Sports
Giovanna Opipari: Expectations and Strategies for Ironman 70.3 Brasília
Professional triathlete Giovanna Opipari shares insights on her debut, training adjustments, and preparation for the Brasília challenge.
Professional triathlete Giovanna Opipari discusses her successful debut in Curitiba, which qualified her for the World Championship. She details her strategies for the flat course of Ironman 70.3 Brasília and the adjustments made to her training, especially in swimming. Opipari also talks about the new dynamics of drafting distance and the excitement of competing against new names.
The Ironman 70.3 Brasília event opened its doors to an inspiring conversation with professional triathlete Giovanna Opipari, in an interview led by Fabio Bessa and Thiago Kawamura. Giovanna shared her expectations, the challenges of the professional category, and the adaptations to her training routine.
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Successful Debut and World Championship Slot
Giovanna's professional journey began brilliantly at Ironman 70.3 Curitiba, where she achieved an impressive third place in her professional category debut. "It was a very special day," Giovanna recounts, noting she was quite anxious but exceeded expectations. The result not only secured a podium finish but also a slot for the World Championship, a goal she had set for the end of the year but achieved in her very first race.
Challenges and Strategies in Brasília
With experience from Curitiba and hilly races like Marbella, Giovanna is preparing for a different course in Brasília. She describes the race as "super fast" with a flatter bike course. To optimize her performance, the triathlete made a strategic change to her bike setup, altering the chainring to better utilize the flat sections. Her main objective is to achieve a Personal Record (PR), aiming to beat her best bike and overall race times.
"I'm really excited to meet these girls as competitors," says Giovanna about the new athletes on Brasília's start list, including names like DJ and Romina, and the presence of international competitors. She sees this as an opportunity to compete with athletes who will help her elevate her game.
The 20-Meter Drafting Rule and Training Adjustments
One of the changes for professionals is the 20-meter drafting distance, differing from the 12 meters for amateurs. Giovanna acknowledges the difficulty in judging this distance and the importance of respecting it to avoid penalties. "I think it's better to perhaps even err on the side of caution and give more space," she comments, showing prudence.
Regarding training, Giovanna made significant adjustments, especially in swimming. In Curitiba, she realized she didn't exit the water well. The professional dynamic demands a stronger start in the first 200 meters, a pace of 90% to 100%. To address this, she incorporated sets that help her achieve a stronger sprint and sustain the pace. Her focus is to be with the lead group in the next race.
Quick Q&A with the Athlete
In a lighthearted segment, Giovanna revealed:
- Music or YouTube during training? Prefers watching professional triathlete channels on YouTube.
- Desired superpower: Speed.
- Soccer: Doesn't follow it.
- Favorite post-race food: Hamburger and Japanese food.
- Longest bike ride: 200 km.
- Childhood sports idol: Manz, whose book she bought.
- Mother's support: Her mother, also an athlete, is a great motivator and doesn't scold her for training.
With her preparation complete and mind focused, Giovanna Opipari is ready for the challenges of Ironman 70.3 Brasília, aiming not only for a great result but also for personal bests and elevating her level as a professional triathlete. We wish her an excellent race!
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