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04/16/2023

HSIP acquires California agency | Insurance Business America

https://birminghamdailyjournal.com/hsip-acquires-california-agency-insurance-business-america/

HSIP Acquires California Agency | Insurance Business America

insurance news

HSIP acquires the California agency

The deal is the agency’s sixth transaction in 2023

insurance news

By RyanSmith

Highstreet Insurance Partners (HSIP) has announced the acquisition of California-based Milestone Risk Management. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

As part of the agreement, Milestone will join HSIP’s West Region and report to Scott Goodreau, President.

“We are pleased to have Milestone’s talented team join us and help further expand our presence on the West Coast,” said Goodreau. “With the addition of Milestone, we continue to be even better positioned to serve the diverse insurance needs of our customers.”

“We are excited to be partnering with one of the most innovative brokers in the industry,” said John Hoefer, Milestone agency president. “Milestone’s local experience combined with Highstreet’s extensive resources and platform means more choice and support for our customers.”

Do you have something to say about this story? Let us know in the comments below.

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2023-04-13 15:12:25

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04/16/2023

Yee and Coldwell impress at National Road Relays

https://birminghamdailyjournal.com/yee-and-coldwell-impress-at-national-road-relays/

British triathlon stars Alex Yee and Sophie Coldwell represented their respective athletics clubs over the weekend, as the pair took part in the National 12 & 6 Stage Road Relays in Sutton Park.

The racing consists of twelve stages for the men, with six over a “short leg” of 5km and six over a “long leg” of roughly 8.65km for the men, and six stages for the women, which consists of two long and four short legs.

Both Coldwell and Yee raced for the first time since the pair finished second and first respectively at WTCS Abu Dhabi, and will take confidence from a strong run performance at the venue where they won Commonwealth Gold in the Mixed Relay back in August.

Popular Stories Right now

Yee just misses out on the fastest leg

Representing Kent AC, Yee ran an incredible leg to help his team take third place behind Central AC and Highgate Harriers, as he clocked an incredible 24:58 for the “long leg” of 8.65km.

Photo Credit – World Triathlon

His time was the second fastest of the day, behind two-time Olympian Andy Butchart, who ran 24:57 to lead Central AC to the title. Butchart, who has run 13:06 for 5000m, and Yee were the only men to finish under 25:00 for the long leg.

This performance by Yee, which saw him out-split the likes of World Indoor Championships medallist Marc Scott and former European Championships 10,000m fifth place finisher, Dewi Griffiths, is further testament to his already highly regarded run calibre.

If Yee ever decided to fully switch his focus to athletics, it would be hard to bet against him, but for now, the 25 year old looks content to keep putting down mind boggling run splits over 5km and 10km following a swim and a bike. Of course, Yee has has single-sport success alongside his multisport career, winning the British 10,000m Championships in 2018 and racing at the European Athletics Championships.

Coldwell shows massive stride forward in run

Whilst seeing Yee contend with the very best in the country on the run may come as no surprise, seeing Sophie Coldwell, who is better known for her swim and bike pedigree competing at the front of the race may have come as more of a shock.

[Photo credit: Darren Wheeler That Cameraman / SLT]

However, anyone who watched WTCS Abu Dhabi will have recognised the huge gains Coldwell has seemingly made on the run this winter, and she backed up that progress with an impressive sixth-fastest long leg split in Sutton Park on Saturday.

Clocking a time of 29:24, Coldwell ran within 50 seconds of the fastest split, and on an undulating course in Birmingham, will take a lot of confidence from this performance as she takes on her first Olympic distance event of the year at WTCS Yokohama next month.

In Abu Dhabi, Coldwell lost out to compatriot Beth Potter on the run, but with Potter absent in Yokohama, Coldwell will be a genuine contender to win her first ever WTCS race.

With just four weeks remaining until the race in Japan, Coldwell’s performance in Sutton Park shows that her run is in the best place it has ever been, and along with her incredible swim and bike calibre, it would come as no surprise if the 28 year old can take the tape in Yokohama.

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04/16/2023

Katie Zaferes triumphs over Gwen Jorgensen in Missouri

https://birminghamdailyjournal.com/katie-zaferes-triumphs-over-gwen-jorgensen-in-missouri/

Katie Zaferes was rewarded with the win at the Americas Triathlon Cup St. Peters Missouri after an early solo breakaway, beating compatriot Gwen Jorgensen and Amelie Kretz of Canada to take her first victory since giving birth.

