Sports
Rodrigo Tomazelli: The Visionary Behind Kipchoge's Brazil Visit
Discover the incredible journey of Rodrigo Tomazelli, from his days in rural Rio Grande do Sul to becoming the mastermind behind Eliud Kipchoge's arrival in Brazil and founder of Companhia dos Cavalos.
Rodrigo Tomazelli, founder of Companhia dos Cavalos, shares his journey and the behind-the-scenes story of an unprecedented achievement. He reveals how Eliud Kipchoge, the greatest marathoner in history, came to NB 42k Porto Alegre. It's a tale of personal triumph and passion for running.
In a special episode of the Stemma Podcast recorded live from the NB 42k Porto Alegre Expo, hosts Fabio Bessa and Thiago Kawamura spoke with Rodrigo Tomazelli, founder and CEO of the renowned Companhia dos Cavalos. The conversation delved into Rodrigo's fascinating journey, from his humble beginnings to becoming a central figure in the Brazilian running scene, culminating in his efforts to bring the iconic Eliud Kipchoge to Brazil.
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The Inside Story of Eliud Kipchoge's Arrival in Brazil
The story of how Kipchoge came to Porto Alegre is worthy of a movie script. In 2018, Rodrigo had a chance encounter with the athlete at a training camp in Kenya. Inspired, he dreamed of bringing the Olympic champion to Brazil, initially as a pacer for the sub-3h marathon pack. His search for contacts led him to Luiz Felipe Pozo, Kipchoge's manager in Latin America, through referrals from figures like Adauto and Marilson Gomes dos Santos.
The negotiations were long and challenging. Pozo revealed that the cost was high, but a new opportunity arose with Kipchoge's project to run seven marathons on seven continents. Rodrigo then convinced Cláudio (from Run Sports) about the transformative potential of having Kipchoge at the NB 42k Porto Alegre, which would become one of the project's races in the subcontinent. Despite Cláudio's initial skepticism about the high cost, Rodrigo assured him that partners and sponsorships would make the project viable. International bureaucracy and waiting for the simultaneous announcement of Kipchoge's other races (in Cape Town and Melbourne) were obstacles, but persistence paid off.
The impact of Kipchoge's visit is undeniable: the NB 42k Porto Alegre ascended to elite race status, the first in Brazil to do so. The city saw a massive increase in athletes and tourists, with an estimated R$70 million injected into the local economy. Rodrigo emphasizes, however, that the priority is amateur athletes, ensuring that the race infrastructure — kits, starts, course, hydration — is impeccable, as they are the ones who make the event happen. Kipchoge's reception at the airport, with the athlete's charisma and the fans' euphoria, went global.
Rodrigo Tomazelli: From Humility to Entrepreneurship in Sports
Rodrigo's journey is a testament to resilience. Born in Alegrete (RS) into a humble family, he started working at age 12. His experience in bingo halls, where he rose from salesman to manager by age 20, was his "greatest university." There, he learned to handle pressure, manage hundreds of employees and large sums of money, and interact with people from all social strata. This experience shaped him, teaching him that "problems are solvable" and that calm is essential when facing challenges.
After the closure of the bingo halls in 2006, Rodrigo sought new horizons. A friend encouraged him to pursue Physical Education. In 2008, he passed the ENEM exam in first place and secured a full scholarship at PUC. During college, he was already dedicated to running, studying methodologies and coaches. In 2011, he founded Companhia dos Cavalos with 11 students, two of whom, David Martin Johnston and Eduino Sans, remain to this day. The consultancy distinguished itself by working with high-level athletes, winning several important races such as the Volta à Ilha and the Porto Alegre Marathon. Although Companhia dos Cavalos was seen as a consultancy for elites, 95% of its students are amateurs. Today, Companhia dos Cavalos has students in over 11 Brazilian states and three countries, with a dedicated team including Kaká (financial director) and Léo (marketing and events), who have become partners.
The Running Scene in Porto Alegre and the Focus on Amateur Athletes
The 2020 pandemic, despite its tragedies, brought a boom to street running, highlighting the importance of health and physical activity. Porto Alegre, according to Rodrigo, is experiencing a vibrant period, with the emergence of many consultancies and healthy competition benefiting everyone: athletes, organizers, and sponsors. The city has consolidated its position as the street running capital of Brazil, attracting runners from all over the country and the world who seek flat courses, good organization, and pleasant temperatures to break their personal records or simply enjoy a high-quality running experience. Rodrigo emphasizes that it is a privilege to collaborate in building something one loves, without minding the lost hours of sleep.
Currently, Rodrigo is focused on his own preparation for Ironman Barcelona, which will take place on October 4. With a routine of approximately 20 hours of training per week over the last 28 days, he aims to overcome the challenges of his first Ironman experience in 2023, when he faced a muscle contracture on the bike. With a new focus on strength and weight training, he seeks an even better performance. Rodrigo recalled 2020 as his "Z2 Moment," a period of great personal losses that made him question everything, but which, with the support of friends and his team, especially Léo, helped him get back on his feet, reinforcing his philosophy that life is a wave and one must know how to surf it.
From the dream of a humble boy to the reality of bringing a global sports icon to his adopted city, Rodrigo Tomazelli shows us that passion, resilience, and focus are essential ingredients to cross any finish line, whether personal or professional. His story inspires us to always seek the best version of ourselves, both on and off the track.
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