Ironman cozumel 2010 will be the second running of the newest editions to the Ironman triathlon family and will be another early opportunity for the lucky few who manage to qualify for Ironman Hawaii 2011.
I suppose if there was anywhere in the world an ironman triathlete would like to be in late November it would be at the start line of Ironman Cozumel 2010.
Of course the race is full and it you want to get a spot in the 2011 Cozumel Ironman, it would greatly help your chances if you were in Cozumel the day after Ironman Cozumel 2010 takes place as entries for Ironman Cozumel 2011 open at 12 p.m. local time on Monday, November 9th.
Like many of the races like Ironman Canada for instance, it's going to fill fast and if you snooze, you lose.
It was one of my greatest regrets when I was unable to compete in Ironman Cozumel almost 20 years ago. Few people realize that this race was almost born many, many years ago.
Actually it would have been called Ironman Cancun, because there were no Ironman 70.3 races at the time. It eventually ended up that Cancun was awarded the 70.3 and Cozumel was awarded the Ironman.
There was an Ironman office In Cancun and the entries had been sent out. I know because I paid the money and sent mine in.
Unfortunately, Ironman organizers who first hoped to have the Ironman in Cancun two decades ago had difficulties getting the resort area to close down the main roadways for an entire day.
So I received a letter that the race had been canceled and all entry money was returned with the promise that I all those who had entered would be first on the list to be able to sign up if Ironman became a reality for the resort of Cancun.
Of course this never became a reality and the Ironman ended up in Cozumel instead.
Regardless, I think it was a great loss for the resort area of Cancun to turn down being part of the Ironman family when they had the chance. The Ironman has a way of bringing recognition to a venue that far exceeds the actual race day itself.
Anyway, here is a bit of info about the race that originated from the original Ironman Cozumel 2010 site so I assume it is correct. If it is not entirely accurate, it's most likely because changes were made to the course and not updated on the Ironman Cozumel site.
THE SWIM
Wow! what a great place to swim. Crystal clear waters and great temperatures. Much like Kona wetsuits are not allowed(or really needed) because the water is so warm.
First of all, regardless where you plan on doing your Ironman, make sure you have a plan and Ironman swim strategy in mind.
The swim is a water start as opposed to a beach start and you can expect temperatures around 26 degrees C in Ironman Cozumel 2010. It's a one loop rectangular course and will ultimately bring you out of the water at CHANKANAAB park beach.
As with most Ironman swims you will have 2:20 to finish. You can expect to be swimming into the current in the early stages, but at the end the current will be pushing you along.
You won't have to worry about visibility because it's 100% in the sparkling waters of Cozumel. The course will also be well marked with buoys and you can expect to see a large buoy every 200m with smaller ones in between.
THE IRONMAN COZUMEL 2010 BIKE COURSE
The bike course begins at the CHANKANAAB park transitions area and you will be using the Cozumel island main road.
The triple loop bike course is flat for the most part and is paved. Although there are no monster hills to be concerned with, there are a few sharp corners so take care. and
The bike is in a counter-clockwise direction and will eventually finish up near the Cozumel city hall.
And yes, the course will be totally closed to vehicles. I won't bore you with every street and turn on the course, because it won't mean anything to most of you and will soon be forgotten.
All you really have to know is that the roads will be in beautiful condition and the it might well be one of the best bike courses(or Ironman races period)for the first time Ironman.
Keep the drafting rules in mind and be aware of the wind gusts that always seem to be part of tropic Ironman bike courses like Kona for instance.
THE RUN COURSE
The run course is also three laps, and begins back at CHANKANAAB park and it will take you towards downtown Cozumel.
Once again, the roads will be closed to vehicle traffic. You will find plenty of aid stations and the will be spotted every other km of the run route and with feature the usual Gatorade, water, ice, and PowerBar bars and gels.
If you require medical assistance, you will also find it at the aid stations.
You will find that the run course is pretty well all flat and paved and will pass Cozumel?s signature sites that includes its famous waterfront walk and downtown plaza.
The Ironman Cozumel 2010 marathon course will be marked every 1 mile and every 5k like most Ironman races.
The run finishes at the City Hall plaza in downtown Cozumel.
As usual, the race cut-off time is 17 hours from the start of the swim.
You can expect to see race officials at every turnaround and along the course, as well as timing mats and video cameras.
Best of luck if you are entered in Ironman Cozumel 2010 and may the wind be always at your back.(good luck with that)
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