Haha, that’s a bit chilly for me but the race looks awesome.
The Maas was 24c on Saturday and lovely to swim in, and in my wetsuit. Only a handful went without.
Can’t see that race appealing to a lot of Americans with a cool swim like that and I don’t think there was a current either.
Still tropical compared to Helvellyn though 
Deva 70.3 was 18 in 2019, it was lovely !
What he meant, was is he still married? 
IM St George was about 15C when I did it in May 2011 and it was feckin’ freezing 
18 is a perfect swim temp!
The old Wimbleball was usually 13-15 and pretty fresh.
Couple of Swashbucklers were around 11-12, shortened distance IIRC.
I don’t think Bala has ever been much over 15C
he is, both are high achievers in life also. Surprised how they fit everything in with 2 kids as well. I guess they cut out the crap many of us get sucked in to.
Celtman 2021 was 11C in the middle of the Loch. It was so cold it hurt.
Done Bala twice, cold !
Dredging this up. Reading about Adam #3 getting the nudge to do Lanza next year made me think that for me it’s one of what I’d call the iconic full distance races that I haven’t done, but had some odd desire to do, luckily the timing has always meant I’d probably not enter due to doing the long sessions during a UK winter\spring. Or clashes with other things, deffo not doing it in 2026 and not really keen on doing another after Barcelona 2026, but if I did…
Anyway, my top iconic Iron distance races would possibly be as follows, I suspect I’ve missed a couple of obvious ones. Generally based on those I’ve done or their reputation.
Roth
Wales
Nice
Lanza
Blackpool 
I’ve missed out Kona which would normally go there as for many qualifying or funding it isn’t realistic. Frankfurt was alright but not in the league of those, and I haven’t done Austria. Norseman is out due to needing a support crew. Would have included Wanaka but it’s only a 70.3 these days.
Anyone want to add others?
Forestman but as it hasnt been about for a decade plus, or ofishul then maybe it doesnt count
That’s exactly my list, except instead of Wales and Blackpool I’d put Kona and, well… not sure. Somewhere hot though. Was going to say Norseman but that’s cold isn’t it?
Previously might have said Laguna Phuket but went there last year and thought it was a bit of a dive.
Probably never get round to doing any though 
And Kona’s a tough nut to crack obviously
@explorerJC ‘s small boats and baguettes triathlon looks pretty special , but those distances are so far out of my league to be almost incomprehensible.
Embrunman would be on my bucket list with Norseman.
Don’t let the distance put you off…
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.
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The cost should do that anyway
Frankfurt definitely not iconic. I found it very blah, not to mention quite warm. The logistics around it also a pita (although Roth is a bit of a faff too).
I believe the run in Roth is much better now? The old ‘classic’ course was pretty boring along the shipping canal, with very little support. I would mention no shade on the northern bank of the canal, but it was a monsoon when I did it 
Frankfurt was my least favourite IM back in ‘08. Split transition, swim in a dirty sand quarry with people walking at half way, boring bike course with lots of braking in little villages, boring run smelling of wee.
Austria is iconic.
Yes, Austria is a great Ironman; the only one I did twice. I reckon the 2 different bike loops they use now, might make it even better?
The 2 lap course looks amazing. I was very tempted for 2026 but Ironman’s pricing has gotten usurious. I can afford it but I’d only be encouraging bad PE behaviours, so I said nah.
I would certainly say Austria and the old Switzerland course around Zurich with Heartbreak hill and the beast