Zaferes, a double Olympic medallist in Tokyo and the 2019 World Triathlon Champion, returned to racing in March after eighteen months away from the sport, and has her eyes set on the Paris Olympics in 2024.

Jorgensen is another with Paris ambitions, but couldn’t take down Zaferes, who showed her quality across the board to beat a strong field which also included Dominika Jamnicky of Canada and Amber Schlebusch of South Africa.

In the men’s race, it was a Canadian one-two, as Charles Paquet took the win ahead of Jeremy Briand, as Darr Smith of the USA took third place.

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Zaferes wins after decisive early move

Despite finishing 37th in her return to WTCS racing in Abu Dhabi, followed by a second-place finish at a recent Americas Triathlon Cup in Sarasota, Zaferes is still ranked outside the top-100 in the World Rankings, meaning the World Triathlon points up for grabs in Missouri were imperative as she looked to climb up the rankings.

Therefore, it was no surprise that as soon as the gun went off in St Peters, Zaferes made her move. The 33-year-old, known for her strength across the swim and bike, put more than 20 seconds into the rest of the field over the 750m swim, to enter T1 with a healthy lead.

Out on to the bike course, Zaferes continued to push the pace up front, as she recorded the fastest bike split to reach T2 with a gap on the chase pack, and most importantly a buffer of over a minute back to Jorgensen.

Impressively, Zaferes took the win with the second fastest run split, which after such a strong solo performance in the water and on the bike, might just be the biggest positive the American takes from this race. Zaferes split a brilliant 17:28 in Missouri, over 40 seconds quicker than her time over the distance in Abu Dhabi.

Jorgensen, who finished second to make it two podiums from two on the Continental Cup circuit so far this season, couldn’t claw back the damage inflicted by Zaferes on the swim and bike, despite recording the fastest run split with a 17:07 5km.

In third place, Canadian Kretz took her first Americas Cup podium since 2019 with a strong run leg as she beat compatriot Jamnicky and Bermuda’s Erica Hawley to the last spot on the podium.

“Channelling my inner Flora Duffy”

After the race, Zaferes shared on social media that she was proud of the race she put together in Missouri, adding that having tweaked a few logistical problems in training since the last two races, things seemed to be coming together.

“A win for me at St. Peter’s America’s Cup and I’m pretty darn proud of the race I put together. Came out of the water with a bit of a gap, rode solo for the 20k channelling my inner Flora Duffy and held my own on the run.

“From my first two races, Joel Filliol and I reflected, but we didn’t rewrite the whole book from what has had success in the past. A few logistical training tweaks. Another month of a solid block of training. Kimble sleeping through the night consistently for the first time in his nine months of life.

“I think for me this race showed me we’re getting closer to finding a sweet spot for what works for our family and what works for me as an athlete and a mom.”

A step forward in the swim

Jorgensen also reflected on the race in a positive light on social media afterwards, as she shared that the biggest step forward from her previous races came in the water in Missouri.

[Photo credit: Simon Dawson Photography]

“I would say my swim is improved from what it’s been. I had an okay start, and around the first can I was maybe seventh, and just kept moving my way up and I think I exited between second and fourth.

“Katie was up a little, I think she was 20 seconds ahead out of the swim, she rode like a superstar, stayed away and I ended up in a pack of three, which ended up as seven, and I think Katie had maybe 60 seconds on the run.

“It was actually quite hot on the run, and I was a little worried, but I just tried to run fast, stay cool, stay calm. Katie had an amazing race today, executed it perfectly and it was good to be back racing with her and on the podium with her for the first time in a while.”

Jorgensen shared that due to the cancellation of two upcoming World Triathlon World Cups, which leaves most of the season’s races between September and October, she is unsure of her next race and is just waiting for an opportunity to get on another start line.

