TriStar222 Sardinia 2010 athlete

Q: Tristar222 Sardinia is a double challenge for a triathlete as it incorporates long distances, especially cycling, and for the placement on the calendar: the end of the season. With several races in your legs and mental fatigue setting in as you have already worked so hard. What are the challenges for you?

A: I must confess that I am excited by challenges, and the more extreme the more excitement I experience! This race has special attractions. Firstly the location: for those like me who do not know the great part of Sardinia, when is a better time to visit? Secondly: The extreme distance but also the average number of amateur athletes, this makes it attractive to many people. Finally: The period in my opinion is not bad: summer and August in particular, with full days available, it gives the possibility to train well. As to mental fatigue entering immediately restores the psychic energy! I'm going through a period where, for various reasons, I am very tired but all the training recharges me. Sport is energy; every workout gives me a tremendous push forward because I realize what I am doing every day is a step towards the optimal shape for the race in Sardinia.

Q: You participated in the first edition of TriStar111 Worms in June and now you have entered the 222 format in Sardinia. What did you like about the German race circuit that prompted you to join the Italian?

A: I was excited by TriStar111 Worms. Even there, as it certainly will be in Sardinia, the setting was fantastic: the river Rhine, the historic city edict of 1521 with the legendary (and beautiful) bridge of the Nibelungs, the hills of wine production. All was organized in a more than perfect way: the logistics, time and distance. When I heard that the format and organisation was the same for Sardinia I did not hesitate to change my plans and sign up. I was also driven by purely competitive reasons: I want to have revenge on all those that passed me during bike split.

Q: Do you know the bike course for TriStar222 Sardinia? How are you preparing?

A: I don’t know the course but I have friends who were there on holiday and I sent them to view the course for me. I studied the courses for different workouts in my valley (Valsugana Trentino) in order to simulate the racetrack. I am also lucky to have assistance in planning my workout. My sister’s coach and trainer Mark Boffo gave me terrific advice on how best to plan for a race so special. In this regard all advice to rely on competent people (cardiologists, history) and information on the methods most suitable for integration into a competition length of 222.

Q: Sardinia is one of the most beautiful regions of Italy: did the beauty surrounding the race have an effect on you?

A: All in all, given my very strong reason, I was not affected throughout the race. Sure, if I had any doubt, the beauty of that area of Sardinia would have definitely made a positive influence

Q: How about this new format of competition introduced by the circuit? Do they to suit your physical qualities?

A: I like them very much. I find the Ironman very hard for me and for the general public. I’ll make myself an example: I have some problems with my knees. To run a marathon in itself can be a problem for me, especially when running is the last leg in a competition. The new format make’s competition for those with slight problems more accessible as everybody can run 10 or 20 km after swimming and cycling. Moreover, the competitive aspect seen as a challenge to the opponent can be enjoyed with a total size with Tristar formats. Too often the “iron” distance becomes a challenge with oneself and not a competition with an opponent.

Tristar222 Sardinia 2010 athlete

Q: England is a country really different from Italy, both for climate conditions and for its morphology, why did you decide to participate to Tristar222 Sardinia and deal with conditions so different from those you face during your usual training?

A: It is the climate and landscape which attracted me to the event. I grew up in South Africa, so hope that the heat will not be a problem for me. I may be wrong! Hydration is something of which I will be particularly aware.

Q: Where are you training next months?

A: Around where I live, namely Surrey (South East England).

Q: Considering the season and the location of Tristar 222 Sardinia event, are you using this occasion to come to Sardinia with your family/girlfriend/friends?

A: Yes. The location is what motivated me to register for the event. I do see it as an opportunity for my young daughter and my husband to have a great time while I slog it out