This is a properly challenging half Ironman race, whcih will not lend itself to a stellar PB, as the bike course has a concentrated climb over 15/20km, and the run is not the usual flat and fast. The run is quite up and down, and pace and energy sapping - just as it should be. It leaves you knowing that you have taken on a great challenge. Even the sea swim is cold and though quite flat has a little bit of a swell once you are out of the harbour area.
The local crowd support is good, as is the set up overall - though I was disappointed not to see beer in the finishing tent - afterall the thought keeps me going through the run. Marshalling and so forth is very good, and everyone volunteering had a smile on their face.
Highlights for me included cycling around the Estoril grand prix circuit, and the interesting ride dynamics up into the hills and trees.
Only negative was the change in racking - moving from the Saturday to race morning, under the pretext that it was gonig to be windy. It wasnt at all windy, and I suspect Ironman were behind schedule in setting up. Though that said it was the first race in Cascais, and will always have a few teething problems...and I find racking on race day easier personally.
Great race, and well worth taking on.