Quick Research on Ironman Fortaleza

Coach Patrick

As always, many many thanks to EN member extraordinaire, Juan Vergara, for this information...

What i found about IM Fortaleza (from a podcast with the race director):



- WTC COO will visit next week to check course in person. 

- 1 lap ocean swim. 

- 2 lap bike. 80% on highway (1 lane closed in each direction).

- run by the sea (great scenery).

- wind all day head wind one direction and vice versa (both bike and run). Most likely head wind out. 

- very good hotel infrastructure in Fortaleza 

- local university with 23 thousand students will provide volunteers base.

- 1500 athletes limit. 



Personally I have been to Fortaleza several times. Great place to visit. A few images in the following link:

https://www.google.com.br/search?q=...&dpr=2



Some info regarding cost (at current exchange rate):



Hotel: 

• Marina Park Hotel next to transition 5 nights aprox US$1,000 

Meals:

• US$100 per day per person

Registration opens Oct 1st 2013 (race on Nov. 9th 2014)

Paul Hough

Wow, food costs seem high! There is/was an iron distance race already at that venue which will become the foundation for this race. A pro posted a link to his race review of it on slowtwitch...sounds very difficult. Consensus on ST is that it will be the hottest/windiest IM on the circuit. More importantly, travel from North America to this venue is even more difficult. I checked out a lot of flight options, but pretty much they entail flying south to Rio or San Paulo, changing planes, then turning around and flying back north to Fortalezza another 3.5 to 4 hrs. Unless someone wants a Nov IM, the original IM Brazil looks a lot more attractive.

This race had a soft announcement before WTC fessed up several weeks later. IM Mallorca also had a soft announcement this month and is expected to be confirmed by WTC at or after Kona. The frau is not remotely interested in Fortaleza but has given me 2 thumbs up on Malloraca if that comes to pass.