Americas Triathlon Cup St. Peters Missouri 2023 Results

Saturday 15 April 2023 – 750m / 20km / 5km

Elite Women

1. Katie Zaferes (USA) – 1:00:08

2. Gwen Jorgensen (USA) – 1:00:58

3. Amelie Kretz (CAN) – 1:01:31

4. Dominika Jamnicky (CAN) – 1:02:05

5. Erica Hawley (BER) – 1:02:13

Elite Men

1. Charles Paquet (CAN) – 54:19

2. Jeremy Briand (CAN) – 54:40

3. Darr Smith (USA) – 54:53

4. Josiah Ney (CAN) – 54:57

5. Andrew Shellenberger (USA) – 55:04

Read More

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04/16/2023

Let’s Race… Plava Laguna IRONMAN 70.3 Porec

https://birminghamdailyjournal.com/lets-race-plava-laguna-ironman-70-3-porec/

The Ironman 70.3 Porec is a relatively recent addition to the half-distance racing calendar and while this amazingly picturesque race is only in its third year, Porec is now host to the biggest triathlon in Croatia and South East Europe

And it’s easy to see why.

The historical seaside town on the Istrian peninsula was already a popular destination for sporty types and tourists so throw in the organisational power of the M-Dot brand, and this 70.3 is perfect for triathletes and their supporters alike.

If you fancy racing abroad, then this triathlon really has the whole package – a swim course in warm, clear sea, a fast bike leg through stunning scenery topped off with sea-front run.

Aside from the physical stuff, with its beaches, marinas, cafes, cobbles and enough Roman ruins to satisfy the biggest Gladiator fan, a trip to Porec feels like you’re on your jollies.

And if all that is still not enough temptation, 30 qualifying age grouper slots to the IRONMAN 70.3 World championships 2024 in Taupo New Zealand are also up for grabs.

Location – Sun and sport

Sun, sea and sport – the three S’s that must surely add up to any triathlete’s paradise destination.

The race venue is all set within the Zelena holiday resort just south of the town with the race village spread across between the Hotel Molindrio Plava Laguna and the race’s official hotel, the 4 star Hotel Parentium Plava Laguna located right on the start/finish line. Discounts codes are available for race competitors.

The race village hosts the usual offerings from the 70.3 Expo, registration, race briefing, bike service and the welcome banquet alongside last minute swim and bike training sessions and the oh-so-needed post race massage and pasta party.

Getting to Porec is fairly simple with P**a, the nearest airport 45km away (Trieste and Venice airports are also options given its proximity to Italy) with public shuttle buses to transport you into the town.

If you hire a car, then just park up in one of the town’s many car parks when you first arrive and then go on foot for the rest of your stay as all the event locations are close by.

As one of Croatia’s most popular holiday resorts, there are literally hundreds of hotels, apartments, B&Bs etc to suit all tastes and wallets.

If you’re on a tight budget, Camping Zelena Laguna site is right next to the race village so you can just roll out of your tent and into your wetsuit.

Course – First timer and PB friendly

The course suits all levels whether your dipping your toe into the world of halves for the first time or you’re a 70.3 veteran chasing a World Champs slot.

Swim – 1.9km

Those who hate freezing cold lakes will find the warm, crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea with an average temperature of 18-20C (wetsuits are optional) truly inviting. The point -to-point swim route hugs the headland of the Zelena resort and finishes in a sheltered bay making it perfect for those not so confident in open water.

The route also makes it easy for spectators trying to spot you although the rolling start helps avoid the usual washing machine of bodies. And with both the start and finish on golden sandy beaches means no sharp pebbles, and just a sharp exit into T1.

BIKE – 90KM

T1 is just a short sprint across the race village then you’ll soon be on the out-and-back course which isn’t technically difficult and closed to traffic making it ideal for first timers. There are no big climbs – total elevation is just 600 metres – with three u-turns points on the undulating route.

The main leg takes you out into the spectacular countryside passed olive groves and vineyards (these aren’t the water stations before you ask!) onto a long highway stretch where you can really put the hammer down and go for that PB. In fact, the race organisers recommend a time-trial bike, if you were looking for an excuse to buy one…

RUN – 21KM

The run is a rolling two-lap, out and back course with a gorgeous route that takes you along the coast all the way to the centre of Poreč and north towards the bay of Saladinka before heading back south towards Zelena resort.

Hopefully the spectacular views of the glistening Adriatic Sea and medieval city of Porec will provide enough distraction from burning thighs and lungs until you hit the red carpet finish line and get that iconic medal around your neck.

