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Race Execution Advice Needed: Bike wheel setup for IMMD this weekend.

Wolf GottschalkWolf Gottschalk
in Racing Forum 🏎

Ironman Maryland this upcoming weekend. Forecasts all seem to be converging on the same race day situation: Day before: torrential rain (3-6+ inches), 20-35mph winds, coastal flooding. This is supposed to continue into the day of the race as well, although less rain is supposed to be coming late morning. Winds will be substantial, portions of low lying and  flat bike course are sure to have water ponding and/or flooding.

Question: What wheel setup would you recommend? I was planning on going with my FLO 60 up front and Disc in the back, Conti 4000s tires. My bike handling skills are good, but weather conditions will make me cautious. No problem staying aero for 5+ hours. However, given the fact that the road may be sketchy and the winds (especially side winds) are going to be substantial, should I switch wheel setup? Here are my other options as they stand:

1. Race setup as described above (FLO 60/Disc setup).

2. FLO 60 and FLO 60 in the back (will remove Wheelbuilder aerojacket disc).

3. "Regular" stock Shimano R500 rims. Can also put the Conti tires here.

Thanks so much for your help!! Wolf

Comments

  • Nemo BrauchNemo Brauch
    Leave the disk and wheel covers at home. The FLO 60 (without a cover) on the back should be fine. Front wheel is where your need to figure out your comfort zone. I've found it's really the front wheel that 'catches' the wind and makes the bike squirrely. I'll likely be swapping out my front Zipp 404 for a "regular" front wheel. But I'm a little peep that gets blown around easily in the wind.
  • Peter NoyesPeter Noyes
    I did IMCDA in 2014 which was the year of the winds. There were gusts in the range of 20-25 mph. I had FLO 60 in front and Disc in back. I am also a featherweight. There were times I felt pretty squirrely on the bike and had to put my hands on the hoods, but overall it was ok.

    Remember the advice about winds. Air speed vs. Ground speed. If you are climbing into a headwind it makes sense to stay aero!. If you do put your hands on the hoods, don't sit straight up, try to still stay low.
  • William CrawfordWilliam Crawford
    I agree with Nemo - leave the disc and wheel covers off but you should be fine with the FLO 60s. I have ridden the course in the wind and rain and it is manageable. I am 5'9" and 150 lbs. and I use Reynolds equivalent of the 404s on the front and back with no issues.
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