Ironman 70.3 São Paulo Press Conference Gathers Pro Field
Pro triathletes outline race strategies, analyze rivals, and discuss the growth of the Brazilian circuit.
The Ironman 70.3 São Paulo press conference gathered top professional triathletes ahead of race day in the city. The panel addressed physical recovery, travel logistics, healthy rivalries, and the continued growth of the Brazilian triathlon scene.
The pre-race press conference for the Nubank Ultravioleta Ironman 70.3 São Paulo brought together professional athletes to discuss the technical demands of the urban course, pacing expectations, and the competitive outlook for the race.
Pro field introductions and initial course impressions
Host Maia Fleming kicked off the event by introducing the star-studded pro lineup, featuring standout contenders Rachel Olsson, Mariana Borges, Bruna Stolf, André Lopes, Fernando Toldi, and Chile's Martin Ulloa. In their opening remarks, the athletes highlighted the rare opportunity to bike along closed urban expressways like São Paulo's Marginal highways, as well as the advantage of milder weather compared to other stops on the national circuit.
Martin Ulloa on recovering from a back injury
Chilean triathlete Martin Ulloa reflected on his recent outing at Ironman 70.3 Rio de Janeiro, noting that severe fatigue and oppressive heat hampered his run. Managing a lingering two-year back injury, Ulloa reported feeling much healthier and expressed confidence that cooler temperatures in São Paulo will help him target a sub-1:15 half-marathon split.
Bruna Stolf on the Nice World Championship and lost luggage
Fresh off competing at the Ironman World Championship in Nice, Bruna Stolf recounted the logistical nightmare she faced in the days leading up to the race in São Paulo. After her bike was lost on her return flight from Europe, she had to rely on gear borrowed from friends and fellow competitors to make the start line, remaining determined to deliver her best performance.
Fernando Toldi's motivation amid external predictions
Asked about media predictions that overlooked him as a top podium contender, Fernando Toldi took the commentary in stride. Coming off recent victories, Toldi emphasized that he is in peak physical shape and uses outside doubt as fuel to set an aggressive pace and contend for the win.
Mariana Borges on bike-focused race preparation
Mariana Borges detailed her decision to target the São Paulo race after fine-tuning her training block following the Brazilian Road Cycling Championships. Familiar with the nuances of the course, Borges plans to ride aggressively and technically through the straights and sweeping turns of the Marginal highway to build a solid gap before heading into T2.
Rachel Olsson on the growth of Brazil's women's field
American triathlete Rachel Olsson contrasted racing in the United States with competing in South America, praising the expansion of professional slots and events across Brazil. According to Olsson, establishing high-caliber races in the country is vital for encouraging more women to transition to and thrive in the professional ranks.
André Lopes on his long-standing rivalry with Fernando Toldi
Based in Boulder, Colorado, André Lopes reflected on his long-time camaraderie and competitive history with Fernando Toldi. Lopes emphasized that their rivalry is purely sporting and constructive, forged over years of joint training sessions and head-to-head battles, underscoring the deep mutual respect within the men's pro field.
André Lopes on U.S. training and chasing a win in Brazil
Lopes also discussed the logistical toll of traveling from the U.S. to race in Brazil, where sponsor exposure and community engagement make the trip worthwhile. The triathlete highlighted the balanced execution across all three disciplines needed to turn his consistent podium finishes into a breakthrough victory on home soil.
Mariana Borges on race strategy against Romina Palacio
Assessing her head-to-head matchup with Argentina's Romina Palacio, Mariana Borges recalled past time splits on the bike and run segments. While keeping tactical specifics under wraps, the Brazilian athlete noted she has fine-tuned her target numbers to maintain a steady, well-paced effort from start to finish.
André Lopes on athlete solidarity and the triathlon market
Reflecting on the sport's professionalization, André Lopes advocated for more open communication among competitors regarding sponsorships and market dynamics. In his view, collective athlete unity is essential to securing consistent financial backing, elevating the professional field, and supporting the next generation of triathletes.
Fernando Toldi analyzes race dynamics and top contenders
Closing out the tactical preview, Fernando Toldi analyzed the depth of the men's field, noting the presence of powerful swimmers and cyclists. Toldi stressed that his priority is staying at the sharp end of the race to dictate the pace, adapting his strategy as breakaways and tactical moves unfold.