20 years of Portocolom International Triathlon

Recently it has been proclaimed for the third consecutive year the best Triathlon of the Balearic Islands

 

One of the oldest triathlons in Spain, the Portocolom International Triathlon, will celebrate its XX edition on April 9, 2017. The test will have two different distances, the queen test 111 and also another test of distance 55.5.

During these 20 years the test has been evolving, that's why we interviewed Jaume Vicens race director to tell us in first person how he has seen it from the inside.

-The next 9 in April will be held the XX International Triathlon Portocolom, one of the oldest in Spain. How have you managed to settle on the calendar for so many years? 

We started our journey at a time when the competition calendars had nothing to do with the current ones: it was a time when if you wanted to run a triathlon near where you lived, one of the options was to organize it yourself and live each one with passion. of its facets, both competing and organizing. Of course, that does not mean that the complexity behind an organization has put us "between the ropes" on some occasion... that we were able to save in the first years because as triathletes we know that we must persevere in our objectives, despite the "walls" that arise both in triathlons and in life itself. In short, we continue with the same passion as in the first edition.

- Could you tell us a bit about how the first editions were? What distances has the test taken from its first edition to the current 55.5 and 111?

We started with 30 triathletes in Olympic distance in 1998. But for the following year we are asked to be part of the tests included in the ETU calendar called "Prestige Races" in Sprint format, with which we continue three more editions, to return to the Olympic distance until 2011, prompted by a change of race location. As of 2011 we introduce the current formats.

- For several years has been disputed under a distance recognized by the ITU but little used by other races. What was the reason to bet on the 55.5 and 111 competitions?

There are several reasons. On the one hand, we have observed that many athletes have been able to start in triathlon for the first time some athletes to swim the 1500 meters of an Olympian seemed a mountain ... and yet they were able to survive at a distance of 500 meters, to then tackle the bike and the race on foot without problems. This distance has been ideal for the promotion of triathlon in people with the usual format would have cost more.

On the other hand, in April most of the usual distance 111 triathletes are in pre-season, with a planning aimed at the Half or Full that starts from May. Our format allows greater post-triathlon recovery, being the shortest and least traumatic foot race and allowing a quick incorporation to the usual workouts. It is ideal to start the season. The day after doing a 111 you can go for a run, ride a bike ... it doesn't leave you as punished as the medium-long distance.

- How are the International Triathlon circuits of Portocolom? What would you highlight in each of the segments?

Of the circuits, I would basically highlight the beauty of the environment in which they are located. Swimming in the bay of Portocolom is a guarantee to be able to swim in its calm waters, surrounded by a natural port of singular beauty that preserves its traditional style like few others in Mallorca. The bike runs in an almost continuous up-downhill, with a road totally closed to traffic that goes into the rural area of ​​Son Masià (Manacor) that someone has compared to Tuscany for its profile of mountainous reliefs, hills and farmland.

Then we arrive at an area of ​​relatively flat 8 km that leaves us right on the ascent to Sant Salvador, and then down at full speed towards Portocolom. The foot race runs for the first kilometer through the old area to leave later, always close to the sea, towards the small road that takes us to the emblematic lighthouse of our beloved town, open exclusively this day a year so that the triathletes have their point of turn in their facilities.

- The most emblematic point of the cycling circuit is the ascent to Sant Salvador. What length, average and maximum slope do you have? What developments do you advise triathletes to face this rise with guarantees?

Sant Salvador has become a sanctuary for mountain biking visited by thousands of cyclists, both local and foreign. Away from the Serra de Tramuntana, a true cathedral of island cycling, it is a specific reason to visit to enjoy its slopes and panoramic views; It has a 5-kilometre climb: the first one, called "the straight line of Sant Salvador" becomes somewhat hard because it seems to go on forever, until you start the first curves that make it more entertaining as you gain height, even if you have to clench your teeth in some of its curves where its maximum slope, for a few meters, can be 14-15%. The final average slope is 5,5%. With the current 36X25 Compact, most triathletes can climb, although I know that the most prepared triathletes climb with the large and lenticular chainring for much of the route.

Another question that often arises is what type of bike is more convenient, whether the normal or the specific triathlon: it is a circuit suitable for both types of bike, provided that you have the appropriate development, with which our advice is face it with which you are more comfortable in your training and exits.

- Throughout these 20 years you have had a great participation with some of the best Spanish and international triathletes. What do you think the reason why many of them bet to come to Portocolom to compete?

In Europe in the month of April it is difficult to be able to do triathlon beyond the Mediterranean, and Mallorca is a safe bet to come to compete and/or train in spring. Obviously, offering a test with good organization standards and attention to the triathlete adds to this. Even if it is so, one of the things that works best for us is the "word of mouth", which is transmitted by the triathletes who come to know the test, and that is the best promotion.

Our work team is made up of people with great experience as athletes and organizers of relevant events, whose combined baggage amounts to offer a great test for all. 

- It's still early, but for the XX edition, do you have some confirmed names?

 The Armada "Mallorca Power" with Carlos López, Joan Nadal and Miguel Ángel Fidalgo, among others, will have as rivals winners of other editions who have shown us their interest in being with us again in 2017, as is the case of Michael Van Cleven or Markus Hörmann; In Women, we will surely have Diana Riesler in Portocolom, who has just won the Ironman of Malaysia, or Emma Pallant, ITU duathlon world champion and winner of the 55.5 in 2016.

- In addition to the competition itself, what other services and activities does the organization of the Portocolom International Triathlon offer to triathletes and companions?

One of the services offered is accommodation, which can be found on our website; highlight the Triathlon Campus for Minor Categories prior to the TriKids Duathlon that is held on Saturday 8 day and included in the event, as well as several Triathlon Campuses for European triathletes to celebrate in the area. There will be an EXPO with special attention to the material for each of the segments of our sport, wetsuit test and some other activity that we are finalizing for the celebration of the 20 anniversary.

- For people who are thinking about signing up for the XX edition of the Portocolom International Triathlon but have not yet done so. How can we convince them from the organization to encourage them to come to Portocolom?

We celebrate our test in a privileged place on the island of Mallorca: just to know Portocolom and its charm is worth coming. Add to this a triathlon assembled with care for the triathlete, the direct deal with the Organizers, the possibility of competing with some of the greats of our sport and the warmth of volunteers and a public devoted to the event ... And a great date to start the year in sports. Without a doubt, all this contributes to making it a good plan to be with us in April.

- Finally, we know that it is difficult to be able to stay for 20 years and grow in each edition. Surely there will be many people, institutions and sponsors that make it possible for the Portocolom International Triathlon to be a reference at national and international level. Do you have any special thanks?

Many of them began to trust and bet for us even when the triathlon did not enjoy the current recognition: without our usual so appreciated Volunteers, Civil Protection, Traffic Civil Guard, Ajuntament de Felanitx, Club Nautic de Portocolom, Ports of the Balearic Islands, our sponsors Heliocare, Herbes Túnel, Hospital de Llevant and so many small local companies that support us ... it would be impossible to have reached this happy anniversary.

- Thank you very much for the interview and we wish you the best in the XX edition. 

Thank you for giving us a voice. We are all Triathlon!