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João Victor Maldonado Previews Ironman 70.3 São Paulo
The Rio-born triathlete takes over his own training, sharpens his swim, and targets a top-10 finish in São Paulo.
Ahead of Ironman 70.3 São Paulo, João Victor Maldonado details his transition to self-coaching and reflects on lessons learned from his last race in Rio de Janeiro. The professional triathlete outlines his strategy to close swim gaps and position himself effectively within the pack.
Directly from Rio de Janeiro to the capital of São Paulo, professional triathlete João Victor Maldonado has arrived ready to line up in the elite field of the Nubank Ultravioleta Ironman 70.3 São Paulo. Fresh off an intense training block following the Rio event, the athlete enters the race with major changes to his preparation routine.
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Self-Coaching and New Practical Tests
The primary shift in Maldonado's preparation for the São Paulo 70.3 was his decision to take charge of his own coaching. After working with coach Ortiz, the athlete—who holds a degree in Physical Education—chose to guide his own training cycles to apply concepts and methodologies he had been studying.
Despite the short turnaround between races, the period served as a testing ground for new physiological and tactical approaches. Maldonado notes that he has already felt positive responses during his daily routine and looks to carry these adaptations into race day.
Lessons from Rio de Janeiro and Race Dynamics
Reflecting on his recent appearance at Ironman 70.3 Rio de Janeiro, Maldonado acknowledges that his performance fell short of expectations. Strong winds on the bike and falling out of pack contact took a severe toll during the run under intense heat, turning the race into a battle of pure survival to the finish line.
For the race in São Paulo, tactical awareness takes center stage. In professional fields, knowing how to meter energy early on the bike to close gaps and latch onto chase packs is essential. Becoming isolated on the course demands far greater physical expenditure, undermining consistency during the final run leg.
Swim Focus and a Top-10 Goal
Facing a dense and competitive start list, his race plan hinges on a more efficient exit from the water. To minimize time lost in the opening leg, Maldonado conducted targeted, in-person swim workouts in Rio de Janeiro alongside his friend Rodrigo.
Already familiar with the São Paulo course after competing in last year's edition, the triathlete aims to emerge within the second or third swim pack, staying active in the race dynamics to contend for a top-10 finish.
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