D2D vs Cape Cobra

[Dgas]

I was having a discussion with a cycling buddy of mine about which race is harder the D2D or the Cape Cobra. I rode the Cobra a few years ago and the D2D yesterday. I would think about the same. Any thoughts?

[fandacious]

cape cobra isnt very diffifult... its got OKW in it, but its quiet a short race

[Dgas]

The D2D had around 1075 m climbing, any idea on the Cobra?

[fandacious]

The D2D had around 1075 m climbing, any idea on the Cobra?

 

according to my garmin 1170m of climbing

[Dgas]

So it's a 100m more climbing but about 10km shorter? If I recall the Cobra is 85km?

[eddy]

Did Cobra earlier this year and D2D yesterday, but think they are difficult to compare for two reasons:

 

1) Time of year: Cobra is nicely positioned at end of January with 4 months of summer behind you and training on-track for Argus 6 or 7 weeks later: D2D is at the end of winter before serious training has started and was done with a decent spare tire (3kg heavier).

 

2) Altitude: as a Gauteng Resident and occasional visitor to Cape Town, I am always astonished at how much easier it is to ride at sea-level. It is also a bit shorter.

 

 

So for me, Cobra much easier

[Let's Ride]

Air pressure differences. Some say that riding at a higher altitude is easier.

 

But I do agree that D2D is positioned when everybody is generally less fit while the Cape Cobra is only a few weeks before the Argus.

Edited September 3, 2012 by Let's Ride

[Dgas]

I find that riding at the coast is a lot easier. More oxygen.

[mtbgirlz]

Topic Hijack

 

Is the D2D more difficult than 94.7? Was disappointed with my time yesterday

[Ceres]

according to my garmin 1170m of climbing

 

According to my Garmin its 1280m for 2012 and I got 1301m for 2011.

Edited September 3, 2012 by Ceres

['Dale]

Did Cobra earlier this year and D2D yesterday, but think they are difficult to compare for two reasons:

 

1) Time of year: Cobra is nicely positioned at end of January with 4 months of summer behind you and training on-track for Argus 6 or 7 weeks later: D2D is at the end of winter before serious training has started and was done with a decent spare tire (3kg heavier).

 

2) Altitude: as a Gauteng Resident and occasional visitor to Cape Town, I am always astonished at how much easier it is to ride at sea-level. It is also a bit shorter.

 

 

So for me, Cobra much easier

 

[andydude]

What was the average speed of the winner and first group for both the D2D and Cobra?

[andydude]

What was the average speed of the winner and first group for both the D2D and Cobra?

 

I'm replying to myself!

 

D2D - Sep 2012 - 93km (Pros)

 

Kachelhoffer & Group: 2:14:40 & 42.06km/h

 

Cobra - Jan 2012 - 85km (Bonitas and rest of WC Elites)

 

Lill: 2:10:11 & 39.18km/h

Group: 2:12:10 & 38.59km/h

 

Looking at the above it would seem the two races are in the same category in terms of difficulty. The change in average speed is probably due to the lack of pros doing the Cobra.

Edited September 3, 2012 by andydude

[mtbgirlz]

Topic Hijack

 

Is the D2D more difficult than 94.7? Was disappointed with my time yesterday

 

Anyone?

[andydude]

Topic Hijack

 

Is the D2D more difficult than 94.7? Was disappointed with my time yesterday

Anyone?

 

Difficult is a relative term.

 

Try to find out the distance, elevation gain and loss and look at the winners' times compared to yours as a percentage.

[Falco]

Is the D2D more difficult than 94.7? Was disappointed with my time yesterday

 

For what it's worth, I found the 94.7 to be easier than the D2D, but you must bear in mind that the D2D is done straight out of winter, while the 94.7 is done in summer when most people have got a lot of miles in the legs, and also lost a bit of winter flab.

My 94.7 time last year was 8 minutes faster than my D2D time.

And btw: I too was disappointed with my D2D time yesterday. That race sucked, it just wasn't my day.