IM Germany vs IM Regensburg - help me choose!
OK - the pain of IMAZ is finally gone and I'm decided to go after Ironman #4 in 2011, but offshore at either IM Germany (Frankfurt) on July 24th or IM Regensburg on Aug 7th. No SAUs required...the frau is always on board for travel to Europe. I'm wondering if anyone has done both races or has insights into which is better. Here's how I view the two:
Germany - serves as European National Championship. 2011 will be 10th anniversary of this race which is kind of cool. This year they had 8 slots in my age group and they rolled to #13. Cool finish in the old city center with a big city party kind of feel at night...seemed like much more energy than any other IM I've done. I think there are fireworks at the beginning and end. Up to 500,000 spectators. The downtown area has a lot of original German architecture but other than that Frankfurt is just another modern city.
Regensburg - smaller race in much older, well preserved city. As a tourist venue, this appears to offer more for the frau to see. Bavaria tops big city any day. There are only 3 slots in my age group and they rolled to #5 last year. Very scenic bike and run courses. A true destination race with world heritage sites in the city.
I've watched videos of both swim starts, and Regensburg appeared to be more crowded even though its a smaller field because the beach start is narrow. Further, I understand that IM Germany takes the top 200-250 age group swimmers and starts them with the pro's...thus reducing the age group scrum. Is that right? Any insights on which bike course is harder? Which run is harder? I need to make a decision between these races soonest.
Comments
Paul - I have no insight on the nature of the courses. At your level of performance I think the best way to get better is to test yourself against the best possible field, which will be at Frankfurt. You thrive on work and competition, expose yourself to the bigger challenge in your age group.
Some of us are doing Regenburg. It will be fun to have more EN'ers.
Based on the review of times for my age group from last year, seems like Kona slots more attainable at Regensburg. Regardless of number of slots available. Wife and I both doing Regensburg.
Which AG are you, Robin?
Hey Paul, yup I'm in too for IM Regensburg, see you there... beers are on you I hear???
@ AL - During the race I compete against the field rather than my age group, then see where the chips fall at the end. There will be plenty of people kicking my butt at either race. I'm less motivated for Kona in 2011 because I want to do the Myrtle Beach 1/2 on 9 Oct -- same day as Kona. The 2011 Long Course Champs at Myrtle Beach are a qualifer for the 2012 ITU Long Course Worlds in Spain in 2012. From my wife's perspective, any trip to Europe trumps Kona. If I ever do make Kona, it will probably be a one time thing...twice at best. Life's too short, and time/funds too scarce to travel to the same place repetitively.
There is very little visibility in the swim, as the water is very murky... It was about 18 degrees C., so definately wetsuit. If I recall correctly, it was a water start, so there was plenty of room to choose from where you wanted to start (i.e avoid the wishwasher)
The website talks about the "famous hills", but in reallity, it is a flat course with a few quick climbs (not worth worrying about for most people).. the few climbs were filled with people much like a Tour de France mountain stage..which wqs good for morale..
The run was flat an uneventful.
I haven't done Regensburg, but from what I can tell, this is a more hilly course...and as it doesn't have the history that IM Germany has, it probably has smaller crowds lining the streets...
I would choose IM germany, if I wanted a flat, fast course..and Regensburg, if the preference is towards a hilly one... The rest is probably similar, so choose depending on your course preferences...
I've already made the cool signature badge for Regensburg!
Excellent Paul, look forward to seeing you there.... my mouth is watering thinking about that beer tent at the finish line already
Cheers!
Double Kevins at Regensburg!