Spectators – Family and tourist friendly

Set across the Zelena holiday resort, the race village offers all the usual facilities like toilets and food and sponsors stalls as well as the Ironman Expo where you can pick up exciting new kit or just a few extra inner tubes.

In the race village nothing is more than a five minute walk away, so supporters can happily spend the day following the action and soaking up the atmosphere as well as grabbing the best spots at the start/finish lines and the transition zones.

The swim course around the Zelena resort headland is probably the most spectator friendly part but friends and family can easily walk out along the seaside route to watch the runners pounding up and down the seafront.

Just be warned – don’t let anyone including your kids join you crossing the finish line or after all that effort, you’ll be DQed!

Most of the course is accessible for spectators with disabilities and thanks to the wonders of technology, anyone can simply follow the race from the comfort of their sun-lounger by downloading the Ironman tracking app.

Why Race IRONMAN 70.3 Porec

The whole race venue is located in Zelena resort Poreč with hotels within 500m and some right on the start and finish lines.

Fast, flat bike course on rural or closed roads

Seafront run course offers ocean views to distract from the pain

RACE-cation – A Roman holiday

For that well-earned post-race holiday, Peroc has something to entertain you and the whole family.

If sunbathing on the golden sands becomes too much, head to the old town with its warren of cobbled streets filled with charming cafes by day and buzzing bars by night.

The town’s countless restaurants are the perfect place to sample the local delicacies – seafood is on every menu and you won’t find truffles, usually eye wateringly expensive, anywhere cheaper!

A culture vulture? Once a Roman settlement, there are Roman sites around every corner and the sixth century gem-filled mosaics in the Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a must-see.

Even when shopping on Decumanus Street, one of the Peroc’s busiest retail spots, the architecture looks like its barely changed from the days of Julius Caesar.

And heading back even further in time, kids will love the thrill of going underground into the magnificent Baredine Cave, a grotto filled with impressive stalagmite and stalactites 6km north of the town.

Further afield in Istria, there are loads of day trips for foodies such as olive oil tasting and of course, some fabulous local wineries but just make you’ve decided who is the designated driver…

RACE IRONMAN 70.3 Porec, Croatia

Join us for a scenic coastal run through the old town of Poreč, a fast bike ride on the Istrian highway, and swim in the blue Adriatic sea! Take on the challenge in Poreč!

Read More

The post Let’s Race… Plava Laguna IRONMAN 70.3 Porec appeared first on BIRMINGHAM DAILY JOURNAL.

04/16/2023

Let’s Race…Challenge Taiwan

https://birminghamdailyjournal.com/lets-racechallenge-taiwan/

Taiwan has long been fought over by countries including The Netherlands, Japan and China but for nearly 70 years it has maintained its independence as the Republic of China and is now a dynamic, thriving democracy specialising in industrial manufacturing and electronics.

But it’s also renowned for its natural beauty and fascinatingly diverse cultures, which makes Taitung, a city surrounded by incredible natural beauty, the perfect setting for a race and vacation experience.

One of Taiwan’s smallest cities on the south east coast, Taitung is off the usual tourist trail but each April becomes the temporary home to more than 7,000 triathletes taking on Challenge Taiwan’s middle and long distance triathlons – the latter the biggest in Asia.

And it’s worth making the trip to this hidden gem of a region with its authentic local culture, delicious food, hot springs and breathtaking coastline. It really is a race in a tropical paradise.

While the mercury may nudge 28°C / 82°F April is one of the best times of the year to visit Taitung – just don’t forget the suncream! – and thankfully, humidity is on the low side so, over the years, it’s become hugely popular.

Location – a far-eastern promise

A world away from all the political drama in the capital Taipei, down on the south east coast, lies the chilled, small city of Taitung surrounded by lush forest, paddy fields and stunning tropical beaches which makes it a family friendly location to explore.

As one of the last regions in the country to be developed, Taitung County has kept its authentic Taiwanese culture, especially as it is also home to six aboriginal tribes who live in townships and add to the richly diversity of the area.

The closest major international airport is KhaoHsiung in the south otherwise the capital Taipei in the north which has two airports, Songshan and TaoYuan. From Taipei is about a five hour drive, a three hour train ride or a short one hour internal flight to Taitung airport.

