Martin Baeza: Chilean Triathlete Soars at IRONMAN 70.3 Rio 2026
The 70.3 Peru champion reveals his strategy and challenges for the Rio race, facing the heat after a harsh winter in Chile.
Chilean triathlete Martin Baeza, champion of IRONMAN 70.3 Peru, arrives in Rio de Janeiro for another major challenge. At 25, he reflects on his meteoric rise in half-distance racing, his success in Floripa, and concerns about the Rio heat. This race is a decisive step before the World Championship in Nice.
In an exclusive interview with hosts Fabio Bessa and Thiago Kawamura for Stemma Sports, young Chilean triathlete Martin Baeza, just 25 years old, shared his expectations and preparations for the Nubank Ultravioleta IRONMAN 70.3 Rio de Janeiro 2026. As the 70.3 Peru champion with a notable performance at IRONMAN Floripa, Baeza is gearing up for an intense climatic challenge in Rio, which also serves as the final stage before the World Championship in Nice.
A Meteoric Rise in Half-Distance Racing
Martin Baeza began his sports journey at a young age, competing in long-distance running categories, such as junior and U23. His transition to half-distance in 2021 marked a turning point, especially due to his proficiency in cycling and swimming, which are key differentiators in these races. His full IRONMAN debut was in Floripa, an experience he thoroughly enjoyed, from preparation to race execution. Coached by Lucho Taccone, Baeza showed significant progress, excelling in swimming and cycling, and overcoming his inexperience in running.
This year has been the best of his career, with significant results such as third place in Pucón and a victory at 70.3 Peru, where he recorded the best time by a Chilean in the discipline. These achievements bring him to Rio de Janeiro with high confidence and as one of the names to watch.
The Climatic Challenge in Rio
Despite his good form, Baeza faces a unique challenge in Rio de Janeiro: the climate. Accustomed to training in sub-zero temperatures in Chile, with a large part of his training done indoors (on a trainer), the forecast of 34 degrees Celsius in Rio is a concern for the triathlete. He acknowledges that the heat can be a crucial and challenging factor for his performance, requiring adaptation and strategic control during the race.
Race Scenario and Opportunities
The IRONMAN 70.3 Rio presents an interesting scenario with the absence of some strong competitors, such as Lucho and Fernando Toledo, in addition to the possible absence of Calmar. Baeza sees this as a great opportunity for other athletes, including himself. Names like Ogen (the Serb), André López, and his compatriot Martín Ulloa promise to make the competition intense and strategic.
Martin Baeza plans to leverage his strengths in swimming and cycling, aiming to get ahead and maintain a strong pace on the bike. The run, as he states, will depend on how fresh he can arrive after cycling and his ability to manage the heat. With much determination (“gana”) and Rio being the final preparatory stage for the World Championship in Nice, Baeza is determined to deliver a solid performance and seek a significant result. He is confident he will perform well on Sunday and hopes to be at the finish line with a smile on his face.