Half IM Cape Town

[Garfield2010]

If there was ever a massive gap in the industry then it has to be for a 70.3 race in Cape Town.

 

70.3 EL is sold out and the waiting list closed with 800 on it. It is now May only.

 

All other 70.3 races in SA are growing exponentially.

 

Challenge CT was a big cockup but surely someone has to set their sights on a 70.3 in Cape Town or its surroundings?? Something similar to the Olympic race that was held there recently?

 

Does anyone know if this is already in the pipeline perhaps?

[davem]

Those who know won't say lest somebody pinches their idea.

[davem]

What happened to Challenge Durban 226? They were meant to run a trial race in April/May?

 

Did it happen?

[Snytjie]

During every single cycle from Noordhoek around Cape Point I wish that we could get this done, and right here. There really is a great opportunity in these surrounds and with the current demand for races. Just think about a swim in Kommetjie, a cycle to Cape Point and back, and a run in the Soetmelkstrand holiday area which is not even even on a public road... with respect to them all, no current race in SA will even come close to that scene.

 

On the more realistic side: you will need some serious backing for organising it, and I suspect that is why it doesn't happen. I can just imagine how full of **** the CT municipality must be about hosting events. It is not as if they are hard-up for any. For example: last year with the Gun Run (16 000 runners) I was amazed to see that much of the route only had partial road closure. Between Sea Point and Camps Bay we had to swerve for cars while climbing up the hill. If they can't get it for 5-6 hours, I think it will be an uphill battle for a startup tri race with 1000 competitors. The southern peninsula is not the CBD, but still: people are sometimes full of **** around here.

And it is no use going to some mediocre setting (like the 11Global in Blaauwberg); it will have to outclass most other races.

 

You'd probably need a brand like IM themselves or the ITU to back it, or have your own financial backing to go through a few years of loss- making while the municipality/community build trust in you to allow for a properly staged event with full closures and dancing girls.

 

It is kind of surprising that IM has not taken up the space in CT yet. Maybe the franchisees are happy with the balance of effort/income, no?

[Red Zone]

The best venue for a IM in Cape Town, is not in Cape Town.

 

Franschoek. Berg River Dam for the Swim, endless bike routes from flattish to hilly and great run options.

 

And you avoid the City of Cape Town Municipality's events bureaucracy.

[davem]

The best venue for a IM in Cape Town, is not in Cape Town.

 

Franschoek. Berg River Dam for the Swim, endless bike routes from flattish to hilly and great run options.

 

And you avoid the City of Cape Town Municipality's events bureaucracy.

 

I must confess to not understanding the obsession with having an event in CT. Yes, it would make for aerial spectacular TV coverage but how much do the competitors appreciate the route's views. At IMSA the views are incredible but I must have only appreciated them for a few seconds here and there.

 

And the water is so freeking cold.

 

The ITU event actually only closes off such a small portion of roads. The elite course was 8 laps of 5km! Thats 2.5km of road and probably not all of it public road, some being through parking lots etc.

 

CT is awesome for a massive bike or running race with 10 of thousands of competitors but a triathlon with 3 events and 1000 - 2000 competitors just doesn't make sense.

 

I like the Franschoek idea.

[Red Zone]

I must confess to not understanding the obsession with having an event in CT. Yes, it would make for aerial spectacular TV coverage but how much do the competitors appreciate the route's views. At IMSA the views are incredible but I must have only appreciated them for a few seconds here and there.

 

And the water is so freeking cold.

 

The ITU event actually only closes off such a small portion of roads. The elite course was 8 laps of 5km! Thats 2.5km of road and probably not all of it public road, some being through parking lots etc.

 

CT is awesome for a massive bike or running race with 10 of thousands of competitors but a triathlon with 3 events and 1000 - 2000 competitors just doesn't make sense.

 

I like the Franschoek idea.

Agreed, I don't like the idea of swimming False Bay, because you will get eaten by Jonny and die. The Atlantic side is ridiculously cold, my face is still warming up from that 11 degree ITU swim. Were there views at IronmanSA? the only view I remember is aerobar, white line, waterbottle, yellow line, pothole, vomit, speedbump repeat.....

[JGR]

Cold water isn't the problem ....

