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How André Lopes Took Second at Ironman 70.3 São Paulo
The triathlete breaks down chasing Colucci and Toledo on the run, tackling rain on the bike leg, and pushing his physical limits at the finish.
In an interview on Café com Tri, André Lopes looked back at the fierce battle at Ironman 70.3 São Paulo. The pro triathlete explained how he managed fatigue on a rain-slicked bike course and seized second place in the final kilometer of the half marathon.
The battle at Ironman 70.3 São Paulo put the pro field to the test on a day defined by wet asphalt and razor-thin strategic decisions. Appearing on Café com Tri, professional triathlete André Lopes reflected on the behind-the-scenes moments of the race that earned him second place, highlighting the fierce dynamics throughout the half marathon.
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Hitting the Run and the Duel with Toledo
Following a grueling bike leg where the chase pack pursued Reinaldo Colucci—who had broken away and reached T2 with a lead of roughly three to four minutes—a group of six athletes headed out onto the run practically together. It was during transition that the first crucial seconds materialized: Toledo chose to slip on his running shoes without socks, securing an immediate 15-second gap over André.
Over the first 10 km, the pace at the front was relentless, with splits hovering around 35 minutes. André caught up to Luciano Taccone around the 5 km mark and kept the leader within visual range, though he was unable to close the distance. Toledo completed the half marathon in 1:13:30 compared to André's 1:14:30—a gap built on tactical nuances and transition efficiency.
Overtaking Colucci in the Final Kilometer
While Toledo moved into the lead by overtaking Colucci, André continued chipping away 10 to 15 seconds per kilometer on Reinaldo. The decisive move that secured second place unfolded in the closing moments of the race, less than a kilometer from the finish line near the fork leading into the final stretch.
The effort required to sustain high power outputs on the bike and chase a podium spot on the run took its toll. André crossed the finish line completely spent physically, noting that he was unable to speak for several minutes after finishing, but celebrated a standout performance in his debut on the São Paulo course.
Caution on Wet Pavement and Lessons from Europe
Beyond the physical grind, riding in the rain demanded extreme caution along the Marginal expressway course and over bridges. Less familiar with the nuances of this layout compared to other domestic venues, André opted for a defensive approach through corners and descents to avoid crashes.
Memories of a severe crash in Frankfurt, which required stitches in his elbow during the race, factored heavily into his risk management. The wet conditions made the bike leg significantly slower than in previous editions, prioritizing safety and steady pacing all the way to T2.
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