IRONMAN 70.3 Floripa Features All-Women Pro Field
Professional triathletes discuss visibility gains, dedicated structure, and race dynamics with a 100% women's pro grid.
For the first time, the IRONMAN 70.3 Florianópolis pro field is exclusively female. In a press conference, athletes highlighted the spotlight, dedicated media coverage, and unique race dynamics.
For the first time in the event's history, the Nubank Ultravioleta IRONMAN 70.3 Florianópolis featured an all-female professional start list. In an official pre-race press conference, top triathletes shared their thoughts on the format, highlighting increased sports visibility, dedicated broadcast coverage, and direct impacts on race dynamics.
More visibility and live coverage focus
For Jennifer, the competition marked her debut in a race without sharing the spotlight with a men's pro field. The triathlete emphasized the importance of putting the women's elite at the center of broadcasts and fan attention. Vitória, who had previously competed in a similar format at 70.3 Happy Valley, also reinforced the value of the visibility gained through this start model.
France's Julie Iemmolo highlighted practical advantages out on the course. With the focus solely on the women's race, athletes benefit from dedicated support motos and continuous coverage of the battle for the top spots. Julie also pointed out the motivation of dictating the overall race pace and the opportunity to cross the finish line first overall ahead of the age-group athletes.
Calendar appeal and proven format
The choice of an all-women pro field was decisive when planning race schedules for athletes like Michele Coelho and Léa Riccoboni. Michele noted that she had already competed in an identical format at IRONMAN 70.3 Cascais in Portugal, stating that the setup was a key factor in choosing Florianópolis to close out her season on the circuit.
Léa Riccoboni also noted that she chose the race in Santa Catarina drawn by the experience of competing in an event dedicated exclusively to women, praising the technical structure and support prepared for the elite field. The discussion took place during the event's press conference, which also addressed other strategic and preparation aspects for the weekend.