This weekend, the IRONMAN Pro Series will kick off in California with IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside, an event that has been a staple of the middle distance calendar since 2002.
Competing for prize money, pro series points and a slot to the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in December, the racing on April 6 promises to be fast and furious.
In our course preview below, we take you through the swim, bike and run in Oceanside and give you an insight into what you can expect to see the athletes tackle on Saturday.
The Swim
Taking place in Oceanside Harbour, the swim will be a one lap affair, with the athletes completing the 1.2 mile course which starts on the beach and follows a clockwise loop around to T1.
With current water temperatures estimated to be around 16 degrees Celsius, it will likely be mandatory for the athletes to wear a wetsuit, which suits weaker swimmers such as Lionel Sanders and Sam Long.
The Bike
In Oceanside, the bike course consists of one loop of 56 miles, with the ride taking athletes from the Harbourside up and through the US Army base at Camp Pendleton, before looping back down to transition.
The course consists of the San Mateo Hill and two other testing climbs, with a total of 800m of elevation throughout the duration of the race.
Out on the road, there will be three aid stations for athletes to refuel. Typically windy on the way back into Oceanside and the transition area, the bike course consists of plenty of challenges and athletes will need to take care to stay on top of their nutrition.
The Run
Finally, the rolling run course is a half-marathon or 13.1 mile two-lap finish to an epic day of racing, starting from the transition area on Oceanside Pier.
Athletes will run down The Strand and through the local seaside neighbourhoods, where supporters will be lining the streets. With twists, turns and some short but sharp climbs, the run course certainly is one that saps the legs.
Finishing just South of the pier, the 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside champions will be crowned after what will undoubtedly be spectacular battles in both the women and men’s races on Saturday.
