Ultimate Rev3 Williamsburg Race Guide

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Welcome to the official Endurance Nation Race Strategy page for Rev3 Williamsburg!  

Endurance Nation is the official Coaching Partner of Rev3Triathlon. In addition to creating race-specific content for the Rev3 series, EN is offering every athlete registered for a Rev3 event the option to create a free trial membership. Endurance Nation is officially #backinblue!

Our goal here is to get you 100% up to speed and ready to have your best ways possible. Every single race is unique, and Williamsburg is no exception. There’s a scenic swim, the rolling hills of Virginia, and the epic race weekend experience that is Williamsburg — your choice of History (Colonial Willamsburg, Jamestown Island & the Yorktown Battlefield) or go straight for the adrenaline at Busch Gardens Amusement Park. Willamsburg is another incredible Rev3 production: more than just a medal!

Three Bullets Video | Detailed Race Info | Equipment | The Swim | The Bike | The Run | Free Trial

Three Bullets on Rev3 Williamsburg

Don’t have time time to dive into a full review of the course? Then cover the most important highlights in this short video with Coach Patrick from Endurance Nation.


Detailed Race Information [top]

 

Equipment Recommendations [top]

Rev3 Williamsburg is now in July (used to be in June) and as result, will undoubtedly be a hot race experience. You should plan accordingly — full hydration set up on the bike, plus hat / visor and sunscreen for the run. Even though there are plenty of run aid stations, you might want to consider carrying some additional fluids (even if only for the start of the run). 

The Swim:  The swim is in the Chickahominy River so there is the potential for some current (course is reversible if required). More importantly, the mean water temperature in July is 79 degrees. According to USA Triathlon, anything over 78-degrees means competitor may use a wetsuit but won’t be award eligible. (Note: No one is allowed to wear wetsuits at 84-degree or above.) Given the heat, we don’t recommend you swim in a wetsuit unless absolutely necessary — most competitors lose so much fluid due to sweating in the wetsuit that their race performance can be significantly compromised. 

The Bike: This is a fast and fair course with enough terrain to keep you honest without crushing your race day goals. There is 1900 feet of climbing with only a few sharp sections that will challenge you — thank fully none of them are located within significant turn area. 

For those of you running a standard set up of 53/39 on your front chain rings, make sure you have a 27- or 28-tooth option on your rear cassette. Stronger triathletes could get away with a 25. You can check for yourself by carefully counting the teeth on the biggest ring on the cassette on your rear wheel.

If you are fortunate enough to be using a compact crank, one that has a 50/34 (instead of the standard 53/39), then you have a little bit more wiggle room. Those of you looking to be conservative could opt for something like a 28-tooth cog in the rear.

You’ll want a good aero set up as there’s plenty of straight space where you can fly (aka, a front mounted aero hydration bottle so that you can drink without taking your hands off the shifters / brakes). The only additional note on the bike here would be new tires — there is a variety of surfaces on this course, and you’ll want to be as bulletproof as possible. 

The Run:  The heat will undoubtedly be a factor here on the run; there’s intermittent shade but most athletes will need to have their own plan for managing the temperatures.  On a positive note, the flat nature of the run course will help athletes stay focused; Half competitors will simply run two loops of the out and back course. This means you’ll be able to stay connected to the other racers and keep a close eye on the competition. 

You’ll want a hat or visor to keep the Sun off your face and hopefully retain the water you’re dumping over your head! There are plenty of aid stations, but if you use a custom formula then make sure you have the means of carrying it — check out www.fuelbelt.com. And don’t forget to include some additional salt in a pouch, canister or pocket in case your stomach starts to go south or you feel the onset of cramping.

Swim Course Breakdown  [top]

The Rev3 Williamsburg Swim is very straightforward: View the online map here. You have a place to warm up no matter where the swim starts. Despite the tidal flow, you will have support despite the turns because of how the water flows in. And it’s North/South swimming to the sun is pretty much a non factor. There are just two turns on the course with the longest section running parallel to the shore. Swim as far as you can until you hit the boat ramp and be light on your feet and the ground is hard on your way to transition.

Key Points:

  • Tidal swim in brackish (cloudy) water.
  • The longest leg is parallel to the shore.
  • There is ample room to warm up and you should take advantage of it.
  • Be mindful of the run from the swim exit to transition it is blacktop.

https://endurancenation.wistia.com/medias/l0pwkgnz10

 

Bike Course Breakdown [top]

This course is gorgeous (view it here)! It’s got enough straights to be fast, a few turns for the bikers out there and just enough hills to keep everyone honest.  The layout of the course means that you spend a significant portion in your TT bars — so be comfortable in aero. Our only caveat is that most of the roads are quite narrow so they will crowd quickly. Be cautious when passing and being passed; please stay to the right unless you are passing.

aOf the hills on the course, more are short and sweet, so be ready to shift and spin over them before you get back to the business of being fast. Do your best to try and ride / see most of the course before the race —  you’ll be very glad you did. For those of you who can’t, or need more background, here’s our analysis.

Key Points:

  • Use the mile markers, and not the terrain, to dictate your nutritional strategy.
  • Know the hills are approximately at miles 6, 10, 18 and 42.
  • Be mentally ready for a TT push over the last 2o miles of the course.
  • Spin the last mile (over the bridge) back into transition in preparation for the run.

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Run Course Breakdown [top]

This run will be harder than it appears on paper (or online here).  There is simply no such thing as an easy Half run. In fact this run will be hard for two specific reasons — the summer heat and the flat terrain.  If you didn’t leave it all on the bike (please don’t do that!) odds are that you’ll start the run too fast. A recipe for self-destruction! The upside is that the run is beautiful and two out and backs, so you’ll never be lonely and have plenty of motivation for the entire run! 

Key Points:

  • Smart pace for the first three miles out (to the turn around). Build your effort from there. 
  • Use the early miles to fuel up / ward off the heat.
  • Keep a nice cadence all day as you’ll need to remain light on your feet. 
  • Find motivation by picking folks to chase at the start of Lap Two. 
  • Walk the aid stations as a reward for running between them.
  • Mentally prepare for the final push (minimum the last mile over the bridge) to the finish line!

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Endurance Nation is the official Coaching Partner of Rev3Triathlon. In addition to creating race-specific content for the Rev3 series, EN is offering every athlete registered for a Rev3 event the option to create a free trial membership. Endurance Nation is officially #backinblue!