Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Nick Flower on May 9, 2017 at 14:06

A big group of about 10 Windrushers did this race 2 years ago and I'm sure they can let you know how it went and give you their top tips...Sam, Dave, Steve, Erika, Frank to namedrop a few ;)

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Erika Kennington on May 9, 2017 at 20:57

Hi Lloyd,

It's a lovely (and pancake flat) course, really well organised event and with great support from the locals. Prepare for it to be incredibly windy (particularly on the bike), and for a 'hilly' choppy swim. Also, make sure you include some flat long rides in your training plan and not just hilly ones because with no hills (apart from the bridge) you will be cycling in the same position for the whole 180k so no variety for your muscles. Oh and because its an 'easy course' the time limit is 16 hours rather than 17, and the other cut-offs are also a little shorter than usual.

Very happy to meet up to chat more (as I'm sure any of the rest of the 2015 Kalmar Klan will be)

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Laura A on May 10, 2017 at 15:12

Ooh exciting!! Definitely stay out there for a holiday too! It's a really beautiful area.
Ohhhh the wind! Although maybe that was just our year. I'd practice sea swimming in rough conditions as that threw a lot of people.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Frank Fonton on May 10, 2017 at 15:33

Really enjoyed the race; beautiful area, amazing support along the course.

Cycling on the 6km bridge linking the island to the main land was just superb, particularly on the way back with the wind behind, which felt like flying :-). As Erika and Laura mentioned, the wind was horrendous during the swim (I got lost with two other guys and had to stand on a rock to figure out where we were) and pretty tough on the island as it was going sideways for the majority of the ride there (the island is a long stretch along the main land shore). As far as I know they had never had such wind during the race before, so it was probably just a fluke and explained why they didn't have enough buoys to guide you back on the swim....

Go for it, enjoy the race and the celebration!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Lloyd Collier on May 11, 2017 at 9:04

thanks all. I am entered! hopefully see you after CPT for the barbeque and will pick your brains a bit more.

• ▶ Reply

▶ Reply to Discussion