This race was picked as it is a fast course and you can drive to Vichy from the UK which makes getting all your equipment to the race so much easier. 

The race brief was a waste of time as there was nothing that was not in the Athlete brief and as it was the night before the time could have been spent relaxing. 

Non wetsuit swim which was only confirmed on race morning which was not ideal as you had to bring all your kit with you, the weather had been well above 30 for the lead up so no chance on a wetsuit swim. Rolling swim start was good if you seed yourself corectly. Swim is out and back so no problems wit navigation 

Bike course was ok, roads were not fantastic, lumpy and you had to make lots of manouvers to avoid the drains and lumps on the road. I finished the bike with a stiff neck due to the bumps, just like cycling in Wales at home. The quick downhill section at the end has 2 speed bumps but these are well sign posted, lots of marshals & signs on the course. 

Run is flat and quick though there is not lots of cover so the heat plays a part and was not out in the hottest time of the day. The surface varies which is good and the volunteers on course were fantastic, Aid stations were plentiful though would have liked sponges (They had a hose at each station). Good run course which i enjoyed even with the heat.

Decent post race with food, masage and fluids available. Again the volunteers were fantastic.

Overall a good race, not the best but still recommended.