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Thinking of a European Ironman getaway? Why not check out Ironman Switzerland and catch the Tour de France at the same time.

Ironman Switzerland preview

At the time of writing this the entry list for Ironman Switzerland was sitting at 1500 registered competitors. The organisers closes registration once the number reaches the amusingly odd number of 2222. This race has been around for 15 years now and the 2012 edition, to be held on July 15, will see if local hero, Ronnie Schildknecht, can pull off the impossible, and win his sixth consecutive title in a row, in the 16th running of this picturesque event.

Ironman Switzerland has been on my bucket list of Ironman events to compete in for many years now. My friends who have competed there tell me it is a ‘must-do’ event and finally in 2012 my name is on the starters list and I can’t wait to bring you a full race report when I have successfully crossed that finish line.

After doing some research and finding out what I can from stories told to me from past participants, I have been able to come up with the following facts and information about the event, which should help you make up your mind to add your name to the starters list.

1.     First up, we all know that anything the Swiss do they do it with the precision shown in their making of some of the best and most intricate produced watches in the world. The Ironman will run like clockwork and that I can guarantee you from the perspective of past participants.

2.     Course wise you are in for a treat, the two-lap fresh water swim in beautiful Lake Zurich, with the backdrop of the Zurich skyline, is broken up into one lap around a rectangular course and the second shorter lap is in the shape of a triangle. The two separate loops help to break up congestion on the swim. Ironman Germany does something similar and it works a treat.

3.     The two lap bike course climbs about 1300 metres and the professional men often record times of just under 4:30. So while it sounds fast the course will still test you as the first 30 kilometres is on flat and very fast roads, then the rolling hills, steeper climbs and super fast and long descents will sort out the men from the boys once you enter the second lap. Any bike course in Switzerland you just know the views are going to be stunning; expect idyllic small Swiss villages and lots of farms with plenty of fat, brown cows. The biggest talk of this bike course is the parting of a human sea of supporters, making room for the width of just one bike rider on the infamous 'Heartbreak Hill'. This hill is located at the end of each lap and is in Zurich itself and attracts thousands.

4.     The run is a four-lap out-and-back five-kilometre affair. It is flat and fast and parts of it you get to see the view of Lake Zurich, while other parts are through back streets of the city. If you are going there to qualify for Hawaii you will get to see your competition often on this stunning run course.

5.     The entry fee for Ironman Swiss is in line with any of the major Ironman events around the world. If you enter prior to the end of the year you are looking at 675 Swiss franks or roughly $730 Australian. After that date it goes up another hundred dollars. This is one of those rare events that do not sell out immediately, so if you are keen to enter after reading this I would suggest you do so ASAP to secure a spot. I would love to see as many Aussie athletes as possible do it in 2012 to keep me company. Who knows, you may even get a mention in this magazine...

6.     Your Ironman entry gets you the usual goodies of a race start, sponsor gifts, carbo and awards party tickets, finisher’s shirt, certificate and medal and most importantly an emergency Bike Doctor! It is on the list on their website as to what your entry fee entitles you to...

Ironman Switzerland has been around long enough to have finetuned their event into a world-class and most memorable experience. I for one can’t wait to experience what delights Zurich and the surrounding districts have to offer, not just as a competitor but as a tourist after the event has been run and won. I hope to see you there.

For more information check out http://ironmanzurich.com/

 

Words: Mark ‘Sharky’ Smoothy