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Youri Keulen: IRONMAN Brazil Debut, Strategy, and the Road to Kona
Triathlete Youri Keulen reveals his expectations and strategy for his IRONMAN Brazil debut, aiming for a Kona slot.
In an exclusive interview at the Nubank Ultravioleta IRONMAN Brazil, Youri Keulen shares his first impressions of Brazil and the crowd's energy. The athlete details his intense preparation for the race, including altitude camps, and his strategic approach as a first-timer in the full distance. Keulen also shares his biggest dreams in triathlon.
The Nubank Ultravioleta IRONMAN Brazil was the stage for an exclusive interview with Dutch professional triathlete Youri Keulen, who is preparing for his highly anticipated IRONMAN distance debut. Welcomed by hosts Fabio Bessa and Thiago Kawamura, Youri shared his impressions of the country, his intense preparation, and the challenges of being considered a favorite in his first race.
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Brazilian Energy and a First Visit to the Country
Visibly delighted, Youri Keulen expressed his gratitude for being in Brazil. "It's my first time here, and it's been incredible so far. We really like Brazil," he stated. He highlighted the infectious energy of Brazilians, which he had already felt even in his home country. The people's receptiveness and friendliness positively surprised him, and the passion for samba completed the cultural experience.
Living in Girona, Spain, Youri has already trained with Brazilian athletes and is well aware of the country's love for triathlon. The fans' reaction to the announcement of his participation in IRONMAN Brazil was "insane," with countless messages of support and anticipation, something he had never experienced before.
Elite Preparation: Altitude and Experience
The decision to participate in IRONMAN Brazil was made in January, making this a "main objective" for Youri. He aimed to secure good results in T100 and 70.3 races before moving up to the IRONMAN distance. The choice of Brazil was motivated by a desire to compete in a place that felt special. His preparation included a four-week altitude training camp in Sierra Nevada, Spain, from which he came directly to the race.
Altitude camps are a fundamental part of his routine, conducted about three times a year to maximize red blood cell production and the benefits in training and competition. Youri also relied on advice from experienced colleagues like Martin van Riel and Vince de Le, with whom he trained intensively in recent weeks, even analyzing Yelle De Riujkens's race in Texas to learn about race dynamics.
Challenges of a Debutant: Pressure and Strategy
Even though he is tipped as a favorite for the win, Youri maintains humility. "I understand where it comes from, and I'm grateful to have built that name, but, to be honest, I've never done an IRONMAN," he reflected. He emphasized that he has never run more than 35 km in his life and doesn't know how his body will react after 180 km on the bike. For him, "pressure is a privilege," and he sees it as a sign that he is doing something right.
His main goal is to secure a Kona slot, the IRONMAN World Championship. His race strategy will be one of patience and execution, focusing on doing his best, and not necessarily on breaking records or "racing" like a veteran. The ideal time for his coach is 8h45m, which he hopes to surpass. "The first five hours don't really count; it's the last two that make or break your IRONMAN," he explained.
Dreams and Inspirations in Triathlon
When asked about his biggest dreams in triathlon, Youri did not hesitate: "Winning IRONMAN Brazil and then IRONMAN Kona." He also showed a fun side when talking about football, mentioning Yamal and Raphinha as great players, and about music. For the finish line, he would like to hear Bad Bunny or "High on Life" by Martin Garrix, as well as an exciting song that makes people "get off their feet" and celebrate.
The presence of Youri Keulen at the Nubank Ultravioleta IRONMAN Brazil promises to add a layer of excitement and competitiveness to the race. His combination of talent, humility, and meticulous preparation positions him as an athlete to watch, marking his debut in grand style with his eyes fixed on the coveted Kona slot.
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