Sports
André Lopes and Rachel Olson: Ironman 70.3 Brasília Strategies
The triathlete couple shares insights into their season, the Brasília race, and the level of global triathlon.
Triathlon stars André Lopes and Rachel Olson detail their expectations for the Ironman 70.3 Brasília. They discuss the race's competitiveness, the impact of the new 20m drafting rule, and the importance of consistency in the sport. Get ready for an in-depth analysis of their strategies and goals for the season.
In an exclusive interview live from the Nubank Ultravioleta Ironman 70.3 Brasília, professional triathletes André Lopes and Rachel Olson spoke with Stemma Sports hosts Fabio Bessa and Thiago Kawamura. The couple shared their expectations, strategies, and challenges for the Brasília race, as well as providing an overview of their seasons and the competitiveness of global triathlon.
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André Lopes' Journey: Between Oceanside and Consistency
André Lopes began the conversation by discussing his participation in the Ironman 70.3 Oceanside in the USA, a pragmatic decision due to costs and an opportunity to test himself on a global stage. Although not 100% due to a pre-race virus, the experience was crucial. "It's really good to get a wake-up call like that sometimes to see where the world's level is," he stated. The race served to fine-tune his preparation, showing the need to train even harder to reach the top.
For André, triathlon is a sport that demands consistency and discipline over the years. "There's no shortcut," he emphasizes, highlighting that evolution comes with time and continuous effort. Despite being in his ninth year as a professional, he recognizes that top global athletes have up to 15 years of high-level experience, an indication of the learning curve required for the sport.
Regarding last year's Brasília race, André highlighted the excitement of the professionals' return and its positive impact on the Brazilian scene. His goal for this year is ambitious: to reach the podium, aiming for the top spot if possible, after narrowly missing it in several previous races.
Rachel Olson: Focus on the Full Brasília Experience
Rachel Olson also expressed her expectations for the Ironman 70.3 Brasília. Coming from a race in Dallas, she hopes for better conditions and a more complete performance. Last year, Rachel faced a setback in the Brasília race: "the swim is great, the bike is fast," but an injury prevented her from completing the run. Her motivation this year is clear: "I want to experience the full race this time."
Like André, Rachel has Ironman Brazil in Floripa as her main seasonal focus, demonstrating the strategic importance of this race on the athletes' calendar.
Ironman 70.3 Brasília 2026: Strategies and the 20-Meter Challenge
Both athletes anticipate a highly competitive Ironman 70.3 Brasília. André mentioned names like Felipe Azevedo and Taccone, in addition to international athletes who always raise the level. This year's race will have a new dynamic: the 20-meter drafting rule allowed on the bike. André, who has already competed with this rule in Oceanside, explains that it "favors stronger cyclists" and will demand new strategies, especially for Brazilians less accustomed to it. He plans to explore "some tricks up his sleeve" to handle this distance, avoiding unnecessary sacrifices as he did in previous races.
After the Brasília competition, the couple will return home, where they will continue their preparation for Ironman Brazil at altitude, balancing their training routine with the company of their cat – a fun detail that shows the human side of elite athletes. "We are healthy and ready to start the season here in Brazil," André states.
Rapid-Fire: The Triathletes' Playful Side
In the final rapid-fire questions section, André and Rachel revealed a bit about their personalities:
- Training Music: Rachel enjoys the "Big Booty Mix," while André has been listening to Bad Bunny.
- Superhero: André is a fan of Spider-Man, and Rachel, after thinking, chose Superman.
- Football Team: André supports São Paulo FC and Brazil; Rachel supports the US Women's National Team.
- Post-Race Food: The unanimous choice for both is the classic burger.
- Longest Ride: André surprised with a 10.5 to 11-hour ride during the pandemic, covering 270 km and 6,000m of elevation gain. Rachel had her longest ride at last year's Ironman Kona, around 6.5 hours.
- Idols: André had Neymar as a childhood idol. Rachel is inspired by various women in sports, refusing to choose just one.
- Mothers and the Race: André's mother, although present in Brasília, cannot watch him compete live due to nervousness. Rachel's mother, however, always accompanies her to races.
This exclusive chat offered an in-depth look into the mindset and preparation of two of triathlon's biggest names. May André Lopes and Rachel Olson's journey at the Nubank Ultravioleta Ironman 70.3 Brasília be filled with success, and may their strategies lead them to an excellent performance in one of the calendar's most challenging races!
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