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Yago Alves: Preparation and Expectations for Ironman Brazil 2026
Professional triathlete Yago Alves reveals his strategy and mindset for the challenge in Florianópolis.
In an exclusive interview during the Nubank Ultravioleta Ironman Brazil coverage, professional triathlete Yago Alves shared valuable insights. He detailed his preparation, expectations for his competitors, and his big dreams in the sport. An inspiring conversation for anyone seeking high performance.
Live from the Nubank Ultravioleta Ironman Brazil 2026 coverage, Stemma Sports had the honor of speaking with professional triathlete Yago Alves. Welcomed by Fabio Bessa and Thiago Kawamura, Yago shared his perspectives and the intensity of his preparation for one of triathlon's greatest challenges.
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Preparation for the Ironman Challenge
Despite it being such an iconic race, Yago reveals that his preparation hasn't undergone major drastic changes. The main focus isn't just Ironman Brazil, but also subsequent races. The goal is clear: to contend for the top positions and not just to finish the race.
Unlike specific Ironman preparation, Yago and his team opted for a method he considers more dynamic and less monotonous. Intense training included two days of significant volume: a Friday with 3,800m of swimming in Zone 2 (Z2) and a Saturday with 140km of cycling followed by 16km of running. The rest of the week was filled with extensive Z3 and Z4 training, with intense swim sessions and running paces of 3:10 to 3:20/km, well above Ironman or Half-Ironman pace.
Race Dynamics and Competitors
Regarding the competition, Yago notes that some foreign athletes, such as Yuri and a German athlete, are at a superior level and are the main favorites. Among the Brazilians, names like Tacone and Scarabino are familiar faces in races throughout the year.
For the swim, Yago doesn't believe in a 'big pack'. He predicts that the swim will separate the field due to the presence of very strong swimmers like Vilarinho, Yuri himself, the German athlete, Matheus Diniz, and Sérvio. Yago intends to start alongside these leaders, aiming for a good initial advantage for the bike leg.
Triathlon Journey and Ambitions
Recalling the start of his career, Yago recounted that his first triathlon race was in 2006, at the Desafio dos Pinguins (Penguin Challenge), in Cabeçudas, Itajaí. He remembers the experience of swimming in trunks in the middle of July, justifying the race's peculiar name by the cold water.
Regarding nutrition during the Ironman, Yago plans to consume about 130g of carbohydrates per hour on the bike (totaling approximately 550g) and 100g per hour on the run. His biggest dream in triathlon is to compete in A+ level races, such as a World Championship, the T100, or the iconic Ironman Kona.
With the passion and determination of a true triathlete, Yago Alves prepares for another challenge. His mindset, focused on performance and contending for positions, is an inspiring example for all. We wish Yago an excellent race on Sunday, and may he cross the finish line with the feeling of 'It's over!', as he himself joked.
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