Okay, I have a roll down opportunity to be on TeamUSA again for Edmonton, Canada. So, who can tell me anything about the race or location so I can try to decide if it is worth trying to find the money to go.
Thanks
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What do you want to know?
Edmonton is a cool city. The swim is in a duck pond they have to chlorinate to make it swimable. Course is not too tough for the AG’ers. Nice park setting for the race.
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I heard about the duck pond and how it was used in the past. I was told maybe a new swim location this time but have not had a chance to look into this. Will it not be changing.
A person also said if not for Oil, there would be no Edmonton. Sure what things are there to do that make is a cool city?
Sure would like a tough bike course to not have the blantant drafting I have seen at every World event I have done.
Just wanting to see if this is a place folks go to on vacation like Tahoe was for IMLT.
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The duck pond is being renovated (dug out) to be deeper and cleaner. I think that was a stipulation for the race being held in Edmonton.
Edmonton isn’t that cool. Mostly blue collar, but strong arts community. It’s basically a service city for the north. I suppose it depends on your definition of “cool”. Probably the biggest attraction is West Edmonton Mall… but you probably won’t like Canadian prices! Although the Canadian dollar is diving against the USD… so things are getting cheaper.
Bike course will be tougher than most ITU races.
I would guess most athletes would go watch the Tour of Alberta afterwards or drive the 4 hours to Banff or Jasper.
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It’s the same duck pond as previous races (Hawrelak) but they have said they are cleaning it out. It was pretty gross when I’ve done the race in the past (2011,2012) but who knows. Personally I don’t think it’s big enough for the number of people they will have swimming in it… but they haven’t released any info about the size of waves and time in between waves so we’ll see.
As far as Edmonton goes… there is nothing wrong with it, just not really a place I’d travel to if the race wasn’t being held there
There’s some decent mountain bike trails in the river valley if you’re into that. Otherwise check out the West Edmonton Mall, Jasper Avenue and/or Whyte Avenue just to walk/lounge around
I love traveling to Canada, I have done it a lot. I have been to Edmonton several times for work. I wouldn’t exactly call it a destination city and I didn’t enjoy traveling there. Just my opinion.
Duck pond was drained over the winter and being made deeper and it will now feature a public beach. The race is in the river valley and is bar none the best urban course I have ever raced on. If you stick around you will be able to catch some stages of the UCI Tour of Alberta… last year the big story was Peter Sagan taking a bunch of stages.
If your going to AG World’s in Edmonton, here is something to do if you like Alt Rock. http://sonicboomfestival.com/ Jack White headlining. Aug 29, 30, and 31st.
If you are doing the Oly and are in M35-39 I suggest staying out well past midnight and drinking lots.
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Thanks for the idea, but I am an old guy so you have nothing to worry about. I also will be doing all three races so by the time the Olympic comes around, I will be dead.
Got my hotel, plane tickets. Only thing left is to get my bike on the bike transport so I do not have to hassle with it on the plane.
Looking at the uniforms now. Cost never seems to end.
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Just to reiterate, the “duck pond” is being completely renovated and will be pristine for the race come August. And as far as Edmonton goes, I’ve lived here for 6 years and love the city. For things to do there is the Sonic Boom music festival happening as well as the Tour of Alberta right after worlds. West Edmonton Mall is ok, but there’s so much more. If you’re staying downtown go see the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra at the Winspear Centre, take in some live theatre at the Citadel, visit the Art Gallery of Alberta, or eat at the many restaurants downtown. Not too far away is the Alberta Legislature or the Royal Alberta Museum if you’re into history. If you have a spare day, the local Downtown Business Association does free walking tours of downtown to help orient yourself once you get here. I worked those tours last year hosting people from all over the world. It seemed strange to me that it was the American tourists who were always the most impressed with Edmonton. It’s clean, the river valley is beautiful, modern but not too crowded, and they always remarked at how unbelievably friendly the people were.
Sorry if that seems like a tourism ad. Just figured I’d go up to bat for my hometown. I’m stoked that we’re hosting Worlds, and I hope people are excited to be racing on the same turf as past champions like Lessing, Whitfield, Docherty, etc. Plenty of vids on YouTube to watch oldie races.
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Sure glad the duck pond is being redone. Should be a great event.
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A couple of things to remember.
Aside from the race is in Canada, so it will be well run, a great venue and for the shy, no worries mate, no one will be watching.
Shooting other competitors who are drafting you is not considered sporting.
So if that affects your strategy in any way, take care.
The Mounties do frown on that sort of thing.
If you are bringing Walt Wawra, tell him it’s safe, it’s Edmonton and not Calgary
As long as you don’t talk hockey. Then it could get dicey.
It’s quite alright to drink the water, unless you are near an open pit mine.
(look for falling ducks, or duck for… )
Rose is not that Wild and there is no Party.
In Alberta, everywhere is a long way.
(I was going to be there, but now I can’t and I’m pissed, but Chicago (2015) is looking good).
Tour of Alberta Prolog goes Tuesday Sept 3 in Calgary
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Traveling with a 3.5 year old son for the race. Any suggestions on things to do with kids around Edmonton?
Also, will I need a car if staying downtown (courtyard downtown).
Thanks for the advice
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http://exploreedmonton.com/things-to-do/all
Personally I want to take my 7 year old to the trampoline park looks fun.
Best indoor waterpark IMO.
http://exploreedmonton.com/things-to-do/World-Waterpark
We are moving back to St Albert (NW) of Edm this summer. You would be welcome to stay with us to make your trip more affordable. The drive to The race venue would be 20-30 minutes. PM me if you are interested.
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Can’t believe that no one has mentioned the Edmonton Fringe Festival yet, it runs the two weeks (14th to 24th August) before race weekend, and is an amazing collection of theatre, comedy, music and art. I’d highly recommend arriving a week early and enjoying the Fringe.
Growing up in Edmonton, it was always one of the highlights of the summer (which is actually pretty great in the city) and is excellent for families.
Other people have covered most of the major tourist / kids things in town. Whyte Ave features some great restaurants and for the 18+ crowd, a decent nightlife. There are a scattering of independent coffeeshops throughout town that area solid places to chill. If I can offer one piece of advice, its to avoid South Edmonton Common, which is a fairly new retail area between the Airport and Downtown. Commercialism at its finest.
I won’t be racing this year, but will be in town for the weekend cheering on the rest of TeamUSA, so hope to see a lot of you there!
Thanks for the offer! But the boss wants to stay in an hotel, and what the boss wants, she gets.
It is fun having racers stay in ones house. I hosted a pair of folks doing the Auburn race last weekend. Makes it fun
having someone else around to stress out with. :o)
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