Australian Triathlete — December 2017

AustrAliAn triAthlete | 39

Destination: colombo, sri lanka

LeAdInG InTo The RACe
If you want to do some last minute
training leading into the race or if you want
to tick the legs over and make sure
everything works properly on the bike, it’s
recommended that you ride before
6:30am, when the roads are relatively
empty. Local athlete, Samarasuriya
suggests riding early. “I wouldn’t
recommend riding out during the day,” he
says. “Part of the [Ironman 70.3] course
goes over a local training ride course –
Marine Drive. This is a very safe place to
cycle,” he adds. “[It’s] good to get the legs
spinning around here.”

IRonMAn 70.3 CoLoMBo,
25 FeBRUARy 2018
Ironman 70.3 Colombo will take place in
the heart of the city – at Galle Face Green,
also known as ‘Colombo’s favourite
promenade’. Galle Face Green is described
as an ocean-side urban park, which is
animated by bubble-blowers, bouncing
beach balls and colourful kites. It stretches
for 500 meters along the coast and
according to the Lonely Planet is the place
where street food traders congregate to
serve Sri Lankan treats, including crispy
egg hoppers and the island’s signature
dish, Kottu (a grilled fry-up of chopped
noodles eggs and spices).

The course is said to be a flat and fast,

so it’s a great destination race if you want

an Ironman 70.3 PB! The 1.9km ocean

swim will be held at the historic Galle Face

Green, followed by a well paved, flat and

fast 90km bike course that will take you

through the Port of Colombo.

The spectator friendly 21.1km run will

pass some of Colombo’s landmarks and

the Port of Colombo, and it’s sure to leave

you with many great memories to cherish.

Perfect warm, tropical weather

conditions, friendly and supportive locals,

and 30 qualifying slots to the 2018

Ironman 70.3 World Championship in

Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa,

why wouldn’t you want to race Ironman

70.3 Colombo.

RAJAn ThAnAnAyAGAM sAy’s:

Pre-race training:

“Viharamahdevi Park is a good loop

for cycling with minimal traffic and a

pleasant route. You could use the

short tracks there for running

practice before the race too.”

sports fans:

“People of Colombo love a race

and are always ready to cheer on

hard working athletes. Expect

hundreds of locals to turn up to

cheer you on as you test your limits

in their backyard.”

The after party and

night life:

“After an eventful day of racing,

challenging your limits on a

pleasant Sunday morning, get ready

for some after party entertainment

at Shangri La Hotel Colombo with

the Ironman extended family in the

epic Colombo style.”

According to

the locals

TIsARA sAMARAsURIyA sAy’s:

The swim:

“The swim will be tough going out

due to the current but should be a

breeze coming back in. The water

quality is good, no swells.”

The bike:

“If you want a PB in your 70.3 this is

the race for you. [The bike] is flat

and fast. The only thing to watch is

the headwind. If it’s a windy day, you

might have a tough day.”

The run:

“It’s going to be hot, no doubt. It’s a

flat run, but if the wind picks up,

you’re in for a treat. But hey, you

need a challenge, right?”

sCenIC: White lighthouse and Meeran Jumma Masjid mosque in old dutch Galle fort,
sri Lanka.