Martin Ulloa Eyes Comeback at IRONMAN 70.3 São Paulo
Free of back pain after a two-year battle, the Chilean triathlete targets a fast run and welcomes the São Paulo climate.
Following a two-year recovery from a persistent back injury, Martin Ulloa enters IRONMAN 70.3 São Paulo with renewed confidence. The Chilean triathlete reflected on his struggles in Rio de Janeiro and aims for an even faster half-marathon split.
At the Nubank Ultravioleta IRONMAN 70.3 São Paulo press conference, Martin Ulloa opened up about his recent physical challenges and looked ahead to the upcoming race. Asked about his performance at IRONMAN 70.3 Rio de Janeiro—where he stayed with the front pack through the swim and bike legs before dropping off during the run—the Chilean triathlete explained what caused the setback and expressed strong confidence for the challenge in São Paulo.
According to Ulloa, his fatigue in Rio was directly linked to a back injury he had struggled with over the past two years. In Rio, his strategy went according to plan until the second transition (T2), but the pain took a heavy toll over the 21 km run. Now fully recovered and building fitness, he emphasized that he arrives ready to fight at the front right from the swim and hold power on the bike.
For the run leg in São Paulo, his target is aggressive. Reminded of the 1:15 half-marathon split he clocked in 2023, Ulloa stated that he expects to run considerably faster this time around. In addition to his physical recovery, he highlighted São Paulo's climate as a distinct advantage for his racing style compared to the conditions in Rio de Janeiro.
