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Zofingen Du
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by jfg on May 27, 2011
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I have decided to finally do Zofingen which is the long course worlds this year instead of the short course in Spain. Any suggestions from those who have completed the race on type of wheels to use and possible gearing would be appreciated. I anticipate the last 30k run to "determine" the race.
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RE: Zofingen Du
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by WOLFKEMPO on May 29, 2011
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You are the man,Glad to hear that you are going there and not me!!Gunter Wade(52) is going and a friend here in Berkeley, Ca. Clarence Butz(51) just asked me the same question .Obviously we ned some input on this subject from Veteran Zofingen people.
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RE: Zofingen Du
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by runbikejeff on May 30, 2011
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Jim - Powerman Zofingen doesn't really start until the third lap of the the bike. And yes, the 2nd run does determine the outcome of the race. However, having said that, I must admit I have never taken my own advice. I can never hold back on the bike, especially in cold, wet years.
The first 10k is a pretty demanding start, almost all uphill or downhill, so make sure you train on hills (if you have hilly trails to run on, run the downhills hard; your legs wil thank you on the day of the race).As far as bike gearing, a compact 50/34 would be good, with a 12-25, but most people don't have compacts on their tri-bikes. I've used a 53/39, 14-25 or 12-26 the times I have done it. The hills really aren't bad, just the Bodenberg (especially lap 3). The bike course has an awful lot of fast parts, and if you are comfortable on a tri-bike on a hilly, long course, by all means use it. As for wheels, I have used all combos: disk/tri-spoke; double tri-spokes; deep-dish carbon; Rolf Vector Pros; shallow-dish carbon. A disk works well because of all the fast stuff, and now most disks are light, so there is no problem on the ascents. I am thinking of doing it this year, and if I do, my choices will be a 52/34 or 36 compact on a road bike with clip-on bars, and Rolf Vector Pro tubulars with a 13-28 cassette. I am more comfortable on a road bike, after not racing for almost 2 years. But the main thing you should remember: run downhills hard in training once you get used to it! Build up to it, then really work the descents. The first run is tough, but the 2nd run can take 4-6 hours if your legs are gone. And eat lots! On the bike, if you don't have support, they hand up food at the top of the Bodenberg. On the 2nd run, there are plenty of aid stations with gels, rice cakes, and fluids. And be prepared for any weather, especially rain. It may be hot and sunny, sunny but cool, cloudy and cool, or start with sun but turn to rain. I like the rainy, cool days the best. Of the 6 times I've raced Zofingen, it has rained 3 times.
The last time PM Zofingen was LC Duathlon WC was 1999, which was my first. It was a wonderful experience, as you will find out. Zofingen - indeed all European PM races - are unlike all other duathlons in the sport. Train well, stay healthy, and hopefully I will see you on the start line!!
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RE: Zofingen Du
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by DocMJW on June 20, 2011
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wow- long time ago...
Nice to see your words Jeff..
I agree- Zofingen bike hard- need granny gear for the Bodenburg if you are older than 45. Take embrocation oil or protectant and put on knees, feet and hands. take toe shoe covers, knee covers, and good gloves- I used Giordana and they were perfect after I almost froze my fingers off one year.
Go run uphill. The last and best year I went- ,(sorry live in flat Ohio) to my STEEP 1/3 mile uphill. ran it 22 times , rode up 28 and then did 1 nmore hour of bike and run after. Improved my second run by about 15 minutes. Use endurolytes,caps,hammergel, sustained energy, and eat a million rice cakes. GOOD LUCK!!!!
You will love it.HOP HOP HOP, ALLEZ.ALLEZ!!!!!!
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RE: Zofingen Du
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by jfg on July 6, 2011
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Thanks all for informative replies. I spent a week and a half in Colorado this June doing the Bike Tour of Colorado. Also did Mt Evans from Idaho Springs and about 5,000 ft of climbing. Had a 52/29 with 13-28 on a road bike. I imagine the hills are not as long in Switzerland but perhaps the ascents and descents are steeper than the Rockies? Are you allowed to stash supplies at various places? Unfortunately the USA uniforms have no back pockets to stash bottles or hammer products.
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RE: Zofingen Du
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by jfg on July 6, 2011
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After watching the tour today, I am looking forward to the race. The BTC this year had a lot of cold weather and snow. Actually had more than 5000 feet of climbing but can't put a number on it. When you are going 8 mph up a hill, it is a long day. http://bicycletourcolorado.com/index.php?module=htmlpages&func=display&pid=41
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RE: Zofingen Du
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by WOLFKEMPO on July 14, 2011
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Gunter Wade,Kirk Herring ,James Griffin and my good friend from Caifornia Clarence Butz,all are over 50 years,and have the attitude that nothing is too big.Go for it men.Greatest 50 plus men I have seen represent Team USA at Long course World's.BONSAI
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RE: Zofingen Du
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by WOLFKEMPO on July 15, 2011
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Should have looked at the team USA roster for Zofingen,the 60 plus Champions,Rich Chillingsworth,Phill Davis and Dennis Kashinscke are also on board.Wow,you guys will have a great team spirit with all these guys experience.
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RE: Zofingen Du
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by WOLFKEMPO on July 17, 2011
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The people that design the jersey for the team should be required to race long course ,before they put no pockets in the back .That is tight!!
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