Romina Palacio on Her Season and Strategy for 70.3 Floripa
Following a win in Punta del Este and Ironman Lake Placid, the Argentine triathlete looks ahead to racing Brazilian contenders in Florianópolis.
In an interview with Stemma Sports, Romina Palacio reflected on her season and outlined her strategy for Ironman 70.3 Florianópolis. The Argentine triathlete also weighed in on the fierce competition across the all-women professional start list.
Romina Palacio's season has been filled with both milestones and demanding tests leading up to Santa Catarina. After winning Ironman 70.3 Punta del Este early in the year—overcoming a mechanical issue during the bike leg to claim victory—the Argentine triathlete went on to tackle the full distance at Ironman Lake Placid, a Pro Series race held in late July following a training block in Colorado. Palacio noted that the year has been grueling and that her primary focus after the full Ironman has been physical recovery to ensure she is ready to toe the start line.
Strategy against rivals at 70.3 Florianópolis
With a professional field reserved exclusively for women, Palacio expressed her excitement at seeing such a large and competitive female pack. Sizing up direct competition from top Brazilian triathletes, including Olympians Vittoria Lopes and Jenifer Arnold, the Argentine emphasized the need to stay in contention right from the opening discipline.
Palacio's race plan centers on exiting the swim as close to the leaders as possible and bridging up on the bike with strong cyclists, noting competitors like Léa and Julie. Her goal is to start the run with the smallest deficit possible against Lopes and Arnold, acknowledging their high pedigree on foot as she aims to battle for the top spots on Sunday.
