Absolutely stunning location  of Cascais 20 mins West from Lisbon so easy accessible from Airport, by train or Taxi. Event Village and Finish line is situated in this beautiful fishing town with Marina and typical Portuguese Tavernas. The Transition and Event Briefings are 1/2 mile away up a hill ( we’re come to this said UP HILL a lot! ) 

Logistics of this wasn’t very clear on the race briefing. 

The Opening Banquet was very busy, arrive early to get seated. Shame it was same time as English Briefing so it was noisy and still people arriving late so difficult to hear. 

Racking of Bikes and Bags was easy and organised well on the Saturday. Arrive early as there was a lot of queuing. Transition is set on grassy football ground with open air Bag area. Most disappointing of all was the lack of Toilets! Half a Dozen scattered about for 3,000 athletes so imagine the queuing in the morning when your allowed back into transition to place food etc onto bikes! 

A walk down the said ‘Hill’ to the race start in the Morning to drop your streetwear bag of and set yourself up in the penned race starts. This was great and not too hectic, set off by a Bell every 4 seconds so plenty of space to set yourself in the swim. 

Swim Exit was back UP the said ‘Hill!’ 600metre run to Transition. 

Bike course first  25km of flat fast roads which felt like a road race with the amount of Pelotons and drafting! 

The next half bike course is up inclines and undulating around the old Grand Prix Track and into the National Park up a nice gentle climb which then takes you freewheeling all way back to transition with stunning views across windy Atlantic! 

Run is out and back on main roads which is undulating and hilly back around Cascais. In the heat the hills are harsh and only one shower spray at a feed station, these are well equipped with nutrition, sponges and water. Just not enough toilets out on the course! 

Finish is downhill hoorah! 

Take your deserving reward of the IM Medal and the free Beer & Banquet its a tough course and challenging!