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Alexandre Stocco Eyes Ironman 70.3 Curitiba and Elite Success
The Brazilian triathlete breaks down his pro transition, bike course elevation, and season-opening strategy.
In an interview covering Ironman 70.3 Curitiba, Alexandre Stocco discussed his transition to the pro field and the challenges of the Paraná course. The athlete explained how elevation on the bike leg requires careful pacing to save energy for the run.
Kicking off the national race calendar, the Nubank Ultravioleta Ironman 70.3 Curitiba welcomes prominent names in Brazilian triathlon. Among them is Paraná native Alexandre Stocco, from Ponta Grossa, who enters the race with local course knowledge and the clear goal of cementing his place in the professional ranks.
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Transition to the elite and long-term vision
After making his pro debut in the second half of last year—competing in the Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Florianópolis events—Stocco used his initial races as a learning laboratory. The transition required understanding elite-level logistics, training routines, and how his body responds to more intense demands.
Planning to compete and develop on the professional circuit over the next five to six years, the triathlete aims to build consistency. In addition to racing, he coaches in his hometown. The routine demands independence: while he shares some swim sets with his students, most of his long bike and run sessions are done solo.
Elevation on the bike leg and its direct impact on the run
For the Curitiba event, elevation gain on the bike course stands out as the primary game-changer compared to typically flatter races on the Brazilian circuit. Familiar with the local terrain from training in Ponta Grossa and scouting the capital's course, Stocco warns that fatigue from the bike will dictate position changes during the run.
According to the athlete, pushing too hard on a hilly bike course can add about 10 seconds per kilometer to one's planned run pace. The key to contending with the front pack and targeting a top-five finish lies in control: pacing the bike leg, maintaining proper nutrition, and avoiding early surges to deliver a solid run through the finish line.
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