Conquering the 1,785m “Beast”: Gopeaks’ Strategy for the Ironman 70.3 Marbella Bike Course Gopeaks Coach
We’ve talked about Marbella’s history and luxury. Now it’s time to talk like athletes. This is the most important article — our race briefing.
When the organizers released the bike course map for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship – Marbella, one number made the entire triathlon community take notice: 1,785 meters (or 5,857 feet).
This is the total elevation gain you must conquer over 90.1km. It turns Marbella into a true climber’s course. It is not a place to chase a PR if you’re unprepared. It’s a beast.
But every beast has a weakness. We dissected the official course map and, more importantly, analyzed every second of the organizer’s recon video. And we discovered a strategic “trap”:
This is not two separate hills. It is one main climb where you go up, descend, hit the turnaround, and climb back up the same slope.
This article outlines Gopeaks’ strategy to conquer it.
Official elevation chart [cite: 67]. A total of 1,785m of climbing with two distinct peaks. The key strategy lies in the fact that you must climb the second peak from the opposite direction
Official elevation chart. 1,785m total climbing with two prominent peaks. The key lies in the fact that you must climb the second peak from the opposite direction.
Ironman 70.3 World Championship 2025 Marbella — Bike Course Map & Elevation Profile (1,785m)
We break down the 90.1km into four strategic phases:
Phase 1 (Km 0 – ~25): “The Funnel” — The Main Ascent
Everything begins gently. You leave T1 (Puerto Banús), your heart rate still high. The first few kilometers roll smoothly along the “Golden Mile” — fast and flat, perfect for settling your breathing and finding rhythm.
But don’t be fooled. This is the trap.
“As soon as you turn inland onto the A-355, the climbing begins.”
This is the first main climb. Video data shows you will climb 500m over the next 10km, passing through the village of Ojén and continuing up a series of magical switchbacks, finally reaching the highest point of the course."
Gopeaks Strategy:
This climb is described as “long and sustainable.” It’s the funnel that filters athletes. Those who push too hard will burn all their matches here. Be patient. Stick to your target watts. Let others pass. The race is not won here, but it can be lost here if you get greedy.
The village of Ojén, a beautiful pueblo blanco, marks the beginning of the long, sustained climb on the A-355 route
Phase 2 (Km ~25 – ~45): The Technical Descent
Once you reach the peak, you’re rewarded. You begin descending through Monda and Coín.
Gopeaks Strategy:
Stay sharp! The video warns: “This is the fastest descent of the entire course, and it is technical as well.”
This is not the time to relax. Practice your handling skills. Look far ahead, control your braking. And most importantly — memorize this section, because you’ll be climbing it in reverse.
Phase 3 (Km ~45 – ~65): The Mental Monster
This is where athletes break.
“At the turnaround, you will retrace your steps.”
Exactly. You will climb back up to the high point.
The technical descent you just enjoyed through Coín and Monda is now the wall you must climb.
Gopeaks Strategy:
“This second climb can be mentally tough.”
This is why you must save energy for it. Your legs are tired, and your mind is screaming, “I just went down this!”
This is where nutrition becomes king. At the turnaround, take a gel (Maurten) and electrolytes (Precision 1000). This is where the iron mindset of a Gopeaks athlete is forged.
Phase 4 (Km ~65 – 90.1): Reward & Recovery
Once you conquer the high point for the second time, the reward is near.
You will descend again toward Puerto (T2). This is essentially the long, steady, non-technical descent on the A-355 you climbed during Phase 1.
Gopeaks Strategy:
Descending does not mean resting. This is where you:
Aero: Stay safely in aero to gain free speed.
Spin: Keep a high cadence to flush out lactic acid.
Hydrate & Visualize: Take your final sips of water and begin mentally preparing for the 21km run.
You've passed the hardest part. Now prepare for the final battle.
Gopeaks’ 3 Golden Strategies
1. Pacing
This is a watts race, not an emotions race.
Be brutally patient on the first climb.
2. Gearing
Leave your pride at home. Bring the biggest cassette you have (at least 30T, ideally 34T). Maintaining a high cadence on the climbs will save your legs for the run.
3. Mental Strength & Nutrition
The “trap” in Phase 3 is a mental test. Prepare for it. Fuel before you need it. Trust your training plan.
This is a world-championship-worthy challenge.
Go out there and conquer it!