Emz, Cal, and Tim break down the upcoming Sunshine Coast 70.3 and look ahead to the challenge of Ironman World Champs in Nice. The discussion is especially useful for age-group athletes, with practical advice on open-water positioning, bike-course handling, pacing, and avoiding a blow-up on race day.
**Speakers:**
Emz, Cal, and Tim
**Key topics**
- Cal shares how he is balancing race preparation for Sunshine Coast 70.3 with World Champs, while Emz discusses her excitement—and the last-minute frustration of a broken wetsuit.
- Why regular ocean-swim practice can transform rough water from a weakness into an advantage.
- How to find bubbles, sit on feet, and choose swim positioning based on your confidence and sustainable pace.
- What to expect from the Sunshine Coast swim, including wind, sun direction, goggles, sighting, and warm-up decisions.
- Why the Sunshine Coast bike course can feel congested and technical, with specific advice for approaching Alex Hill.
- How gearing, bike setup, and securing equipment can make a difference on rough sections and climbs.
- Run pacing strategies for Alex Hill, including why patience early on can prevent a major fade later.
- How the Nice World Champs course differs from Sunshine Coast, with more climbing, technical descending, heat, and handling demands.
- When a road bike with clip-on bars may be a smarter choice than a TT bike in Nice.
- Women’s and men’s race predictions, including discussion of Taylor Knibb, Kat Matthews, and the Norwegian contenders.
- The unique challenge of age-group racing without live position updates.
- Race-day self-management, travel logistics, bike damage, chain waxing, and final preparation.
Come find us Cartel Coaching — Swim. Bike. Run. Together.
