hi there,

Can anyone share some of there experience on what the course is like for the Olypmic Distance triathlon (Gatorade series) in Geelong on Easter Sunday?

I have heard that the bike leg is hilly in the first few kms... what do you think? And what the run? flat? hilly?

The swim - do you have to start by diving from the pier?

thanks for any info or experience you have.

If it is the same course as last year:

1. Swim - Dive in from a pontoon, 1 lap.

2. Bike - Undulating in the first few kms. As you head out towards the Bellarine Peninsula it will undulate a bit. If the wind picks up you could be in for some fun.

3. Run - 2 laps. Only a couple of little rises from memory. Best part of the day as you are nearly finished :)

Hope this helps

Lots of discussion on it here -> http://tinyurl.com/l27wa

I'm doing the Brooks version as my first tri, but from what I've read the course is based from a new location at Steam Packet Gardens (not sure where it used to be I wasn't into tri's when I grew up in Geelong).

The course map is at:

http://www.supersprint.com.au/Default.aspx...2274&Template=6

I recently rode Amy's ride out on that road, I think it's reasonably flat (although I didn't go down Hernsley Rd). It looks like you you turn back before the one steepish hill I remember on the way out to the first roundabout to Portarlington (but don't quote me, it was relatively short anyway).

I'd like to know what the Brooks course is going to be as they haven't posted it yet.

Seriously, guys, this is Geelong. There aren't any real hills in Geelong. :P

Steam Packet Gardens is the centre piece of the waterfront, directly across the road from the new Sheraton. They have used this area now for some years with the Eastern Beach area further along to the south also used at various times for different events. I know most of the course and the run is really flat with a little rise at the turn around at Rippleside Park. The bike will have a short uphill near the start and then a gradual rise when you come back through the Eastern Gardens. I don't know Hermsley Rd but most of the Portarlington Road is flat. Except it looks like you go out to Grubb Rd which would entail going up the Leopold hill. And as for the swim? You think I'd swim in that bay? :D ;)

No real hills in Geelong!?! I used to ride up Lovely Banks to school each day (well for grade 5 at least), now that was painful. ;)

thanks for the links and info everyone. Looks to be a great day and after seeing the Aussies win today in the Games......I cannot wait to do my first ever Olympic Distance tri (and my fourth ever triathlon !).

It will be mine and my husband's first olympic distance too ( this is my first season). I am SOOOO excited. I did a 1200m swim this morning at Bonbeach, followed by a 40km ride, to see how I was travelling, and they went really well. I smashed the time I expected to swim by a couple of minutes.( By far my weakest leg!)
We have booked in to the Sheraton for Sunday night, as I reckon the celebrations afterwards will be almost as huge as the day itself. I just wish i didn't have to wait 3 weeks!
See you there - good luck! :D

Any lowly beginners doing the Brooks version with me? ;)

This will be my first tri, absolutely petrified of the swim leg, but hopefully by the end of next week I'll feel better as I'm holidaying in Ocean Grove with the family and plan to get some ocean swims in (very very different from pool swimming I learned from my last attempt).

Jo C....good on ya! How long did it take you to do the swim?

I was going to do this one myself but went to see the marathon instead! you are preparing well by doing a 40km ride afterwards. Gee, I hope you are not in my age group !!

I cannot wait either, although I am nervous also...this is my first season too, with only 3 mini triathlons behind me.

jo......just bumping this thread up as I would love to know how you felt and went in the 1200m ocean swim....

Ride leg has three 'hills'.
1st is the short rise out of transition - approx 200-250m.
2nd is the Leopold hill - gradual 800m hill that rises approx.60m
3rd is the gradual hill into transition at the grubb road round about, not as hard as the Leopold hill.

There is some slight undulation from Leopold to Grubb Road and around the Steam Packet gardens.

Wind has been s/sw so it should be a side/slight head wind out and a side/slight tail wind in. The last two weekend the wind has been strong and cold (down around 10 degrees as late as 9:00am)- a wind vest and arwarmers should be on the equipment list. If the wind keeps up the run home should be fast.

Forgot to add.....

Leopold hill is approx 11km out and hill into Grub Road approx 19km out.

thanks poconnell......

unfortunately, I have had a fairly bad cycling accident and will not be competitng this weekend, although I am still going as my husband is doing the Brooks mini tri.

I will pass this information onto him anyway, as it may be of benefit for 16km bike route.