Sports
Luciano Taccone at Ironman Brazil 2026: Champion in Focus
The two-time champion shares his preparation, strategies, and ambitions for the Nubank Ultravioleta Ironman Brazil.
Luciano Taccone, two-time Ironman Brazil champion, shares details of his preparation for the 2026 edition. In an exclusive interview with Stemma Sports, he discusses the pressure, the race dynamics in Florianópolis, and his biggest dream in triathlon.
In an exclusive interview live from the Nubank Ultravioleta Ironman Brazil 2026, Stemma Sports spoke with two-time champion Luciano Taccone. Hosts Fabio Bessa and Thiago Kawamura delved deep into the athlete's preparation, expectations, and dreams for the race. Taccone shared crucial details about his strategy and what it means to defend the title in Florianópolis.
PUBLICIDADE (GAM) — 1250x250
Champion's Preparation and Challenges
Luciano Taccone's preparation for Ironman Brazil followed a similar pattern to the previous year. Despite a small bike accident that left him unable to run for a week, he feels stronger on the bike than last year. However, he admits that his running might have a slight mileage gap. Training with high-level athletes like Martin Baesa, who is at a similar level, serves as great motivation, especially during moments of fatigue – something Taccone values and seeks to stay competitive.
Race Dynamics and the Pressure of the Two-Time Champion
Being a two-time champion naturally brings a dose of pressure, but Taccone prefers to focus on race day and the importance of arriving well-rested. He reveals that the pressure dissipates once the competition actually begins. Regarding the race dynamics in Florianópolis, he anticipates a scenario where a strong group of swimmers should form in the water. There might be three or four athletes breaking away on the bike, with a larger group right behind. He foresees that athlete Jonathan might come from behind to catch the leaders. Taccone knows his European competitors well, their strengths and weaknesses, and expects a very entertaining race due to the multiple possible scenarios.
Cycling Record and Rivals
Asked about the cycling record (under 4 hours), Taccone believes it will be broken, especially depending on Jonathan's performance and the leaders' willingness to maintain a strong pace. Regarding his historic rivalry with Reinaldo, Taccone is emphatic: he won't make the title easy, and hopes other athletes will also compete intensely.
Ambitions and the Kona Dream
Taccone's main objective is to secure a spot for Kona, and if an even better result comes, it will be welcome. Regarding the weather, he prefers the heat but emphasizes the need to be prepared for Florianópolis' variations, as he hasn't specifically trained in the heat this year.
Athlete's Quickfire Round
In the traditional quickfire round, Taccone revealed that he doesn't follow soccer much, but he roots for Messi in the World Cup. His first triathlon race was at 10 years old in Argentina, Buenos Aires, with a different format (pool swim, then mountain bike, and run). He plans to consume between 120 and 130 grams of carbohydrates per hour during the race. His biggest dream in triathlon is to return to Kona and improve his historical best result.
The interview with Luciano Taccone offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a champion. His dedication, strategic intelligence, and ambition to return to Kona are inspiring. For triathlon enthusiasts, following his journey at Ironman Brazil 2026 will undoubtedly be an unmissable experience, full of excitement and high performance.
PUBLICIDADE (GAM) — 1250x250
