This is a bucket list race! From the moment you enter Roth town you realize how big and special this event is, "Welcome home triathletes" banners are everywhere and you start to get a tingle down your spine. Iconic doesn't do this race justice.

If you ever get the chance, my advice is take it even just to experience the thrill of riding up solarer berg. Its iconic for a reason and the crowds and volunteers (7,000) make it special. I would definitely do this race again.

Swim - fairly easy down and back in the canal. Its murky water but warm. The waves are approx 200-250 people and there is plenty of room. Top tip if you are a strong swimmer, make sure you put a faster expected time than you expect for the overall event. You will get in a earlier wave, otherwise you will be swimming through previous waves and navigating around can slow you down. Support along the canal and on the bridges is like nothing you will have seen, you realise how large this event is.

Bike - The roads are the smoothest I've ridden, be warned though this is not a flat course! i mistook fast for flat but it has approx 1,500m of climbing however you do get to keep you speed through the bike course. There is only 1 real steep hill (Greding). Depending on the wind strength and direction you may get some fairly strong headwinds which typically develop later in the day, so its an incentive to speed through. Support is great through all of the course, the hills are well supported and Solarer berg is as crazy as it looks. You come into Hippolstien off a fast down hill, turn the corner and are greeted to a wall of sound, noise and people everywhere. You can even see the route up the hill but somehow the crowds part to let you though. expect a pat or two on the bum as you power up the incline. The race is worth doing just to do this!

Run - Its long, the canal-side seems to go on for ever, just when you think you should be turning around, you see another feed-station out in the distance. Also be warned there is a steady incline at around 35km through the forest just when you don't need it but the support again is great and you get the downhill back into Roth. The centre of Roth is packed with supporters.

Support - is absolutely unbelievable, even in the small little villages miles from the transition areas you will see people eating drinking and cheering the athletes on. Pre and post race food and drink is very good, Erdinger is everywhere and unlimited. The race expo is large and enough shops, exhibits for any forgotten items.

If you have supporters with you, getting between transitions can be hard, roads are closed and a bike would be a good option. Accommodation is also tough, only a few hotels and camping on Roth else its staying in hotels 10km out.

Overall the best race Ive done, i’ll be back.