Fair enough, just didn’t k ow how much you’re able to carry on bike. I had two cages so wasn’t going to through 1.5L in any 20mile section in yesterday’s weather
Yeah card, debit or credit. Anything to make it easier to get your money
3 bottle cages.
Tools in 1
Gels in 1
Water in 1
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Yeah, I was amazed too. Especially as the ag field seemed to be much stronger this year. Back in 2015 I was 4th in 35-39 and 19th overall including the pros. This time I was 4th in 40-44 and 20th overall without any pros.
I thought there were more Europeans on the start list than normal and assumed these were hunting for slots. I’d have thought if you were gonna travel all the way to Bolton and put yourself through that course then the least you’d do would be to turn up to the roll down but a lot of the Europeans were absent rather than turning slots down.
I also wondered if it’s an indication of market saturation. If there aren’t new people (young and old) coming through the ranks then you get people qualifying who’ve been to Kona before and who can’t justify a second trip.
Just got the priority registration link for next year. £390 at tier 1 prices. That’s actually not that bad for a full!
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Well done everyone. Very impressive there Chrisswim and mr-me
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How did you get that …?
Thought it was only for those who raced
Or it did mention a club thing?
You paid yet…!?
Jorgan and Poet are in too ( I think )
That was a lie…
Roads toooo rough for some of the elite on here…!
AWA priority.
I need to have a think about what the plans are for next year. I’m contemplating full again though. Question is going for a Euro fast course again, maybe trying to go under 9:30 or something like that, or a real challenge of a course, so Wales/UK/Lanza.
The fact they’re still listing it as IMUK Bolton would suggest all these rumours of the race being dead are unfounded.
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They don’t publish the qualifier list online, or anywhere other than at the ceremony itself
They wouldn’t cut the whole thing
They are under pressure to change the bike course, that’s from someone who volunteers as the health and safety manager at the big uk races.
After the event it’s doable… and doable faster but you’d really have to be a very good descender to do yourself justice.
One fast kid said he hardly touched his brakes…!?!
I’d go euro fast but we all have our wants I guess…
There’s the death of Bolton rumours every other year, and extra speculation now based on perceived unpopularity this year, but don’t think there’s ever been any hints from the powers that be.
Edit to add to Mungo: yes that said I wouldn’t be surprised by a change in bike course, but I assume/hope that organisation with this power means they are cyclists who rode multiple courses before hand and thought that was the best they could come up with under council restrictions
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they sent out AWA entries for BOLTON ,so it looks like its east lancs again for you guys
Likewise I’d potentially look at Euro fast, but that would be personal tactic to hide my weaker bike. Vichy has caught the eye as sea swim, easy fast bike and very well rated.
Inckuding one potential would be Vichy 2020 to qualify for 70.3 2020 WC in Taupo, if qualifying worked like that, and if I do move to Australia late 2020 anyway.
Well done everyone, harsh bike but great results!
PS Am I an asshole for chuckling at the IMJ thread on doing IMUK in memory of a dead dog? Took ages for the penny to drop that it was a dog. 
Mungo was my dog…!
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So, a 1:20 - 7:00 - 4:00 was enough for 5th in cat…tempting…
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My thoughts on race:
Generally better than expected.
Support was fantastic throughout bike and run.
Volunteers and organisation both good too.
Bike was definitely tough, with climbing and few opportunities to get in a rhythm. If I consider my wattage, same got me nearly an hour quicker in Nice last year. Road surface was terrible and certainly added to toughness whilst detracting from enjoyment. Overall however I actually enjoyed it as was challenging, kept you focused and kept people honest (ie no euro draft packs). Would have been horrendous if weather had been bad though, especially safety wise.
Run was tough, as felt you were always going up or down hill and many seemed to have started off too fast, as lots who had looked strong early on walking/slowing drastically on later laps.
Race wise, I had horrendous swim, decent bike and run. Happy at end of day.
Would I do again? Certainly Wouldn’t rule it out, if logistics, timing, family etc all lined up.
If they do change the bike course, hopefully it stays tough (in right way), as too many IM races, especially all new ones becoming boring, flat out and backs, dont need any more Barca-esque draft/bore fests.
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Well done everyone.
TBH, if they did get 2000 entries I don’t see it as a race ready for the chop, it’s not massively far off some in mainland Europe. DN* doesn’t affect their bottom line.
Also got the AWA priority and can’t you pay in instalments?
How far down did M50 go 
, I suspect the cost and fact that you’ve got only about 2 months to pay for the trip etc. sometimes means it rolls a bit further.
As per the other comments, yes, it’s Bolton and it’s 4 years since I completed and had a DNS 2 years ago but I thought the atmosphere was actually very good, especially in town on the run.
Jeff
Supporting/spectating halfway up Sheep House yesterday with Mrs T and the dogs - great fun to watch - well done everyone taking part. Even made me think of dipping my toe in the water again…
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