Sports
Junior Triathlon: Brazilians Reflect on Worlds in Pontevedra
Maria Clara Borges, Maria Luisa Simão, and Gabi Reis reflect on the challenges and key takeaways from elite competition in Spain.
Three rising stars of Brazilian triathlon competed in the Junior race at the World Championships in Pontevedra, Spain. Maria Clara Borges, Maria Luisa Simão, and Gabi Reis shared their experiences, the competition's high technical level, and their international preparation.
The next generation of Brazilian triathlon turned out in full force at the World Triathlon Championship Finals in Pontevedra, Spain. In the junior women's race, Brazil was represented by Maria Clara Borges, Maria Luisa Simão, and Gabi Reis, who took on the international circuit's best athletes on a technical, fast-paced course from start to finish.
PUBLICIDADE (GAM) — 1250x250
Competitive Return and Growth for Maria Clara Borges
For Maria Clara Borges, who trains in the United States with Arizona State University's team, the race in Pontevedra marked a major milestone in her recovery and progress. After undergoing leg surgery earlier in the season, the triathlete celebrated her technical improvement and the opportunity to test herself against the division's elite.
With cold water temperatures requiring wetsuits, the start was chaotic, featuring a breakaway leader and fragmented chase packs. Maria Clara exited the water in the third swim group, but managed to bridge to the second chase pack on the bike within a large group. On the run course, featuring steep climbs and constant crowd support, she held her pace and highlighted the technical gap between continental events and the World Championships.
Maria Luisa Simão Makes Her Debut and Fights Back on the Bike
Making her debut at a competition of this caliber, Maria Luisa Simão experienced the sheer intensity of world-level racing firsthand. Known for her strong swim and bike legs, Malu struggled with positioning in the water and lost touch with the leaders.
The comeback came on two wheels. Working alongside Gabi Reis, Malu put together an aggressive ride to catch intermediate packs, overtaking competitors to form a cohesive group. On the run, she surpassed her own pace expectations, turning swim frustration into valuable lessons in positioning and technical maturity.
Gabi Reis Highlights Race Intensity and International Prep
Also making her World Championships debut, Gabi Reis praised the opportunity and the infrastructure provided by the Brazilian Triathlon Confederation (CBTri), which included training blocks at Sesi and a preparatory training camp in Rio Maior, Portugal—essential for adapting to the time zone and European race routine.
In the water, she weathered the physical contact typical of international buoy turns and exited slightly further back than planned. On the bike leg, teaming up with Malu Simão was crucial to closing the gap: the two drove the chase to consolidate a pack of around 15 athletes. On the run, after a grueling first lap from pushing hard on the bike, Gabi found her stride in the second half and finished the race motivated to keep growing on the world stage.
PUBLICIDADE (GAM) — 1250x250
