill near end of lap.
- Well supported by the locals.
- The traffic, although partially open, is bike friendly compared to a lot of places.
- Good route with three climbs - two long grinds and one short sharp hit.
Bike Course tips
- "The Beast" is the worst hill. But it’s nothing anyone should worry about specifically.
- Can easily do a recce of Heartbreak Hill before the race - its only 10km out of city centre.
RUN
One
word description for the run
|
Flat
|
GPS
map link for the run course
|
|
Video
link for the run course
|
|
Single
or multi-lap course?
|
4 laps
|
Run course description
- Flat (bar some underpass points)
- Well supported by the locals.
- Fantastic run course - through city parks and lake shore - great support.
Run course tips
- Don't go too quick at the start as it is totally flat.
SUPPORTERS
Tips for supporters get the most out
of watching the event?
- They put a shuttle bus on to Heartbreak Hill which is the most supported place on the bike.
- The main bridge into town is a great vantage point for both bike and run.
Great places to eat:
- It's Swiss - everywhere is good quality.
Best bike or tri shop in town:
- Tempo Sport - Thawil area
Best pick for accommodation:
- Youth Hostel or somewhere near the lake. (Most hotels are nearby.)
Best things for the kids to do:
- Ironkids event
Cool things to do after the race:
- Tour of the City - the old Museum area.
Any warnings that people should know
about before entering:
- Switzerland is not a cheap country but it is very clean and the people are lovely.
OVERALL
General tips:
Best thing about this
race:
- Tough bike course
- The course itself is fantastic - good support on run course.
Anything negative about
this race:
- Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries on the planet. So long as you know that going there you'll be OK.
- It's expensive to stay in Zurich - choose hotels carefully as prices are expensive.
RACE REPORTS AND OTHER VIDEO LINKS SUPPLIED
Have you done this
race?
Thank you to the
following people who have contributed content to this page: Rich Walker; Jeff Curry
