Race changes driving course

A new Ford Ironman Coeur d’Alene course will give spectators more opportunity to watch Sunday’s grueling world-class triathlon, yet drivers should plan ahead, expect delays and watch for road closures.

This is the fifth year the event is being held in North Idaho, but the first time the 112-mile bike course will loop through Hayden and into the Rimrock area, removing the race from Post Falls.

The 2.4-mile swim and 26.2-mile run mostly will remain the same, starting in downtown Coeur d’Alene and following the Lake Coeur d’Alene shoreline. As in past years, the finish line is on Sherman Avenue.

Coeur d’Alene Area Chamber of Commerce Manager Jonathan Coe expects a record-breaking crowd because this is the first Ironman that doesn’t compete with Spokane’s Hoopfest basketball tournament, which is the following weekend.

Hayden, also expecting to draw large crowds, moved its annual Hayden Days celebration to coincide with Ironman weekend.

A festivallike atmosphere is anticipated in Coeur d’Alene and Hayden. “We’re expecting a bigger crowd, especially if the weather is in the mid-70s,” Coe said.

Normally the race draws about 30,000 people to watch nearly 2,600 athletes. About 135 competitors are from North Idaho, and about 90 are from Spokane County.

Hayden officials wanted to take advantage of the city’s prime Ironman viewing location at Finucane Park, at the corner of Fourth Street and Prairie Avenue. The bicyclists pass by the park four times. The city plans to set up bleachers along Fourth Street, adjacent to the festival grounds, where there will be music, food and children’s activities.

Ironman also means major street closures, curtailing weekend traffic flow. In Coeur d’Alene, motorists are asked to use 15th Street as the main north-south route because Northwest Boulevard will be closed south of U.S. Highway 95. Third and Fourth Streets also will be open, but only to Coeur d’Alene Avenue.

Drivers can park in the Fourth Street parking lot near the Coeur d’Alene Resort, but people should use 15th Street and Front Avenue to access the lot. Parking is allowed in residential areas north of Coeur d’Alene Avenue and east of Northwest Boulevard.

Fourth Street will be closed between Dalton and Prairie avenues. Businesses along Government Way between Northwest Boulevard and Kathleen Avenue will be open, but motorists may use only the outside lanes because bike racers will use the center lanes.

Traffic will not be able to cross Government Way or make left turns onto the street.

Drivers should use Interstate 90 to cross Government Way and to travel east and west across Coeur d’Alene.

Race director Andy Emberton spent hours last week delivering traffic notices to homes along the route in the Hayden, Hayden Lake and Dalton Gardens area.

He said Ironman has distributed about 10,000 fliers, including mailing about 4,000 to residents and businesses on the route.

“Most roads are open – just be cautious,” Emberton said. “If you have shopping to do, do it on Saturday. Then on Sunday, come down and enjoy the race.”

Athletes will start their swim from City Beach at 7 a.m. After stripping off their wetsuits in the City Park transition area, contestants will hop on bikes for the 112-mile ride.

Then they will transition again at City Park and start the marathon.

This year’s Ironman Coeur d’Alene features the men’s pro racers, who are competing for $50,000.

The winner is expected to cross the finish line about 3:30 p.m., nine hours after the starting gun. The race is a qualifier for 80 spots in the October Ironman World Championship in Hawaii.

The women’s pro race is in July in Lake Placid, N.Y.

The street closures begin this afternoon when Sherman Avenue, between Lakeside and Second Street, is shut down so workers can start erecting the finish line bleachers. These two blocks will stay closed until Monday.

The Athlete Village Expo in City Park, complete with vendors and booths, begins today at 10 a.m.