Conditions were "suitable" for tt bikes, not ideal as you do get quite a lot of sand in your drivetrain and the Salt road is not friendly to tyres. I got a few cuts (on road training tyres) but think gaitor skins or similar would do when using tubbies. The (SALT) tt route (2 laps of 45km) is relative flat and fast with long drags out and back, wind was a factor on the way back. A tt bike with racing wheels would kill this route. I managed a 2:41 with my 10yo roadbike a KHS Aero 800, Rolf Vigor wheels converted into a tweener on short notice. Fortunately no injuries but battled to run the last 6km's as the "new" bike position messed up my running legs. Overall time 5:00:41, pity of not having my tt-bike... I think I lost at least 10-15min and an opportunity to sub 5:00 a 1/2IM distance? I doubt whether informed (non-Namibian) triathletes will risk their expensive tt bikes and racing wheels in these conditions, traffic between Swakop and Walvis should be converted to the Salt rd and the existing tar road (parallel to the Salt rd) be closed and used for the tt during the race. Swakop provides a special and unique experience but in my view the organisers need to guarantee tt on safe tar road before numbers of international athletes will increase. The real business and numbers are in the Age Groupers. If they get it right and manage to provide travelling packages decreasing travel costs, accommodation and car rental, this race has potential to attract more entrants than can be accommodated. Travelling (air travel and car rental, accommodation)to Swakop is expensive, for a lot less you can do prof organised local races or fully catered training camps (where safe tt is guaranteed).
