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PM Zofingen
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by kemptonslim on June 11, 2008
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Can anybody give me an estimate of the length and grade of the big climb (can't remember it's name offhand) on the Zofingen bike course (besides "long and steep")?
Thanks.
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RE: PM Zofingen
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by joshellie1 on June 11, 2008
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There are three climbs per lap, with the "big one" being the Bodenberg. That climb has three parts to it. The first part is, and I'm estimating here, about a mile at 9%. The next mile has a slight false flat for a few meters and then ramps up from 5% to 10% at the top. There is a false flat for a quarter of a mile and then a steady pitch for the last mile at 4-6%.
All in all it's not a leg breaker, but it softens everyone up for the second run. If you are going this year get used to riding fast in all terrains and then shuffling along for the last 30k run.
Josh
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RE: PM Zofingen
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by WOLFKEMPO on June 11, 2008
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Josh,you are the very best with a great attitude,Compare the bike for me to the Auburn,Ca. race where you came in second,you really won,were it not for getting led off the course on the bike,lost two minutes at least and cost you the race.Was this just as hilly as Zofingen???
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RE: PM Zofingen
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by kemptonslim on June 12, 2008
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Thanks, Josh. Looking to find something that will duplicate that climb in my area, but may not be able to do it. Hill repeats at 9% may be the best I can do!
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RE: PM Zofingen
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by joshellie1 on June 13, 2008
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Thanks for the compliments!
It's hard to compare courses to each other. Auburn had many more rolling hills. It was hard to get in a rhythm there. At Zofingen you have a few sections that are pancake flat between the climbs. That makes it sound easy, but the competition makes you go really hard in those sections. I've found that the first run in Zofingen softers you up for the bike, the bike really fatigues the legs for the second run, and the second run takes you close to death!
I train around Carlisle, PA, where I can ride flattish roads to a 2 or 3 mile climb. Just get used to being able to switch gears from flat to climbs and you'll be fine. It really does come down to the second run. I've gained 8 places just on that run and I've also lost 16!
Josh
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RE: PM Zofingen
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by Joachim on June 14, 2008
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I have just looked at the run splits for Zofingen 2007: For the "average" age grouper, 16 min or so for the first 5km (1st run of course) seems to be the norm.
I have done Zofingen only once (1996) and the first run was straight up a wall. Is the first run a bit short?
Cheers,
Joachim
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RE: PM Zofingen
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by KROL on June 23, 2008
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Its been a few years and McGovern has had me in the hurt zone more than Switzerland ever did, but the first climb seemed to have a long false flat leading into it. Don't remember much else about that one thought. The third climb Josh mentioned comes with maybe 8k or so to go on each lap - not long or steep, but had two or three switchbacks. Was actually a fun climb as both times I was there the place was packed with spectators - as close as I will ever get to ascending a climb in a pro bike race!
Hey Josh - are you heading down to Morgantown for the half next weekend? Gimme a shout if you can and we'll grab a beer or something.
krol
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