Alexandre Stocco: Strategies for Ironman 70.3 Brasília
Professional triathlete Alexandre Stocco shares insights into his preparation and expectations for the Ironman 70.3 Brasília 2026 challenge.
Alexandre Stocco analyzes his performance at Ironman 70.3 Curitiba, where he achieved 7th place, and discusses the unique characteristics of the Brasília race. He reveals his strategies and the mindset of an elite athlete. An unmissable interview with valuable tips for triathletes and sports fans.
In an exclusive interview live from the Nubank Ultravioleta IRONMAN 70.3 Brasília 2026, professional triathlete Alexandre Stocco spoke with Fabio Bessa (Stemma Sports) and Diego, from Canal Amador, to share his expectations and lessons learned. After a remarkable 7th place at IRONMAN 70.3 Curitiba, Stocco arrives in Brasília with a mindset focused on pushing his limits and applying the experience gained.
Curitiba: A Race of Overcoming and Strategy
Stocco recalled the tough race in Curitiba, which he described as one of the most challenging and one that "impressed all the athletes." His 7th place finish, the best of his career, was the result of extensive training and intelligent tactical execution. "I trained a lot, right? And even more so because it's in my region, in my state," he said. While always striving for improvement, the athlete expressed satisfaction with the result, which exceeded his initial goal of a top 10 in his first year as a professional.
A key point in Curitiba was the bike strategy. Stocco emphasized that he raced intelligently, focusing on numbers and leveraging his technical skill on climbs. "I was practically the 5th or 6th best athlete technically," he revealed, attributing this to intense uphill and technical training. The run, affected by the elevation gain, was a test for everyone, where maximum effort was essential.
Expectations for IRONMAN 70.3 Brasília
In contrast to the toughness of Curitiba, the Brasília race is known for being a faster course. Stocco sees this as a surprise and a new challenge. The safe swim with clear water is a positive aspect. In cycling, he anticipates the formation of many groups, which could change the dynamic of the ride compared to a more isolated course.
"There will be many groups, right? So, certainly, riding with someone in front, riding with someone behind, gives a faster cycling dynamic," he commented. The run in Brasília also allows athletes to see each other crossing multiple times, making it easier to gauge their own pace and the distance to competitors, something that didn't happen in Curitiba. Stocco sees this visibility as an incentive to maintain focus and push the limits until the end.
The Professional Triathlete's Mindset
Even with his rise in the professional rankings, Stocco maintains humility and patience. He recognizes the experience of other athletes, such as Luthi and Toad, and the importance of respecting the body's limits. "There's no point in me cycling like a machine and running like a dead man," he explained. His philosophy is that "the race only ends when you cross the finish line," a crucial motto in triathlon, where decisions continue until the very last meter.
Regarding the competition, especially foreign athletes, Stocco is attentive. Although some foreigners, like the two Swiss mentioned, may have very strong cycling, he trusts in the potential of Brazilians to "outcompete the foreigners." Among the national favorites, he bets on the growth of Toad and Luthi, but without forgetting his own ability to surprise.
Quickfire Round: Alexandre Stocco's Personal Side
To lighten the mood, Alexandre Stocco participated in a quickfire round, revealing curious aspects of his life off the tracks:
- Training music: Funk with electronic.
- Favorite superhero: Doesn't have a specific one, but would choose Flash for being fast.
- Football team: Operário from his region.
- Favorite post-race food: Hamburger.
- Longest ride: 210 km with 3,000 meters of elevation gain.
- Childhood idol: Ayrton Senna, even though he was born after his era.
- Mother's scolding: His mother still warns him about diet, such as the need to eat by noon. "A mother is always a mother," he joked.
With this blend of professional focus and personal lightness, Alexandre Stocco prepares to tackle IRONMAN 70.3 Brasília. His journey and dedication inspire other athletes to seek their best version, always respecting the process and the challenges of the sport.