Ironman 70.3 China

The move to a new venue heralds an exciting new era for Ironman 70.3 China. The host city of Jixian, Tianjin Province, is located a convenient 50 minute drive east from the Beijing International Airport (PEK) making the 2011 event easily accessible to China's growing triathlon participatory base and all corners of the planet. There are at least 40 triathlon clubs within driving distance of the venue. The venue is also within an easy day-trip of sections of The Great Wall and other China attractions.

The move to a late-May date will take advantage of the brilliant late spring-eve climate in Northern China, with expected top temperatures approaching 28C/82F. Weather patterns in this part of China leave virtually no chance of the sort of high temperatures that unluckily dogged the race in Haikou, the race's previous venue. The Jixian region also hosts The Great Wall Marathon each year in early May.

Jixian is a clean air and clean water venue. The swim is in a reservoir offering controlled swim conditions. The two-loop bike course will circle the reservoir and possibly skirt The Great Wall.