Course description
A friendly middle distance on the Mittelland Canal in Recke-Steinbeck, called Steelman and Steelwoman by the organiser. The swim takes place in a sectioned-off part of the canal, two 950 m laps right along the bank. The bike course covers six 13.5 km laps with a 700 m climb of up to 12% and a descent of up to 16%, otherwise mostly flat and only partly closed to traffic. The run is flat on firm fine gravel right beside the canal, in 5.1 km laps. The race starts at 8:45 am at the stadium by the canal.
Coach tip
Every bike lap has the same key sections: just after the start of the lap there is a 700 m climb of up to 12%, and from km 7 about 1.5 km downhill at up to 16%. Ride the climb under control and train short, steep climbs in series. The course is only partly closed and normal traffic rules apply, so stay alert on the descent. Water bottles are handed out on the plateau at the top.
You swim two 950 m laps right along the bank, which makes sighting easy, with turn buoys at 475, 950 and 1,425 m. The swim cut-off is 65 minutes. Race packs are available on race day from 7:15 am, and check-in closes at 8:15 am, half an hour before the start.
The 5.1 km laps are flat and fast, with only the two canal bridges adding short ramps. Run them easily rather than pushing the pace there. There are aid stations in the transition area, at 1.2 km and at 3.7 km. The finish closes at 4 pm. Without a DTU race licence you pay a €22 day licence on top, and there are no late entries.