IRONMAN 70.3 São Paulo: Men's Pro Field Preview
With 28 pros on the start line, the race features established stars like Taccone and Colucci alongside the next generation.
The men's professional race at IRONMAN 70.3 São Paulo features an exciting showdown between seasoned veterans and emerging talent. Explore our full preview covering top contenders, expected race dynamics, and target split times.
The men's professional start list at IRONMAN 70.3 São Paulo features 28 athletes in a field defined by a clash of generations. The race brings together legendary figures of the sport alongside rising young talents transitioning to middle-distance racing, creating an open contest filled with tactical variables from start to finish.
Race dynamics and the 20-meter draft zone impact
The 20-meter draft rule is set to deliver a fairer, more fragmented race. Rather than one large pack, small chase groups are expected to form across the course. The opening stretch of the 90 km bike leg, featuring climbs over bridges and through tunnels, should serve as the first selective filter right out of transition, separating the strongest riders before hitting the flat sections.
In the water, the reservoir swim is traditionally sluggish. Without Nicolas Vilarinho—who opted out to focus on IRONMAN Florida—the pace will likely be set by Uruguay's Federico Scarabino and Brazil's Igor Amorelli, with lead swim times projected around 22 to 23 minutes.
Top contenders and seasoned veterans
Argentina's Luciano Taccone stands out as the main athlete to beat. As the IRONMAN 70.3 Brasília champion and two-time IRONMAN Brazil winner in Florianópolis, Taccone brings a proven track record into the fight for top honors. Among the Brazilian contingent, Reinaldo Colucci remains one of the circuit's most respected and competitive athletes, maintaining consistent form and a hunger for victory ever since debuting at this distance at just 18 years old.
Alongside Colucci, Igor Amorelli brings the experience of multiple Kona World Championship appearances and pioneering Ironman victories, while Fernando Toldi and André Lopes round out the roster of seasoned pros regularly vying for the podium. Lopes, in particular, remains a steady top-five contender on Brazilian soil.
Rising stars and projected finish times
The next generation is spearheaded by Enzo Krauss, who has shown steady bike-leg progression and an aggressive racing style, alongside Brazilian champion Ton de Teixeira, already boasting standout middle-distance results. Felipe Azevedo is another key contender in the cycling dynamics following strong performances this season.
To lock in the podium, projections point to bike splits hovering around the two-hour mark and a half-marathon run decided between 1:11 and 1:12. On a fast course, sustaining foot speed off a grueling bike leg will be the deciding factor in claiming victory.