Sports
Eduardo Sirtoro Makes Pro Debut at Ironman 70.3 Curitiba
Known as Pedala Edu, the triathlete details his transition to the pro ranks, training volume, and race-day strategy.
Making his professional debut at Ironman 70.3 Curitiba, Eduardo Sirtoro discusses the intensity jump in training and shifting race dynamics. The triathlete also breaks down the rolling bike course and how he balances endurance sports with entrepreneurship.
Transitioning from amateur age groups to the professional field requires a complete overhaul of an athlete's routine and mindset. Set to line up at the start of the Nubank Ultravioleta Ironman 70.3 Curitiba, Eduardo Sirtoro — widely known in the endurance community as Pedala Edu — has made his official debut in Brazil's elite ranks.
The decision to make the jump to the pro division began taking shape in the second half of last year. Guided by coach Rafa, preparation demanded a progressive increase in volume, with training weeks peaking at 27 to 28 hours. For Sirtoro, the primary goal in this rookie season is not immediate podium pressure, but learning the pacing dynamics across a planned schedule of 8 to 10 development-focused races.
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Elite dynamics and race-start pacing
In professional triathlon, tactical execution differs radically from the age-group field. While amateur racers often dictate their own pace based on preset power and heart-rate targets, elite racing forces extreme surges from the opening meters.
The swim, in particular, requires athletes to sustain high speeds for extended stretches to avoid losing contact with the lead packs. The season's core objective is precisely to endure this physiological demand and adapt to the dynamics of the pro pack.
Routine, business, and sport as an ecosystem
Managing elite training volume requires balancing recovery, work, and personal life. Moving away from a traditional fixed-hours corporate mindset, Edu began viewing his schedule as an integrated ecosystem: managing his entrepreneurial ventures and sports coaching business alongside athletic commitments and family time.
In this setup, rest and sleep become essential professional commitments, providing the foundation needed to recover between the heaviest training blocks.
Technical challenges on the Curitiba course
The Ironman 70.3 Curitiba course presents unique features. In the reservoir, clean water and mild temperatures provide prime conditions for the swim leg. The bike course, however, delivers a challenging profile marked by punchy climbs and rolling hills.
With a background in extreme triathlon and a strong affinity for climbing, Edu emphasizes mechanical efficiency and bike handling. On rolling terrain, rather than burning excessive energy, the key lies in carrying speed down descents to tackle climbs with minimal effort. He is even racing on a borrowed bike due to mechanical issues with his time-trial rig—a scenario where climbs and rhythm shifts help offset time lost out of the aero tuck.
Women's representation in endurance sports
With the race coinciding with International Women's Day week, the triathlete highlighted the strength of female endurance athletes. Family support, represented by his mother and his wife Isa, reflects an inclusive environment he also champions in his coaching business—where women make up 52% of the athlete roster alongside gender parity on the coaching staff.
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