 

http://surferspath.mpora.com/news/environment/worlds-biggest-bull-shark-caught-way-inland.html

[Garfield2010]

I must confess to not understanding the obsession with having an event in CT.

 

Well here is why:-

 

1.) It still is beautiful (you just have to take it in)

2.) Geographically there is a gap in the CT area for a 70.3

3.) Sportsman-friendly city and I expect the crowds and local athletes to support the event

4.) We can go on a wine-tour the week after the race

5.) Mango covers this route even from Bfn (example why Jailbreak doesn't work for most)

6.) CT is definitely more tourism friendly than PE or EL. Seriously there is only so much to do after IM in PE

7.) The roads are in good condition in general

 

Alternatively we can do a 70.3 at the Gariep dam.

[davem]

 

2.) Geographically there is a gap in the CT area for a 70.3

3.) Sportsman-friendly city and I expect the crowds and local athletes to support the event

 

Western Cape yes, CT itself maybe not.

 

How friendly is CT to events? Argus and Two Oceans aside as they are so big. Reading these forums, the Peninsula is wonderful but not renowned for friendly relations with motorists. You cannot practically do Argus style road closure for 2000 athletes.

 

ITU was not particularly well supported by spectators. Venue was not conducive to big crowds because as soon as all the competitors finished, they disappeared off into the Waterfront as they are many other distractions. IMSA is the big event in PE, that is why gazebos are in place two days before the event to reserve your spot.

[Garfield2010]

Western Cape yes, CT itself maybe not.

 

How friendly is CT to events? Argus and Two Oceans aside as they are so big. Reading these forums, the Peninsula is wonderful but not renowned for friendly relations with motorists. You cannot practically do Argus style road closure for 2000 athletes.

 

ITU was not particularly well supported by spectators. Venue was not conducive to big crowds because as soon as all the competitors finished, they disappeared off into the Waterfront as they are many other distractions. IMSA is the big event in PE, that is why gazebos are in place two days before the event to reserve your spot.

 

Ok CT area. Can we put the finishing line on a wine farm?

[davem]

Ok CT area. Can we put the finishing line on a wine farm?

 

You see, with some creative thought you are coming up with some good ideas now.

[Garfield2010]

OK lets try this again DaveM

 

Well here is why:-

 

1.) There are wine farms

2.) Geographically there is a gap in the CT area for a 70.3

3.) Sportsman-friendly city and I expect the crowds and local athletes to support the event

4.) There are wine farms

5.) Mango covers this route even from Bfn (example why Jailbreak doesn't work for most)

6.) CT is definitely more tourism friendly than PE or EL. Seriously there is only so much to do after IM in PE

7.) There are wine farms

 

That should just about cover it. Oh and did I mention that there are wine farms?

[JGR]

Western Cape yes, CT itself maybe not.

 

How friendly is CT to events? Argus and Two Oceans aside as they are so big. Reading these forums, the Peninsula is wonderful but not renowned for friendly relations with motorists. You cannot practically do Argus style road closure for 2000 athletes.

 

ITU was not particularly well supported by spectators. Venue was not conducive to big crowds because as soon as all the competitors finished, they disappeared off into the Waterfront as they are many other distractions. IMSA is the big event in PE, that is why gazebos are in place two days before the event to reserve your spot.

The weather was not great for ITU but imagine the finish being at the waterfront and the run along the prom and camps bay?!

[davem]

OK lets try this again DaveM

 

Well here is why:-

 

1.) There are wine farms

2.) Geographically there is a gap in the CT area for a 70.3

3.) Sportsman-friendly city and I expect the crowds and local athletes to support the event

4.) There are wine farms

5.) Mango covers this route even from Bfn (example why Jailbreak doesn't work for most)

6.) CT is definitely more tourism friendly than PE or EL. Seriously there is only so much to do after IM in PE

7.) There are wine farms

 

That should just about cover it. Oh and did I mention that there are wine farms?

 

Forget the crappy finishers shirt, just a good bottle of Finishers Red with a limited edition label.

[JGR]

Forget the crappy finishers shirt, just a good bottle of Finishers Red with a limited edition label.

You get a bottle of Red or White for the Slanghoek race ....