This was my first world champs as a participant and I must say everything worked like clockwork. However I'll focus more on the course and race rather than the world champs aspect of it as it will be more relevant to athletes looking to race the sunshine coast 70.3 in the future.
We were lucky with the weather. It was absolutely perfect conditions and the swim was pleasant in perfect temperature / crystal clear water and easy to navigate. Transition however was a bit of a shocker due to the amount of people crammed in.. like 1km long and the parking floor was uneven so not a pleasant run out to the mount line at all.
Bike was mostly flat apart from some hills thrown in for the world champs. I hear that normally the course is simply out and back on the motorway which means PB course for sure. Drafting was an issue, it happened everywhere, all the time, pros as well. Saw a few people in the penalty tents but many times marshalls on bikes just turned a blind eye. The endura sports drink they served at the aid stations was horrible - dont know what you get next year but if its the same then i suggest you either rely on water or just carry all your hydration with you from the start.
Run course was also mainly flat apart from the Alexandra healdlands hill, which is not that steep or long, but having to do it 4 times does take its toll. Also, the way back is usually a headwind so be prepared.
All in all a great 70.3 in a lovely location (if weather permits). Two days before the race it was impossible to swim in the sea due to the chop, but I hear that they move the swim to the river if necessary.