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IM Swiss

michaelgasser17michaelgasser17
in Races & Places 🏁⛺

Has anyone done Ironman Switzerland in the past couple of years or signed up for the race in 2011?  I'm signed up and starting to look for a place to stay as well as ironing out the other details.  I have the luxury of living in Italy on the Army's dime so I'll be driving.  Any details regarding the race or the locale would be much appreciated.

 

Michael

Comments

  • Dave TalloDave Tallo
    Switzerland is a fantastic race. two loop wetsuit-legal swim in Lake Zurich that spreads out after the first buoy; a relatively quick bike with two good-sized climbs - one that's pretty sharp, but not long; a fast, flat 4-loop run. Spectator support is wonderful and Zurich is a beautiful city. Also a great setting-out point by train for other places.

    I stayed at a Sheraton that was equidistant from downtown and the race start, but looking back, I might advise looking at the 'race hotels' to get a better range of choices and prices ... a number of them had shuttle buses that ran to the race on race morning, and had better amenities nearby. I also found dining out was slightly more difficult than i have experienced at other euro races, and were I to do it again, I would entertain renting an apartment so I could prep my own chow. If you've got a car, you're off to the races and have many more choices available. Hotels filled early, so it's a good idea to plan ahead.

    Any specifics tht you would like to hear about?
  • michaelgasser17michaelgasser17
    Thanks for the info. I can't think of any specific questions right now, but I'm sure that I'll have some more when it gets closer to race day.
  • DanJacqueminDanJacquemin

    I did the race in 2007. It was wet and cold, but even though my finish time was awful, I'd call it a fun event.

    http://endurancenation.us/en_forums...php?t=3457

    Watch out for the island you need to cross between swim loops. It can get backed up a little.

    I think the biggest surprise for me was the transition areas. You get really spoiled in North America--lots of volunteers to help out, get you pointed in the right direction, etc., at IM-CH the transitions were treated like a long-distance Olympic. You're mostly on your own. Great support out from the fans. I seem to recall that I really missed the T2 special needs stop. It just didn't exist.

    If it rains while you're out there BE CAREFUL. Super smooth, fast Swiss roads become super slick when it rains!

    Run course was a really nice set of loops through the town, but if you're going to finish near the end of the day, be warned, they pack up early at the aid stations!

    I was spoiled by the travel agency so they took care of the food/travel. If not for that, I'd second the suggestion of using one of the race sponsor hotels.

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