Jesse Thomas Course Recon: 70.3 Worlds Bike
American pro Jesse Thomas has been in Austria for about a week and shared his ride around the majority of the race's bike course.
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This weekend’s Ironman 70.3 World Championship bike course promises some stunning views, difficult climbs and technical descents. American pro Jesse Thomas has been in Austria for about a week and shared his ride around the majority of the race’s bike course. In true Thomas fashion, he responded to some of his fans and friends about what to expect on the course.
On riding with a disc:
“I think disc is fine. I’m riding one. Most of the race you’ll be going very fast and the speed will be worth it.”
On staying calm:
“It will be fine if you don’t act like an a hole on the first 3-4 minutes! Just a couple of tight turns that are totally manageable if you’re not trying to whip by people. I’m just worried about people being too aggressive and paying for it.”
More on the steep descent:
“The descent is very technical for about 3 minutes. I’m honestly worried someone’s going to go off the road. It’s got two tight switchbacks, the second of which is descending radius, so really gets you if you don’t know it’s coming, I was riding easy and still swerved into the opposite lane.”
On gearing:
“I rode 39 25 and it was definitely pushing it and I tend to mash gears fairly well. I was probably 50-60 rpm the last 10 minutes going ez. I’d recommend a 28 for most people. Kinda wish I had packed one, think I’ll be right on the edge for that last 10 minutes.”
On the temps:
“Depends a lot on the day but has been 60-75 since I got here for air temp. Last I heard water temp is borderline wetsuit legal for pros, not sure what age group cutoff is!”
For more from Thomas in Zell am See, follow him on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Strava. Also check out is “Triathlife” column here on Triathlete.com.