Danilo Pimentel: Training, Career, and IRONMAN 70.3 Rio
Discover the differences between short- and long-distance training and the strategy for Rio de Janeiro's heat.
In an exclusive interview, triathlete Danilo Pimentel details his training routine in Europe and his 'monk-like' life in Font-Romeu. He explores the nuances of short- and long-distance triathlon, sharing his expectations for the Nubank Ultravioleta IRONMAN 70.3 Rio de Janeiro, highlighting the challenges of the course and climate.
In an exclusive interview for Stemma Sports during the coverage of the Nubank Ultravioleta IRONMAN 70.3 Rio de Janeiro 2026, triathlete Danilo Pimentel shared details of his preparation, his insights into the differences between triathlon modalities, and his expectations for the race. Conducted by Fabio Bessa and featuring special guest triathlete Vitória Lopes as co-interviewer, the chat revealed the intensity and focus of an elite athlete.
A 'Monk-Like' Routine in Font-Romeu
Danilo Pimentel's preparation for the IRONMAN 70.3 in Rio de Janeiro included a seven to eight-week period in Font-Romeu, Europe. He described the experience as a "monk-like life," emphasizing the structure that allows for complete focus on training. At altitude, Danilo managed to fit in his training, following triathlete Vitória Lopes' routine and taking advantage of local facilities like quick access to the track and pool.
"It's a place conducive to that; we stayed almost eight weeks there, seven weeks, a monk-like life," Danilo explained. The absence of household chores, such as cooking and laundry, freed up valuable time for rest, an essential component for recovery and high-level performance. During this period, he made two trips to lower altitudes, allowing for more specific work and relief from constant fatigue.
Short vs. Long Distance: Mindset and Training
One of the highlights of the interview was Danilo's analysis of the differences in mindset and training routine between short-distance (World Triathlon) and long-distance (Ironman) athletes. For him, World Triathlon demands meticulous attention to detail and allows no room for error, creating a more tense and focused environment.
Training Pace and Strategy
While Ironman athletes, like those in Boulder, tend to concentrate most of their training until midday, aiming to "get rid of" their sessions to have free time, World Triathlon athletes adopt a different approach. "The World Triathlon routine starts a bit more relaxed early in the day. You'll never see World Triathlon people training at 6 AM," Danilo commented. They prefer to train later, between 8 AM and 10 AM, or even at night (7 PM), prioritizing rest and session quality. This strategy aims to leverage a warmer and more willing body to exert effort later in the day. "The day has to be for triathlon training itself," the triathlete emphasized, highlighting the importance of spacing out training sessions to ensure maximum quality in each discipline – swimming, biking, and running.
IRONMAN 70.3 Rio de Janeiro: Course and Experience
Rio de Janeiro is a well-known and beloved setting for Danilo Pimentel, who has a long history of competing in the city since 2011/2012. He recalled competing until night in a triathlon in Copacabana and participating in the 2016 Olympics test event.
The Nubank Ultravioleta IRONMAN 70.3 Rio de Janeiro course is considered "iconic," with the swim in Copacabana and the finish in Flamengo. Athletes pass through various tourist spots and tunnels, making it unique. Although the run is fast and flat, the heat is a challenging factor.
The Importance of a Full Swim
Danilo highlighted the importance of a full swim for professionals, recalling a recent race in the U.S. where the amateur swim was canceled, but professionals completed the 1900 meters. "A professional in life, you have to be ready, you have to be ready, and they managed it," he stated, reinforcing the resilience and adaptability required in high-performance sports.
Career, Evolution, and Open Water Swimming
With 25 years in triathlon and five to six years dedicated to Half Ironman, Danilo Pimentel reflects on his long and successful career. He values the opportunity to train with younger athletes, like Enzo and Vini, as it "takes him out of his comfort zone" and pushes him to always seek improvement.
Excellence in Open Water
A highlight of Danilo's performance is his open water swimming ability, which he finds he can transfer better than pool swimming. He attributes this advantage to his training in Belém, where the dark waters forced him to develop navigation skills. Furthermore, training in places like Barra do Jucu and Portugal, with rough seas, solidified his aptitude. "I believe in the pool I become evil... and in open water there are no turns," he joked, explaining how the absence of turns in open water plays to his advantage.
Challenges and Expectations for Rio
Danilo mentioned the fierce competition with athletes like Og, who, despite having excelled more in long-distance racing, has always been a strong competitor. For IRONMAN 70.3 Rio, Og is a name to watch, although fatigue from previous races could be a factor.
The interview concludes with good luck wishes to Danilo for the race and to Vitória Lopes, who will be at the event start covering it, as she prepares for her upcoming international competitions, including China and the South American Games.
This in-depth analysis of Danilo Pimentel offers a window into the world of high-performance triathlon, highlighting the complexity of preparation, tactical intelligence in training, and the passion that drives these athletes to push their limits.