20 years in the world of triathlon, Jaume Vicens Monserrat, Director of the International Triathlon of Portocolom

We interviewed Jaume Vicens Montserrat, director of Triathlon Internacional de Portocolom.

 

 

Passionate about sport, he began his career in the world of cycling, more than 20 years ago, little by little his desire to continue growing and experiencing new sensations led him into "another world", first as a participant and then as an organizer, in the field of Triathlon.

 

Today is the visible face of the organization of the Portocolom International Triathlon of Mallorca, turning one of his biggest hobbies into an exciting work where his effort and dedication are reflected.

"Adventurer, close and committed to his work" is how he defines himself, his passion for sport has been more than demonstrated in the good work at TRIATHLON INTERNACIONAL DE PORTOCOLOM.

Today, from Triathlon News we wanted to know in depth to  Jaume Vicens Monserrat, a reference as organizer of the Triathlon world.

 

Who is Jaume Vicens in the world of triathlon? How it all started? What has been your career in this sport?

My passion for the world of sport introduced me to the Triathlon in an era where there was hardly any evidence in our country and its practice was made separating the three sports: Bike, Swimming and Race. This circumstance led my desire to start practicing on my own and why not, organize a career in "my native Mallorca", with friends and acquaintances of each of the disciplines.

Regarding my sports career, it should be noted that I have competed in local, national and international events. I have been champion of the Balearic Islands in the Vet categories on several occasions. 1 - 2 and achieved some podiums in these categories in international events or Spanish championships. Now I am more focused on administrative and organizational tasks, I compete less and less, but I always take time to train and enjoy this sport.

 

Sportsman and organizer How would you define yourself?

As an athlete: Passionate, adventurous and yearning for new goals and as an organizer I consider myself a person who seeks credibility, closeness to the athlete and of course, passion in everything I do.

 

What is Triathlon Internacional de Portocolom?

Neither more nor less than a project born of illusion and perseverance. The first few years there were hardly 30 participants and part of your time was focused on explaining what the dynamics of the test consisted of due to their total ignorance.

After overcoming these first adversities, others arose, such as the criticisms of the environment caused by the organization of such an extensive test and other logistical aspects, but little by little they were overcome and now we have the support of Mallorca and many sincere collaborators who they come to help us every edition.

We are currently considered the best Balearic Triathlon and that is thanks to the support and the votes of all of them during the last two years.

Portocolom Triathlon

What differentiates this test in Mallorca from others in the Peninsula? What would you highlight with respect to those of international scope?

The triathlon in Mallorca has its own idiosyncrasy. At the level of dissemination or participants, little to do with the one carried out in the Peninsula. In Portocolom, specifically, we have, together with the participation of the Balearic triathletes, a similar participation in the number of foreign triathletes and much less peninsular ones. Its impact is focused on European media; The reason is that many foreign triathletes take advantage of the month of April to participate and carry out their training camps on our island.

Regarding those of international scope, we have nothing to envy in terms of organization and attention to the triathlete. Local organizations, always supported by a good team, can work very well by being close to the local triathlete and having the ability to project an event internationally.

 

After several years developing Portocolom, what do you stay with?

Basically with the support of great friends who have been here when difficult circumstances have arisen, with the social support of Felanitx and their availability to give us the seaport of Portocolom during the test, providing a large and enthusiastic group of volunteers, and having given to know our sport to many people and athletes of all fields.

 

What great triathletes have participated in previous editions? And for the next year, some "pro" already confirmed?

In the first editions we have been able to see great triathletes, the very young Raelert Brothers, Maik Petzold or Jan Raphael in their beginnings, through Marcel Zamora, Eneko Llanos, Virginia Berasátegui, Mario Mola, Fidalgo.

Also name real legends like Chris Mc Cormack, Norman Stadler, Lothar Leder, or Oliver Marceau. As a curiosity, in the 2014 edition the first four classified triathletes: Eimear Mullan, Eva Wutti, Julia Gager and Diana Riesler, were winners of Ironman tests that season.

It is still early to talk about confirmations, it is difficult to know the planning that the Pro triathletes will have for 2016, but professionals of the stature of Diana Riesler, the last winner in Lanzarote, or Markus Hörmann, one of the young German triathletes with the most projection, we They have already confirmed their willingness to be with us.

 

How do international athletes see the Portocolom Triathlon?

We offer a competition in a spectacular environment, with roads closed to traffic, the epic climb to Sant Salvador or the race on foot by the sea towards the great lighthouse, have released this triathlon and have turned it into an event with its own brand .

 

Do you think that the great moment of Mario Mola, Mallorcan triathlete, is a stimulus for this sport to be booming in the area?

Undoubtedly, that Mario Mola is a headline holder, in local newspapers or in the specialized mass media, is a great help and a way to feel rewarded as organizers of triathlons in the Balearics.

To this we must add, what we have been intuiting for years, which is the fact of seeing in Mallorca an ideal place in Europe to train and where the best brands can be set for their international promotions.

 

How do you see the future of triathlon in Spain? Do you think it will continue the upward trend of recent years?

Maintaining the current number of licenses would be a good goal but it is true that since I practice triathlon I have seen many people pass through our sport in a more timely manner. When I participate in a triathlon I see that we are very few "historical" that we have continued and it is more usual that athletes with this profile, in the medium term, end up looking for new challenges in other sports such as mountain trails, MTB marathons or racing cycling background.

In order to maintain optimism looking to the future, we must highlight the work being done by many Clubs with their Triathlon Schools for categories of minors. This has greatly favored their practice and has turned this minority sport into something more habitual, the objective of which is to continue giving us joy in the future.

 

And the future of Jaume Vicens in triathlon? And in Portocolom, what new challenges await you?

As an athlete, enjoy the three disciplines, but without any specific planning or pressure to compete, just for pleasure and participate in those triathlons that give me a plus for their organization, environment or positive experiences.

As an organizer, I would like to continue making the Felanitx and Portocolom area known as an ideal and differentiated place to train. That the private companies of the environment understand the great potential of our sport as a tourist-sports claim and of course continue to give prestige to our sport, offering a serious and close organization to all those athletes who want to be with us next April.

 

Further information:  http://www.triathlonportocolom.net

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