There is plenty of accommodation in the city from the likes of the Sheraton, the official race hotel where athletes receive discounts on food and rooms, some lovely boutique hotels, budget B&Bs and midrange guest houses like Tiin Tiin Inn.

Food-wise the place is a melting pot of eateries from local aboriginal specialities like stinky tofu and pig blood soup, which should taste better than they sound, to traditional beef noodles and even a KFC.

THE VOICE OF EXPERIENCE

“Challenge Taiwan welcomes athletes and families with a message of “Welcome Home!” and whether it’s our first time or our eleventh time back, that feeling of hospitality makes this race feel like a community coming together to celebrate triathlon.”

Cassandra Chou, Taiwan

Challenge Taiwan itself takes place just outside the centre in the beautiful Taitung Forest Park where you’ll find the race village, including a large triathlon expo, a bike mechanic tent, the swim course and transition area making it an easy place for spectators to watch the action.

Note the split transition bag areas, something to bear in mind when packing your kit.

Course – fast, rolling & hot

These races will suit anyone from the experienced age-grouper to those stepping up for their first middle or long course. The shallow, straight lake swim is especially ideal for novice swimmers while the undulating bike will suit heavier, weaker cyclists. The flat run will suit both fast or slow runners looking for a PB.

The main obstacle for athletes will be acclimatising to the heat which will give anyone from hotter countries an advantage.

SWIM – 1.5 / 1.9 / 3.8km

The swim takes place in Flowing Lake, a shallow man-made reservoir with calm, crystal clear water from a natural spring. Despite the heat, wetsuits are permitted up to 24°C / 75°F. After a pontoon start, its rectangular shape makes it easy to navigate towards the respective buoy for your race distance before heading back to the start to either finish or repeat your next lap. Nervous or weaker swimmers will find the course well marked and easy to sight. Then it’s a 850m run into T1.

BIKE – 40 / 90 / 180km

The bike is an undulating out-and-back course which heads north out of town over the ZhongHua Bridge the snakes along the coastline between the soaring Carp Mountains and spectacular Pacific Ocean until the U-turn. Aerobars are permitted and there’s very little traffic to worry about on the wide, smooth roads which will suit those who feel the need for speed.

RUN – 10 / 21.1 / 42.2km

The fast and flat run course takes you through the cultural heart of Taitung City and alongside the beautiful P**a Lake Park and beside the surrounding tranquil rice fields, orchards and vibrant ocean promenade before finishing adjacent to Taitung Stadium to the beats of traditional Taiwanese drummers.

Stay into the night and you’ll witness dramatic firework displays to welcome the last long course athletes home in Tie Hua Village.

Belinda Granger

2013 winner

Pro TIP

“The bike is undulating so make sure in your training you find some terrain where it’s a little up and down and get used to staying down in the aero-bars for the duration. The run is flat and fast so include interval work in the build up to get those fast twitch muscle fibres working.“

Spectators – a family friendly paradise

Wherever you are on the course, you will be surrounded by natural beauty from natural springs, palm trees, lush forest in the Forest Park.

Friends and family can base themselves at the race village in the Park and watch you in action from multiple spots in the shade of a pagoda.

The swim is super easy to watch for the entire length of the course along the banks of the lake but the bike is a little harder to watch unless you have a car.

You’ll find an excellent viewpoint about 20km at Jialulan Recreation Area where you can park and watch the middle distance athletes twice and long distance four times on the out and back course.

Otherwise to while away some time, the beach is a short walk away as are several art galleries and a museum or you head out on for a hike or bike the trails through the Taitung Forest Park which is easily accessible on foot and perfect for watching the run course.

At the finish line in nearby village of Tie Hua, the Taiwanese drummers and firework displays welcoming home the athletes will be a rewarding end to the day and entertainment for all the family.

Why race Challenge Taiwan?

Asia’s largest triathlon festival with over 7000 participants

Spectacularly beautiful fast and flat course along the breathtaking coastline and surrounded by lush tropical forest

Taitung is the hidden gem of Taiwan with authentic local culture, delicious food and beautiful national parks.

THE VOICE OF EXPERIENCE

“For me, Challenge Taiwan captures something of the soul of this island, a race that leaves me with memories of Taiwan’s people and its natural beauty.”

