Andre Lopes: Strategies and Goals for Ironman 70.3 Rio
Triathlete Andre Lopes details his preparation in Boulder, his performance evolution, and expectations for the Ironman 70.3 Rio de Janeiro.
Andre Lopes, a prominent figure in Brazilian triathlon and third-place finisher at 70.3 Brasília, shares his journey. He discusses his training strategy focused on combining cycling and running, his decision to prioritize national races over world championships this year, and analyzes the competition for the Rio event.
In a conversation with Fabio Bessa, professional triathlete Andre Lopes, who recently secured third place at Ironman 70.3 Brasília, opened up about his expectations and strategies for the Nubank Ultravioleta Ironman 70.3 Rio de Janeiro. The interview covered his season's progression, training philosophy, and significant career decisions.
From a Season of "Almosts" to a Solid Podium Finish
Andre Lopes recalls 2023 being marked by near-podium results, with several fourth and sixth-place finishes, often by mere seconds. For 2024, the narrative is different: a strong start with third place in Brasília, which he considers his best run performance to date. "Brasília was really cool, pushing hard, getting rid of fourth place, getting on the podium," Andre comments, emphasizing the importance of learning to be "a bit savvier" in race dynamics to convert "almosts" into podium finishes.
The Balance Between Cycling and Running in Triathlon
When asked by Fabio Bessa about his improved running, Andre attributes the progress to a combination of factors: "It's a bit of both, right? I've been improving on the bike and I've also been improving my running." He emphasizes that cycling improvement is crucial for extracting maximum performance from the run. "The stronger you get on the bike, the better you can run, right? That's why sometimes it's not the best runner in Ironman, but rather the best triathlete who can run better," he explains, showcasing his strategic understanding of triathlon.
IRONMAN 70.3 Rio: The Charm and Challenges of the Carioca Race
Andre Lopes praises Ironman 70.3 Rio, highlighting its unique elements. The open-water swim naturally presents a challenge, with plans for a two-lap course. The cycling segment is dynamic, with the tunnel allowing for accelerations and pace variations. The run, in turn, is a strong point of the race, considered one of the fastest on the circuit. Andre recalls the last edition, where he, Toad, and Reinaldo ran 1:13:00, driven by the flat course and mutual competitiveness. His preparation for the race was done in Boulder, USA, under intense heat, which left him "tanned."
A Strategic Break from World Championships: Focus on Continuous Evolution
One of Andre's most significant decisions this year was to opt for a "sabbatical year" from the Kona and Nice World Championships. He has already participated in four world championships since 2022, but now prefers to focus on his development to reach a higher level. "Nowadays, the level required to go to a world championship and do well means you have to invest a lot of time, a lot of money," he justifies. His main goal for the next 8 years of his career is to break into the top 10 or top 15 in Kona, which demands continuous investment in performance. For the rest of the year, his schedule includes Ironman 70.3 Rio, São Paulo, and likely Cozumel at the end of the year. He considers that, at times, "it's better to win in São Paulo" than achieve an intermediate result at a world championship.
Fierce Competition in Rio: Keeping an Eye on Rivals
Regarding Fernando Toad's absence from Ironman 70.3 Rio due to injury, Andre expresses a "healthy frustration," as he would have liked to compete directly with him again, given how close their battles were in 2023. Analyzing the start list, Andre points to Servio, Martin Baesa, and Colutti as the main favorites for the podium. He describes Servio as an excellent swimmer and runner, perhaps stronger in the 70.3 format. Baesa, in turn, is an athlete who has already won important races. The expectation is for a fierce competition, where day-of performance and strategies in each discipline will be decisive. Andre anticipates a fair race and is excited to "give his best" and contend for the win.
With accumulated experience and a well-defined strategy, Andre Lopes arrives at Ironman 70.3 Rio de Janeiro focused on consolidating his performance and continuing his journey toward the top of world triathlon. His determination and strategic analysis promise an exciting race for sports fans.