Ironman Cozumel Tips

Paul Hough · September 26, 2012 5:02PM

All - I've pulled the following comments off Slowtwitch that are relevant to our upcoming race. Now get off your asses and start participating in the weekly training post!

IMCOZ Swim - The swim is off of Chakanaab park and unless there is a Norte blowing it will be pretty flat. In general the current in Coz flows south to north but this area is in an eddy and flows the opposite way. The current’s strength can vary quite a bit. You will be able to see cool sea creatures below you while you swim. No snakes like Lake Monona! If a Norte blows which occurs about once a week that time of the year the swim will be very rough and probably pretty scary. The island is flat as a pancake so there are no hills. The trade winds come from the ESE typically so there will be some parts of the ride that they will affect. Because they are usually strong disks are not allowed.

Recent Weather - We're on a roll with the weather gods. IM last year had cool weather, HIM (Cozumel 70.3) this year had coolish weather. The weather gods must really like all the tourists. I have yet to do a triathlon in Mexico that the roads weren't closed. I have yet to do a triathlon in Mexico that didn't have ice cold water constantly available and ice cold water baths offered by the volunteers. Volunteers and spectators (offering candy bars, water, showers, etc.) rocked, as usual. I've considered going to Guate for their HIM but the spectators and volunteers and race management Make the races here.

Where to get bike stuff - My name is Dailene and i am the co owner of "Cabrilla´s Sport Center" located less than a block from T2. we are the local tri shop mentioned in other posts. i participated in IMCOZ 2010 (my first), 2011, and doing 2012 and 70.3 2012 here in cozumel. i am also vice president of the local tri team "Tri-Kuzam".

Our tri line has drastically increased since last year (our inaugural year as a tri shop), and we have CO2, threaded and non threaded, pumps, tubes, tires, race belts, SLS3 tri clothing, Pearl Izumi clothing and running shoes, cycling shoes, body glide, joshua tree cycling salve (wow, great stuff), limited valve extenders, aerodrinks, polar insulated water bottles, compression socks and sleeves, bike tools, 1st endurance, etc.

Like last year, we will be set up 2 weeks before and 1 week after IM COZ with the very best bike mechanics. beto's bike has 27 years experience and he specializes in road and tri bikes. he and his crew can help you with everything from assembly, disassembly, minor adjustments, to major tuneups and emergency repairs. we will also offer delivery service of your bike. beto only uses park tool tools and really knows his stuff.

Local Grocery Stores - All the grocery stores (mega, chedraui, san francisco, soriana) are fine. if there are many of you and it's worth to buy in bulk, we have a sams club as well, about 1.5 miles inland from margaritaville downtown. everyplace is safe.

Can you drink the water? - For heaven's sake we do drink water in Mexico. We just drink pure water. It is FINE to drink the course water. It is all agua purificada.