Course Breakdown

Let me tell you about the elephant in the room: 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) of elevation. Everything—and I mean everything—changes at altitude.

Swim Segment (1.5 km)

• Where: Lake Sochagota's mineral-rich freshwater
• What to Expect: Cool water thanks to altitude. Wetsuits are typically allowed, but we'll confirm based on race-day temps
• The Reality: Clean, calm water, but your body works 25-30% harder than sea level to oxygenate your muscles. Even in the swim.

Bike Segment (~30 km)

• Terrain Type: Technical single-track and double-track through private hacienda land
• The Challenge: Sustained technical sections that demand both power and precision
• Elevation Game: Brutal climbs that'll empty your legs, followed by technical descents where one mistake ends your race
• Surface Reality: Hardpack dirt, gravel, rocks, roots—the full mountain biking menu

Run Segment (~10 km)

• What You're Running: Rolling trails through stunning colonial landscapes
• The Trap: What looks like a "moderate" incline at sea level becomes a heart-rate-spiking climb at 2,500m
• Surface: Classic trail hazards—rocks, roots, and elevation changes
• Critical Reality Check: The combination of high altitude and technical terrain separates the prepared from the hopeful.

Rules You Need to Know

• Equipment: Mountain bikes are mandatory—no exceptions. ANSI/SNELL-certified helmets required
• Drafting: Prohibited and actively enforced. Ride your own race
• Transition Zone: No riding. Period. Equipment stays in your assigned spot
• Cut-Off Times: Coming in the final Athlete Guide. These will be strictly enforced, and for good reason given the course difficulty
• Penalties: Standard XTERRA rules apply—drafting, littering, unsportsmanlike conduct all carry consequences

Race Day Flow

• Check-in & Bike Racking: Mandatory the day before. Exact times in the Athlete Guide
• Transition Access: Opens race morning at a posted time. The layout typically stays within the D'Acosta Hotel grounds—straightforward and athlete-friendly
• Bag Drop: Standard services for personal items
• Parking: Available at/near the venue. Pro tip: arrive early—spaces fill fast
• Spectator Access: Your crew gets excellent viewing from the hotel venue, covering swim start/finish, transition, and the finish line celebration

On-Course Support

• Aid Stations: Strategically positioned on bike and run courses with water, electrolytes, gels, and fruit. Speaking of electrolytes, proper hydration at altitude is non-negotiable—consider quality electrolyte supplements for your training and race-day nutrition.
• Mechanical Support: Basic help may be at transition, but here's my advice: be self-sufficient. Carry a multi-tool, spare tube, and know how to use them.
• Medical & Safety: Full emergency services on-site and at key course points

Training Intelligence

• Altitude Acclimatization—The Truth:
  • Best Case: Arrive 7-10 days early for near-complete physiological adaptation
  • The Alternative Strategy: If you can't do 7-10 days, consider arriving just 2-3 days before. Why? Acute altitude sickness typically peaks 24-48 hours after ascent. This strategy minimizes that window
• Training Focus That Matters:
  • Bike Skills: Build sustained climbing power, but prioritize technical descending skills on loose, varied surfaces. Power endurance wins races here
  • Run Preparation: Hill repeats and technical trail running, especially when you're already fatigued. Check out our 7 game-changing triathlon drills to elevate your performance.
  • Pacing Discipline: This is non-negotiable. Practice every discipline at controlled, conservative efforts that simulate altitude limitations
• Course Reconnaissance: The course opens for preview the day before. Take this seriously. Walking key technical bike and run sections gives you a massive mental advantage when you're racing in an oxygen-depleted state.

Race Strategy Reality

• Pacing Truth: Throw out your sea-level pace expectations. Use Heart Rate and Perceived Exertion as your guides, not speed or power numbers. Start every segment conservatively, even when it feels too easy. For more insights on pacing strategies, read about what constitutes good triathlon times across different distances.
• Nutrition & Hydration: Increase fluid and electrolyte intake significantly beyond your sea-level protocol. The dry mountain air increases insensible fluid loss. Practice your entire nutrition plan during training—race day is not the time to experiment
• Equipment Recommendations:
  • Your Bike: Well-maintained mountain bike with tires suited for mixed conditions. Consider slightly wider tires for stability on technical sections
  • Essential Gear: Quality sunglasses for intense high-altitude UV, good riding gloves, trail-running shoes with aggressive grip. Protect your eyes with UV-protective eyewear designed for outdoor sports.
  • The Must-Have: A reliable heart rate monitor. This is your pacing lifeline at altitude. Consider a quality heart rate monitor for accurate tracking.