Romina Biagioli: Strategies and Challenges at Ironman 70.3 Brasília
Argentine triathlete Romina Biagioli shares insights on her preparation, cycling challenges, and her goal for a podium finish at Ironman 70.3 Brasília.
In an exclusive interview at the Nubank Ultravioleta Ironman 70.3 Brasília, Romina Biagioli reveals how she prepares for the competition and her transition to the Full Ironman distance. She discusses the difficulties of cycling and the importance of strategy in challenging weather conditions. The athlete also talks about her inspiration and her body's adaptation to intense training.
In exclusive coverage from the Nubank Ultravioleta Ironman 70.3 Brasília, presenters Fabio Bessa and Thiago Kawamura from Stemma Sports spoke with Argentine triathlete Romina Biagioli. Romina, who has already secured two second-place finishes this season, shared her expectations, strategies, and the challenges of transitioning to long-distance races, as she prepares for her first Full Ironman.
Preparation for Ironman 70.3 Brasília
Romina Biagioli revealed that although she has competed in Brasília in the Olympic distance, this would be her first participation in the Ironman 70.3 in the Brazilian capital. She described the cycling course as "quite challenging" and noted that Brasília is usually very windy. Currently, the athlete is preparing for her first Full Ironman in Florianópolis in May, considering the 70.3 Brasília as a crucial step in the process. Even with the intense training load, she feels she is in "good form."
Strategy and the Cycling Challenge
Analyzing the start list, Romina highlighted the presence of Jennifer as a top swimmer, strong in all three disciplines, and a main contender for the title. Her strategy would be to use swimming, her strong suit, to gain an advantage and build a strong cycling leg. Romina admitted that cycling has been her biggest difficulty in transitioning to long-distance races, especially adapting to the time trial bike. She mentioned having had "many setbacks" and that she still "suffers a lot" with the position, but she is focused on overcoming them. She also relies heavily on her running (athletics), but acknowledges that cycling will be decisive for the final result.
Climate Adaptation and Recovery
Romina mentioned that she doesn't adapt well to cold, citing the Puerto Varas race as an example, where the weather made her uncomfortable. In contrast, Brasília, with its dry heat, requires a smart strategy regarding carbohydrate and salt intake to prevent dehydration. She notices that her body is adapting and recovering more quickly, allowing her to tackle intense training sequences without as much fatigue. After her last race, she was already ready for another week of volume, demonstrating the evolution of her endurance.
Behind the Scenes of an Elite Athlete
In a quick Q&A, Romina shared a bit about her life off the track. She revealed she has a playlist of relaxing music for long workouts and another more upbeat one, called "VO2," featuring the British band Muse. When asked about superheroes, she recalled Pokémon from her childhood. Romina is not a soccer fan, which is unusual for an Argentine, and her favorite post-race food is ice cream (helado), both before and after competitions. Her longest bike ride was 205 km in San Carlos. Her greatest inspiration and idol is her sister, a five-time Olympic swimmer, who started professional sports early. Her mother, in turn, has grown accustomed to her daughter's dedication to training and supports her unconditionally.
The interview with Romina Biagioli showcases the dedication and meticulous planning required to compete at the elite level of triathlon. Her journey of adaptation, strategies for facing course challenges, and passion for the sport serve as an inspiration for everyone seeking their best version, whether on the asphalt or in the pool.