Pros & Cons of participating in the World Champs

Accommodation

• If the destination is a rather small town and not a tourist destination, this can be tricky. Check for accommodations around the bike course if you’re willing to go further out.
• Book early while not everybody has qualified yet to get a convenient place & save some money.
• Check if campervans are an option - this could turn out to be quite convenient.

Flights

• Do not forget to register your bike on your flight - airlines might refuse to take your bike, especially on your way back.
• Consider alternative airports if you want to get your bike back on time.
• Book early.

Atmosphere

• Well - there is no con about this one. It is amazing! Especially if you have male and female races at two different days.
• I heard that atmosphere in the US is a different level to Europe, since they are just naturally more cheerful 😉 

Race

• It will probably never be an easy flat course. The usual 70.3 in Lahti had a different course without hills on the run. They change it for the worlds.
• Expect the level to be very high - it’s the best of the best after all. I would expect the highest level in European locations. 
• Organization is really good - everything is smooth - loads of volunteers.
• Wetsuit strippers!

Expenses

• …are high!
• Entry - around 750EUR.
• Accommodations are probably high or even booked out due to the increased amount. 
• While you can often get away with your local triathlon license, you have to buy a local one for the World Champs (20EUR).
• And then the usual: Equipment, nutrition, etc...

Climate

• Be aware of temperatures before you go… Do you have your best performances in warm or cold temperatures? In Finland, we had athletes in our team, who lost a lot of energy since they were freezing on the bike, others had their best day ever.
• A big WOW moment for me in the Finland World Champs - I was quite fit after the race, when I used to be totally destroyed lying on the floor. We tend to forget that the heat takes quite a lot out of you. 

Overall, an amazing experience and an honor to participate in the World Champs! It is very costly, and logistics are more difficult than for a usual 70.3 because of the number of participants. I would not do it every year, but if the location is attractive and I’m able to plan ahead with the above tips & tricks - why not? 😉 

By Lea Mex

Looking for some new Triathlon kit? Click here

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram at @getsportedme