Sports
Dani Castro Takes on Ironman 70.3 SP After Nice Worlds
The triathlete details her eight-day recovery, breaks down the São Paulo course, and shares tips for race day.
Just eight days after competing at the World Championship in Nice, Dani Castro lines up for her third Ironman 70.3 São Paulo. The triathlete shared insights into her quick turnaround, practical advice for the local course, and her mindset for the competitive 25–29 age group.
Just eight days separate the finish line of the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Nice from the start of the Nubank Ultravioleta Ironman 70.3 São Paulo. For amateur triathlete Dani Castro, a demanding slate of travel and racing is standard routine for someone with three World Championship appearances under her belt—New Zealand in 2024, Marbella in 2025, and now the French Riviera.
PUBLICIDADE (GAM) — 1250x250
From the French Riviera to Marginal Pinheiros
In Nice, Dani focused on soaking in the global experience. Racing the swim without a wetsuit, she paced herself on the iconic 10 km Col de Vence climb to take in the views before letting loose on the technical descent. In addition to racing on Saturday, being at the event gave her a front-row seat to watch top male pros like Kristian Blummenfelt and Hayden Wilde.
Returning to Brazil required only light adjustments to keep her body moving. With a favorable five-hour time zone difference aiding morning rest, her final race-week prep in São Paulo was limited to a short 20-minute bike and 20-minute run brick session to loosen up. The sharpest contrast she felt was the drop in temperature between the European heat and the milder São Paulo weather.
Practical Tips for the São Paulo Course
Heading into her third Ironman 70.3 São Paulo, Dani Castro highlighted key considerations for tackling the course. The swim at the USP Olympic Rowing Canal is flat with straightforward sighting, allowing athletes to draft comfortably with the pack without veering off course.
On the bike along Marginal Pinheiros, extra attention is needed on the initial stretches of uneven pavement. Dani recommends securing water bottles tightly—even using rubber bands on cages—to avoid losing hydration and nutrition over the early bumps, an issue she experienced firsthand in her debut. Once settled into the main section, the flat profile is ideal for maintaining a steady aero tuck.
On the run, athletes should watch for occasional uneven footing, but the overall course is fast and energized by spectator support throughout the loop, making the time fly by all the way to the finish line.
Focusing on Her Own Pace in the 25–29 Age Group
With around 40 competitors registered in the competitive 25–29 age group, Dani chose not to scout her rivals beforehand. Her main priority is executing the best pace possible based on the foundation built throughout the year, without locking into rigid expectations for podiums or personal bests.
According to Dani, racing on home turf offers a crucial logistical advantage for managing the intensity of a half-Ironman with mental and physical composure, while highlighting the growing female presence in amateur endurance fields.
PUBLICIDADE (GAM) — 1250x250
