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2014 - Ironman France vs. Ironman Austria

ryanpaceryanpace
in Races & Places 🏁⛺
Ironman France or Austria...Registration for both of these races will open up this summer & I've already been thinking about signing up for my first Full Ironman.  Both dates for Ironman France & Ironman Austria fit perfectly with my work schedule.  My wife is on board with it, as long as its a destination she'll enjoy.  I've read France is one of the more difficult Ironmans because of the major climbing on the bike.  But I've also read that its considered one of the most scenic and a great experience.  Ironman Austria sells out quicker than France ,& Austria sounds like its a very desirable race for a lot of people.  Sounds like Austria is considered easier (if there is such a thing in a full Ironman!).  Does anybody have any thoughts or suggestions on choosing between these 2 races.  For some reason I'm leaning towards France.  I live in New Orleans & I know I can't really train for the mountains, but part of me wants the challenge.  Thanks so much!

Comments

  • zwubazwuba
    Heiho Ryan - I'll do my first IM this year here in Austria where I live just a few minutes away from the bike course and I can tell a LOT about IMAT and country and whatever else you wanna know ... just tell me image
    For IMAT you don't need be like Marco Pantani or Eddie Merckx on the hills as there are only 2 real "hills" per round on the course. One is about 5min and the other about 10min.
    IMAT is one of the fastest courses around so if you are looking for a FAST race on a beautiful place you are perfect here in Austria image

    Normally it takes only a few days that IMAT is sold out but we also had times when it was sold out within a few hours!
  • ryanpaceryanpace
    Thanks Stefan.  That's good information.  I watched a video of the bike course & it looks great.  You're so fortunate to live right there!
  • Paul HoughPaul Hough
    Ryan - if you go to Austria, I would be interested in hearing about your travel logistics. Austria is on my future bucket list, but it doesn't seem the easiest to get to. I'm thinking it might be best to fly into Munich and drive south. Vienna lis only a little closer, but costs more to fly there. I once had a business trip to Ljubianya, Slovenia and we had lunch at Lake Bled which is very close to Ironman Austria. I need to do the race just so I can take my wife there. Meanwhile, I'll be checking out Ironman Sweden this year. If they bring back Ironman Regensburg, I can tell you that is a fantastic venue with much to see.
  • zwubazwuba

    I think it's now possible to fly to Klagenfurt via Frankfurt (at least I'm using that flight for my upcoming business-travel to Fremont). There's also a second very nice connection to Graz via Frankfurt. From Graz to Klagenfurt it's about 1:45h by car (which is a lot less than from Munich) ... and you don't have to pay additional tunnel-fees.

    Ljubljana is also an opportunity - it's also just an hour per car to Klagenfurt!

  • ryanpaceryanpace
    I just checked on United, as that is where I've built up points on business travel.  I'd go from New Orleans, to Houston, to London, to Vienna, and then directly into Klagenfurt.  Sounds crazy, but I wouldn't have to drive anywhere & it would all be through airline points. 
  • helen.king@invis.co.ukhelen.king@invis.co.uk

    I really like Klagenfurt/Austria so I would vote for IM Austria too. Sounds like you have your air miles solution sorted out but it seems a shame to go all that way and not spend some time in Vienna.

    Getting the train from Vienna to Klagenfurt is pretty easy providing you don’t take the kitchen sink with you. Train was full of bike boxes when I did this and it’s a good way of having an enforced pre race rest.

  • Tom GlynnTom Glynn
    I did France has my first IM in 2005. Very, very hilly bike course. Many people used modified road bikes rather than tri bike.

    Having said that....

    Nice is an incredible city and a fantastic destination spot for family members. World class dining, on the Mediterranean, friendly place. Lots to see and do. I'd probably fly into Paris and train to Nice, but there are options.

    The swim was easy. The water was very calm. 2 loop course. My first open water swim went very well! The run is also easy; pancake flat along the beach. 5K out, 5K back, repeat 4 times and add 2K to the end.

    I don't know anything about Austria, but France is definitely worth considering.
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