Darren Cole, Canada

RACE-cation – the true taste of Taiwan

After months of training and a hard day’s racing, Taitung is a great place to unwind and enjoy the slow pace of its natural beauty and diverse culture.

To get around, rent a scooter or car otherwise the Taiwan Tourism Shuttle Bus goes to most of the major sights in the city.

The Forest Park, nicknamed Black Forest for its huge dark beefwood trees, is worth a return visit to take a boat ride down the river or explore its many trails on foot or mountain bike.

And having cycled past the Carp Mountains, the wonderful panoramic view from up top is worth the hike or ease your aching muscles at one of the local hot springs.

Then after dark take a stroll through Taitung Night Market in front of the Sheraton Hotel for a bowl of tasty beef noodles from the street food hawkers or try your luck scooping goldfish or throwing darts at balloons on the fairground-style game stalls, although the prizes really aren’t up to much!

With six of Taiwan’s aboriginal tribes in the county, you can book a guided visit to their villages during their summer festivals, where you can learn all about these ethnic peoples and their fascinating culture.

Then, if you fly in via Taipei then it’s definitely worth taking a few days before your flight home to explore this vibrant city.

RACE Challenge Taiwan

Keen to race Asia’s largest long distance triathlon in 2024? Entries will open on 8 May but be quick, all 7,000 slots sell out in under a week!

Read More

The post Let’s Race…Challenge Taiwan appeared first on BIRMINGHAM DAILY JOURNAL.

04/16/2023

Let’s Race…. IRONMAN 70.3 Duisburg

https://birminghamdailyjournal.com/lets-race-ironman-70-3-duisburg/

There’s something rather fitting about an IRONMAN 70.3 race in the city that’s home to Europe’s biggest steel plant.

Built on the banks of the River Rhine in the heavily industrialised Ruhr region of Western Germany, Duisburg is aptly known as the City of Steel, but these days is now equally known for being a bustling cultural centre where the old sits alongside the new.

IRONMAN 70.3 Duisburg, Germany’s newest addition to the race calendar, is based inside the impressive 200 hectare Sportpark Duisburg, once a gravel excavation site and now Germany’s biggest sports and recreation park.

And while not the most scenic of races, the course certainly makes the most of the city’s melting pot of landscapes.

The swim takes place in a regatta rowing lake inside the Sportpark, the bike leg has an industrial backdrop, while the run finishes inside a football stadium where pompom-waving cheerleaders greet you.

No wonder it was voted third best run course at the Athletes Choice Awards in 2022.

Location – Industrial chic

Sitting in the vast Ruhr metropolis where the rivers Rhine and Ruhr meet, Duisburg was once Germany’s coalmining and chemical centre, making it a target for Allied bombers during World War Two.

But with much of its heavy industry gone, the city, which is also home to the world’s largest inland port, has redeveloped its heritage by imaginatively transforming derelict mills, metalworks and dockside warehouses into a thriving centre of culture, nightlife and waterfront dining alongside green spaces and sport parks.

While an industrial city in western Germany might not be on everyone’s holiday bucket list for a race and a trip with a difference, Duisburg has definitely got a lot to offer.

At the heart of Europe, the city has second-to-none transport links however you travel there.

European triathletes can easily travel by train to mainline station Duisburg Hauptbahnhof and the city is well connected by motorways if you’re driving.

Most international airlines fly to Düsseldorf, the nearest airport 20km to the south from where you can hop on the Sky Train to Bahnhof Flughafen Düsseldorf then take the S-Bahn train to Duisburg-Schlenk station for Sportpark Duisburg.

The race village in the Sportpark is right next to the single transition area, tri expo, start and finish lines so everything is within a 500m radius. No excuse for getting lost and super easy for spectators.

You’ll also find a handful of budget hotels and apartments just a short walk away with a bigger range to suit all budgets a couple of miles up the road towards Duisburg centre.

Course – Fast & pancake flat

This course is ideal for any athlete but especially those stepping up from Olympic distance for the first time. The easy-to-navigate lake swim course will suit weaker or less experienced swimmers who aren’t great at sighting, while the pancake-flat bike and run sections are perfect for those chasing a PB or who don’t enjoy hills!

SWIM – 1.9km

The swim is a one loop course of the rowing regatta lake so sighting shouldn’t be too much of an issue – just follow the buoy line and you’ll barely have to look up! But do practice a diving start in goggles or you can just jump.

