Ride up as many hills as you can between now and May. The climbs are long but I did them all seated, they aren't Lake District passes. Find a rythym and spin.
It'll be very hot - get your nutrition spot on.
Try and get there a few days before hand ( I was there Monday ) to get used to the climate. Attend the free early morning swims to get used to the very salty water.
The first loop of the run seems to go on for ever past the airport, if a plane comes into land brace yourself as it'll only be a few meters overhead.
There are no major hills on the run, but it certainly isn't flat with a few steep rises to break up the rythym of tired legs.
Try and run on the white concrete on the prom as it won't be as hot as the black tarmac of the road.
There is NO shade on the bike or the run.
It's a very technical course, make sure your bike is serviced and the brakes are working. For those interested I rode a triple with an 11-25. It can be done on a tri bike with a double - I went for the "save me knees option"
A lot of people say that once you are over Mirador it's all down hill, they fib - you still have almost a 1000ft of climbing to do.
There is quite a strong current on the swim leg closest to the shore, be careful of drifting to close to shore and losing position.
Look out for the jellyfish.
The first part of the bike through PdC is flat, don't overcook it because as soon as you get out of town you'll start climbing.
Try and drive the bike course to get a feel for it. The descent to El Golfo is just pure speed if the wind is with you, unfortunately if that's the case the climb back will not be pleasant.
As you descend towards La Santa you'll get some serious speed, as you pass the first buildings in the village watch out for the speed bumps. Saw plenty of bottles, tubes, tyres etc...
The famous hairpin descent off Haria isn't as bad on a bike as it is in the car....if you treat it with respect, speed on the straights and start to break early into the very tight bends with cliff face falls.
Just as you go over the top of Mirador the road surface is awful, that road will be closed try and stay in the centre to get the smoothest tarmac.
If the winds get up don't fight them, relax and just pedal.
If you are slow like me be prepared to do 2 hour climbs.
And most of all ENJOY it's a truely magical race unlike any other, and with a pirate atmosphere I'm sure you'll all love it.
Edited: 06/01/2013 at 20:09
