TriStar222 Sardinia - Quotes from the Press Conference

Scritto da André Karsai | 02 Ottobre 2010

Björn Andersson: “I will try to stay away from all hotel buffets to lose some weight so I can attack hard on the bike.”

Martina Dogana: “The cycling part will be decisive, and I will give everything to win the race in my home country.”

The first ever race over the unique TriStar222 distance will take place this Sunday in Sardinia. The event was presented today at a press conference in the Hotel**** Villa del Golfo in a beautiful setting. Roberto Ragnedda, Deputy of Sports and Youth Policy of Arzachena, welcomed the athletes. The race favourites answered to pre-race questions from the media.

“In addition to the sport itself, TriStar222 Sardinia is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to get to know the island, its culture, gastronomy and history. The event is an important economical factor for Sardinia and Gallura, and we are motivated to become the leading triathlon event in Italy over the next couple of years.” says Roberto Raggnedda, Deputy of Sports and Youth Policy in Arzachena, who welcomed the international and regional media representatives and athletes to Sardinia. 
“Kudos to the organizers for their implication on important values like their social responsibility program with Livestrong which will collect donations to the “Paolo Secci” cancer research facility in Olbia.”

After a presentation of the race layout by Andrea Vasco, the race’s favorites answered the questions of the press. Martina Dogana (ITA) will do her second race in Sardinia after a National Long Distance Championship 2003.  “The region is stunning and I am proud to participate in this new long distance triathlon in Italy. The female competition will be strong and I am curious how it will go for everyone. We have no references as it’s a new race format. The swim and the run will be over so fast that the cycling part will be decisive, that’s why I focused on cycling training in my preparation. Still, I will give everything even on the run because I want to win this race in my home country.”

Björn Andrersson (SWE) is happy to be at the starting Line on Sunday. “I am not a great runner and try to improve that all the time. Running on the 222 distance will be more important than in the 111 distance, so it’s pretty hard to predict what will happen on race day. We’ll be out there for a long time I suppose,” Andersson answered when asked about how he could profit from his race experience on the 111 distance in Estonia earlier this year.
“I might do 5-and-a-half hours on the bike, but you know I am not a lightweight. I will try to stay away from all hotel buffets until race day so I can cycle faster. Here the conditions are wonderful, it’s not as hot as in Estonia, so I am looking forward to an exciting race day.”

Athletes representing 24 nationalities will race the inaugural TriStar222 Sardinia on 3 October. The international long distance triathlon will cover 2km of swimming in the Bay of Cannigione (Arzachena), 200km of cycling on a demanding single-loop course, and 20km of running on a fast and flat 4-loops course along the seafront of Cannigione, adding up to a total distance of 222km to be accomplished.

TriStar222 Sardinia Arzachena Costa Smeralda is organised by I AM SPORT Events & Consulting, a Milan-based company founded by Andrea Vasco, Marco Galliena and Stefano Leone. The Region of Sardinia and the Arzachena Community both strongly support the event. Special thanks go to the Sardinian Villacidro Triathlon team, all the volunteers, and members of the National Civil Defence involved in organising a safe race.

Costa Smeralda – the Emerald Coast – is a coastal area in northern Sardinia covering more than 30km2 with enchanting beaches and beautiful landscapes. The area is a luxurious tourist destination and hosts important international sports events like the Sardinia Cup sailing regatta, polo matches, vintage car rally’s, and also the Italian Film Festival.

The TriStar label is owned by Star Production SARL, a Monaco based company specialized in organising high quality sports events that are focused on fun, social responsibility and environmental protection. The TriStar Series has introduced new distances to the sport of triathlon (A/N: 111km and 222km).