#20 Sunny Coast race preview, Nice World Champs, and open water tactics

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 TimKey topicsCal 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.