Back in the USA

The most important thing on such a journey is that all the luggage arrives safely and that there are no logistical problems along the way. Michi is staying in Encinitas, where he has often had training camps since 2009 and located about 10 miles south of the race location. The 70.3 Oceanside is a firm favorite of Michi’s because it was the site of his first half-distance race outside of Europe, 13 years ago. His best finish here was 3rd in 2011 (winner: Andy Potts). The last encounter with this magical triathlon location was in 2015.

Nothing like a dip in the Pacific Ocean to wake you up!

Michi’s first session in California was with a swim training group at Moonlight Beach. High waves and a water temperature of about 16 degrees make for challenging swimming conditions but are also great to shake off any cobwebs after a long journey.

A change is needed on the bike

The second session on US soil was laid down on the bike, which survived the long journey unscathed. While warming up Michi was even able to observe sealions sunbathing in the yacht harbor!

70.3 Oceanside – The Course

The swim start takes place on the beach against the rolling waves. After exiting on the beach again, it’s time to “hang loose” on the bike - one must really watch out for the surfers who regularly cross the bike course after their morning session in the water!

The start can be windy and cold after a chilly swim and then climbing on the bike in 12 degrees air temperature. The course mainly leads through the Marine Corp Base Camp Pendelton, a military area which is not accessible before the race for training, which just adds to the excitement. It’s a hilly bike course with some technical sections.

The run course starts flat and goes out along by the seafront neighborhoods and back again.

The big guns are out!

After any residual fatigue from the training camps is now more or less gone, Michi enters this race with much more ambition than at 70.3 Lanzarote. The most important thing for him is to deliver a really solid performance – it must feel good. However as always, he is up against tough competition on the starting line: Ben Kanute (USA), Alistair Brownlee (UK), Lionel Sanders (CAN), Sam Appleton (AUS) und Rudy von Berg (USA), to mention just a few of the pro lineup.

The hope is that Michi can deliver a much stronger bike split than on the Canary Islands, now just 5 weeks before the IRONMAN World Championships in St. George!

Race start: Saturday 6:40am (15:40 CET), watch live on: watch.outsideonline.com/live-tv