Once around the buoys you’ll head back towards the start and it’s a quick dash to T1. Just before you exit, you’ll swim under a bridge packed with cheering spectators which should give your tired arms a welcome boost. Wetsuits are recommended.

BIKE – 90km

After exiting transition, the mildly rolling, out-and-back course first takes you out of the Sportpark Duisburg through the western parts of the city and over the Rhine via the historic “Solidarity Bridge (Brücke der Solidarität) before heading along the river. After the U-turn, you double back to the Sportpark before starting your second lap.

Thanks to smooth, closed roads, you can put the hammer down and go for that PB – definitely a course for aero-bars. And to keep you fuelled up there are feed stations at the 30km/60km mark.

RUN – 21.1km

Still on for the PB? If the legs are still willing, you won’t find a much flatter run as you head out along the path around the rowing lake and pass the race village. On your third loop, prepare for your big moment – crossing the finish line inside the grounds of MSV Duisburg football club aka “Die Zebras”! In 2022, athletes were even greeted by a troupe of pom-pom waving cheerleaders!

Pro TIPS

“Use the buoy line to navigate your swimming – PR guaranteed as you don‘t need to look up! Attack the small uphill rollers on the bike course and make use of every nutrition station on the run course.“

Jonas Weller

1st MPRO in 2022

Spectators – Staying local

With the closed roads, watching the bike leg after it leaves Duisburg centre might prove tricky so spectators will probably find it easier position themselves at the Sportpark Duisburg, the heart of the action where the start and finish lines, U-turn points and single transition area are all located.

That way, they’ve got multiple chances to spot you as well as it being handy for activities in the park such as rope courses or the indoor ice rink for any younger supporters.

Friends and family can watch the swim start from the grandstand overlooking the rowing lake but also from the banks or on the bridge over the exit area.

They’ll also on enjoy the food, refreshments not to mention the buzzing atmosphere in the race village, waiting for you to come by on the bike and run courses.

Then, they’re just a few strides away from the football stadium where they can experience the thrill of watching your final lap of honour before receiving your iconic M-dot medal.

Why race IRONMAN 70.3 Duisburg?

A fast and flat course to beat your PB!

Experience the unique finish line inside the MSV Duisburg football stadium

Easy-to-navigate swim course in the rowing regatta lake.

THE VOICE OF EXPERIENCE

“The organisation was perfect. The support in case of my disability was more than perfect. At any time I could use the help when I needed it. The racecourse is perfect. Finally, the atmosphere before, during and after the race gave me goose bumps all the time.”

René Maier, Germany

RACE-cation – Where old meets new

Once racing is over, it’s time to kick back and enjoy a break in this fascinating city exploring everything from its industrial heritage to the lively art and nightlife culture whether you’re travelling with friends or family.

Buy a 24 or 48 hour WelcomeRuhr card which allows you to whizz around on public transport and includes entry into the city’s museums.

Culture vultures will love the museums and art galleries which feature works by world famous artists as well as documenting the Duisburg’s rich industrial and shipping history.

Küppersmühle Museum of Modern Art and the Lehmbruck Museum of modern sculpture are especially worth a visit.

A popular quirky tourist sight is the Landscape Park (Landschaftspark), an old ironworks transformed into a park with trails and a rope course.

On a similar theme, an old slag heap is now the site of Tiger &Turtle – Magic Mountain, an impressive spiral steel sculpture you can walk up for stunning views over the city and rivers.

On a hot sunny day, you needn’t stray any further than the Sportpark Duisburg and the adjacent Six Lakes (Sechs Seen) for watersports including wakeboarding and sailing or simply enjoy the lido and lounging on the sandy beach.

Thirsty and hungry? Then head to the waterfront eateries and bars at the Inner Harbour area (Innenhafen) the rejuvenated docklands which look magical when all lit up at night.

RACE IRONMAN 70.3 DUISBURG

Place your faith in the raw diamond that is IRONMAN 70.3 Duisburg – it welcomes you with perfect race conditions in the beautiful green sports and recreation area of the Sportpark Duisburg.

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The post Let’s Race…. IRONMAN 70.3 Duisburg appeared first on BIRMINGHAM DAILY JOURNAL.

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