Soooo. Some notes from our course recce last weekend, for those considering entering the event:
Bike:
- Probably altogether about 140km flat, 40km punchy hills.
- Two loops, so you hit the hills twice, about 50k into each loop. The second time will hurt for sure.
- Flat parts are quite exposed, we had fairly strong headwind on Sat, not sure what the prevailing winds in the area are, but if they're northerly, the headwind might come as standard.
- Quite a few narrow 90deg corners as you ride into villages, some will be difficult to navigate through on aerobars.
- Some cobbles too, esp in villages - otherwise roads are good quality.
- Hills are not dissimilar to what you'll find in Surrey - fairly short and quite punchy. Cauberg is steep, but pretty short too.
We got lost a couple of times (my fault), but here's the Strava ride for reference:
https://www.strava.com/activities/411331042Run:
- The run is excellent - lovely area, part rural, part river, part through old town
- Old-style cobbles on the old town section - run flats/barefoot may not be the best idea.
- One steepish hill in the first 3-4km of each 14k loop, otherwise nice and flat
Strava:
https://www.strava.com/activities/411362338PS. They serve good beer; perfect for rehydration.