choice middle distance 2019

patrick.vandenbroeke · Joined: 06 Jul 2017 Posts: 5

hello,

As a foreigner (Belgium), which one to choose in may 2019 :
Immortel stourhead or swashbuckler ? Confused

Jorgan · Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2018 10:40 am Post subject:

I have only done Immortal Stourhead, but it is a lovely location around a stately home. The swim is two laps (no Aussie Exit) and then a quite long run up hill to T1 (you need shoes by the lake). The bike is 2 lap and quite hilly (but definitely TT bike). The run was 3 laps in 2015 when I raced, and again there is a climb at the end of each lap.

I believe Swashbuckler is also a very nice location, and will be less hilly than Stourhead.
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27 Years since it all began....

TRO Saracen · Joined: 18 Aug 2010 Posts: 1275

Swashbuckler done (4 of them) but not Immortal.

For Swashbuckler I would say:
- location is simply stunning, bike is superb and nice for the family to hang out IF THE WEATHER IS NICE.
- The hosts do a great race and this is their last year before retirement
- distances are a bit non standard (think bike around 50 miles, run 14 miles) so not a 'classic' 70.3
- accommodation for on site Bucklers Hard is v expensive and probably gone already so you'll have a few miles to get to the venue
- it can start stupidly early as they need a slack tide. Think one year we went off at 5:45! Weaker swimmers can have swim cut off issues as the tide starts to ramp up.
- air and water temps can be very cold that time of year, 2 of my swims were shortened.
- bike is pretty flat but road surfaces not great so it won't be as quick as you expect
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2019. IM Wales no 5.

judojody · Joined: 16 Oct 2009 Posts: 58

Happy · Joined: 14 Apr 2006 Posts: 180 Location: Chilterns

I have done the Swashbuckler a couple of times and it is great. All of it! I'm a weak swimmer but even so, I like the swim. The race organisers are also the best but agree local accommodation is expensive.

I've chosen to do Stourhead for the first time in 2019 because I can camp nearby and also there's a shorter distance race on the Saturday which my other half can do. Then of course I was tempted by the triple. Very Happy

FatPom · Joined: 26 Dec 2005 Posts: 5411 Location: My happy place

I fancied Swashbuckler but the whole 'Register Saturday' thing killed it for me. I live far enough away for it to be a PITA to go to twice but close enough that makes staying overnight a waste.

judojody · Joined: 16 Oct 2009 Posts: 58

judojody · Joined: 16 Oct 2009 Posts: 58