I just stumbled across this race...
[url]http://www.esprittriathlon.com/2008/demo.php[/url]
It's a spectator friendly course:
Course Description
SWIM: 3.8 Km (2.4 mi.) Time Limit: 2 hrs
The 3.8 Km (2.4 mi) swim will be in the Olympic Rowing Basin. The Basin is a 2 km long, 100 m wide and 3 m deep swimming pool. There is no current in the basin. The water has been tested and is superior for swimming. Wind will have zero wave effect. The expected water temperature will be 22°C (around 72°F) and we recommend wet suits. The course is 2 laps of 1900 metres, a down-and-back swim. Spectators can walk along the basin wall on the stands side and watch the swimmers.
BIKE: 180 Km (112 mi) Time Limit: 10 hours
The 180 km (112 mi) cycle will consist of 41 laps of the Circuit Gilles- Villeneuve which is the site of the Formula 1 Canadian Grand-Prix. The 4.4 km loop has the best road surface in North America. Our computer timing system will count the laps for the triathletes. On each lap you will have access to the aid station or "PITS" (see info on aid stations). The distance on your bike computer will give you a good idea of where you are on the course and you can check this against our count which is shown on a large screen video monitor coming out of the hair pin turn. This monitor indicates your bib number and the number of laps which you have completed. REMEMBER, EXIT THE COURSE WHEN THE MONITOR INDICATES 41 LAPS!
MARATHON: 42.2 Km (26.2 mi) Time Limit: 16 hours
The 42.2 Km (26.2 mi) marathon starts at the back of the Transition Area. You will run directly onto the basin wall and circle the Olympic Rowing Basin 4.6 Km route 9 times. The course will have you pass to the right of the Finish Line on the water side and through the Triathlete Village 9 times. In the AV you wil go under any swimmers exiting the basin on our bridge. The run course is flat and fast. On your 9th lap you will be given a wristband. This will signify to the course marshals that you have now completed the marathon and may enter the "home stretch" to the finish line.
I looked at this race two
I looked at this race two years ago when I first thought I wanted to try an Ironman distance race. The event would be perfect for someone looking for a small, less-frills event, on a spectacular course. I use to row in the same basin back in college, and what a treat it would be to swim....guaranteed to take several minutes off of your swim time. Too bad it looks to be closed for 2009, that actually may have fit my schedule for a last race next year.
I think I might go crazy
I think I might go crazy with that many loops on the bike. It would mess with the mind games I'd be trying to play with myself ;)
WanaBSpeedy wrote:Too bad it
[quote=WanaBSpeedy]Too bad it looks to be closed for 2009, that actually may have fit my schedule for a last race next year. [/quote]
I don't think it's even opened yet... I checked this year pretty close to the race and there were spots left.
They limit entries to:
ESPRIT 100
DEMI ESPRIT 200
OLYMPIC 500
SPRINT 400
DUATHLON 150
(Where "Esprit" is full Iron, "Demi Esprit" is half Iron)
Last year only 63 people did the "Esprit"... so it might get a little lonely out there! But it's a fantastic venue, and the grand prix course should be super-fast. Flat as a pancake, and smooth.
jono
have read race reports in
have read race reports in the past w/ problems w/ not having volunteers at aid stations don't know if this has improved but this would an good way to keep Mrs. H less nervous about me.
I have done the iron
I have done the iron distance 3 times and the half twice. My wife has done these same races. The swim is wonderful, you swim straight and the distance is exactly correct. The bike is anything but boring. The full, half, olympic distance racers are all on the course at the same time periods. It's super smooth and fast. Lots of turns and even a little hill each lap.
My wife an I have done 168 laps of the race course. Last year was the first time we ever saw each other on the bike course when I passed her on our next to the last lap and we went in to transition at the same time. If the weather is good and you are a medium strong biker a time of 5 hours is not out of the question.
IM runs are long. Can't say I spend a whole lot of time enjoying the scenery at any IM race. The 9 laps lets you break the distance down in to portions you can understand.
Race support is super.
otherhalf - thanks for the
otherhalf - thanks for the info.
One question - does it sell out? I noticed there's not a lot of people in the results page, <100.
jono
I don't think the Esprit has
I don't think the Esprit has ever sold out. RD Danny McCann would probably allow a few extra athletes enjoy the IM distance race. A tri club buddy did the Esprit last year and the demi (half) this year. He too has raced frequently in many venues and he loves this race. This year he averaged just over 25mph in the half, finished in 4:11 and came in 18th! Some talented people like that race too!
Great, thanks for the info.
Great, thanks for the info. It's on my list... I'm doing IMC this year but after that I'll feel more free to do non-M-dot races. :) And Montreal is such an amazing city.
jono