About the Half Ironman 70.3 Triathlon

2009

When: Sunday, May 3, 2009

St Croix Half-Ironman 70.3 Triathlon

St Croix's Ironman 70.3 Triathlon, to be held May 3, 2009, is one of the premier destination triathlons in the world. Luring top professionals for its challenge, prestige, and purse, age-groupers covet the opportunity to qualify for the 28 Ironman Hawaii and 40 World Championship spots available to top finishers.

A two-kilometer (1.24 mile) swim through the crystal-clear waters of Christiansted Harbor kicks off the race, transitioning at the historic Fort Christiansvern to the grueling 90-kilometer (56 mile) bike course. The crowning feature of the bike course is the legendary climb up "The Beast", a 600-foot, 7/10 mile climb at grades between 14-21%. The run is a 21-kilometer (13.1 mile) trek through the grounds of The Buccaneer and back to the finish in downtown Christiansted.

Participating 2008 professionals included men Craig Alexander, Marino Van Hoenacker, Richie Cunningham, Faris Al-Sultan, Paul Ambrose, Massimo Cigana, Michael Lovato, Marcus Omellas, Simon Lessing, Patrick Evoe, Toby Jameson, Mac Brown, and women Miranda Carfrae, Nina Kraft, Bree Wee, Felicity Hart, Cynthia Wilson and Tara Norton.

Run concurrently with the Ironman 70.3, the St. Croix Sprint Triathlon offers a course including a 750 meter swim, 14 kilometer (eight mile) bike (bypassing The Beast), and seven kilometer (four mile) run.

Read what Craig Alexander has to say about his years of competition in this event at the Ironman 70.3 Triathlon and St. Croix Triathlon website

Read a report and see photos from the event at Bikesport Michigan

Water: Temperature is expected to be between 78 and 81 degrees F.

Transportation

Note for equipment transportation: Cape Air will not transport bicycles.

You may make arrangements to ship your bike in advance and The Buccaneer will provide storage for hotel guests' bikes until your arrival for this triathlon.

Transportation Tips: The heaviest travel days for triathlons are arrivals Thursdays and departures Mondays. Avoiding either of these days could result in better flight selection and better fares.

American Airlines from Miami; Delta from Atlanta and USAirways from Charlotte have non-stop jet flights to St. Croix.

Many airlines connect to St. Croix via San Juan. Book American Eagle to St. Croix from San Juan. Cape Air is a fine alternative for passengers, however it does not transport bikes. Please contact your airline for additional fees and conditions for bringing your bike on board.

Half Ironman Accommodations

The Buccaneer Package 2009 to come

Stay at The Buccaneer on Race weekend!

To make a reservation, or inquire about this package,please call The Buccaneer (800) 255-3881 or email