Sports
Luciano Taccone: Strategy and Expectations at IRONMAN 70.3 Brasília
The Argentinian triathlete details his preparation and ambitions for the race and IRONMAN Brazil.
In an exclusive interview during the Nubank Ultravioleta IRONMAN 70.3 Brasília coverage, professional triathlete Luciano Taccone shares his expectations for the competition. He discusses the race's dynamics, his swimming and cycling strategy, and how he manages the pressure of being a favorite. Taccone also reveals the importance of this event for his main goal of the year: IRONMAN Brazil.
In a relaxed conversation live from the stage of Nubank Ultravioleta IRONMAN 70.3 Brasília, hosts Fabio Bessa and Thiago Kawamura of Stemma Sports welcomed Argentinian professional triathlete Luciano Taccone. The athlete, already a familiar face in Brazil, shared insights into his preparation, recent challenges, and expectations for the Brasília race, as well as details about his journey in high-performance triathlon.
PUBLICIDADE (GAM) — 1250x250
Recent Performance and the Pursuit of Victory
Luciano Taccone began the season with a record of two second-place finishes, one late last year and another recently in Puerto Varas. Despite being on the podium, he jokes that "one gets tired of not winning," but emphasizes the importance of these results for his sponsors and his confidence. Facing complicated personal issues, Taccone maintained focus on his training and feels ready to battle on Sunday, aiming for a win he believes will come this year.
The Challenging Dynamics of IRONMAN 70.3 Brasília
The Brasília race is shaping up to be a complex challenge, with dynamics Taccone cannot yet fully predict. He highlights the presence of strong swimmers and a very powerful Swiss cyclist, Jonathan, whose bike strength could alter the pace of the competition. The Argentinian also notes the growing level of Brazilian athletes, which promises an even fiercer and more entertaining race. He anticipates that swimming and cycling will be crucial points in the contest.
Impact of the 20-Meter Rule and Altitude
Taccone emphasized that the new 20-meter drafting rule in cycling significantly changes the race dynamic. "Those 20 meters are felt," he stated, indicating that the drafting advantage is reduced, prompting all athletes to seek leading positions. Regarding the cycling course in Brasília, he describes it as very fast, possibly one of the fastest in the world, due to the 1,000-meter altitude which reduces air resistance without compromising athlete performance.
Strategy and Preparation for Sunday
When asked about an ideal scenario, Taccone dreams of being in the lead group for the swim, having a strong bike leg, and completing the run in about 1 hour and 12 minutes. Although he considers swimming his most vulnerable point, he feels confident after a good performance in Puerto Varas (despite the distance being reduced due to cold). IRONMAN 70.3 Brasília is seen as essential preparation for IRONMAN Brazil, his primary goal for the first half of the year. Despite intense training load during the week, he hopes three days of rest will be enough to arrive refreshed on Sunday.
Beyond the Track: Taccone's Personal Side
In a quick-fire Q&A segment, Luciano Taccone revealed a bit more about his life outside of competitions:
- Music for Training: He doesn't listen to music during training. His favorite is Argentinian national rock.
- Superhero: A fan of Dragon Ball Z, particularly Goku.
- Football: A supporter of the Argentinian team Independiente.
- Post-Race Meal: A good hamburger.
- Longest Ride: He once did a ride of 230 km.
- Childhood Idol: Football player Ricardo Bochini, from Independiente.
- Mother's Support: His mother is a great motivator, always encouraging him to pursue triathlon and be happy.
With expectations of a great performance, Luciano Taccone is ready for another battle in Brasília. His dedication and passion for the sport are evident, inspiring other athletes to pursue their best versions in every race.
PUBLICIDADE (GAM) — 1250x250
