1. Race Strategy:
Since swimming is my weakest discipline, my main goal was to minimize the gap coming out of the water by staying as close as possible to the other athletes for as long as I could. The bike is where I knew I could make a difference, so I pushed hard on the climbs to create a gap. Then, my effort on the run depended on my position and the time differences with my competitors.
2. Toughest Part of the Race:
For me, the toughest part was the run in the intense heat. It was my first real race of the season under such strong sun, and that made it particularly challenging. I had to focus on managing my effort, staying hydrated, and mentally pushing through to the finish.
3. Preparation & Key Workouts:
I prepared with run-off-the-bike sessions, which I believe are key to a successful triathlon. These sessions helped me feel confident and strong on race day. Given the demanding bike course, it is good to incorporate high-intensity bike like hill repeats to-run brick workouts to be ready for the specific challenges of the race.
4. Defining Moment:
My mom was there to give me the time gaps with the other athletes. I managed the first run lap carefully to conserve energy in case the gap started to close. By the end of that lap, I already had several minutes of lead. During the second lap, which I ran slightly faster, I widened the gap even more. At that moment, I felt a sense of confidence, and I knew that by maintaining a steady pace, I had a strong chance of finishing first. However, I’m never completely certain of victory. The heat was tough, and in a race, you never know what might happen. So I kept telling myself: “Stay focused until the end”.
5. Advice for Future Competitors:
If you’re looking for a challenge with a hilly course, but not only that, as there are plenty of flat sections too, this triathlon is for you.
Here 3 advices for futures compétitors:
- Study the course in advance; it will help you anticipate the challenges.
- Stay flexible with your plan. Sometimes, things don’t go as expected. It’s important to remain adaptable, keep a strong mindset, and adjust to the circumstances.
- Prepare for the heat: If you’re sensitive to heat, try to train in similar conditions before the race to adapt as best as possible. Heat management can be a real challenge on this type of course.
But most importantly, enjoy the experience. Cesenatico is an incredible place to race!
