Ironman 70.3 St. Croix

Ironman 70.3 St. Croix

St. Croix St. Croix

U.S. Virgin Islands

The swim begins on the beach at the Hotel on the Cay.  All athletes must swim to the Start Area.  Allow yourself enough time before the swim start to cross over to the starting area.  All competitors should be in the starting area by 6:00 am.   Spectators will not be allowed onto the island.

Twenty-one miles into the bike, The Beast is a 600-foot climb in a stretch of highway 7/10 of a mile long with an average grade of 14 percent and a maximum grade of 21 percent.  You should prepare yourself for this challenge by following the suggested gearing:  Pros - 24 or higher. Accomplished - 26 or higher. Average cyclists - 26 or higher with a 39 or 42 chainring.

The run that follows is not easier. It is two loops, which includes a few longish rollers, and one steep hill on the grounds of the majestic Buccaneer Hotel.  Throw in some serious heat and humidity, and you quickly understand why Ironman 70.3 St. Croix is considered one of the most challenging 70.3’s in the world.