Fernando García Aja and Pedro Oviedo, the only Spanish World Champions in Kona

On Saturday the Iroman World Championship in Kona will be played

 

 

In the penultimate chapter of the special Kona 2015 of Triathlon News before the competition on Saturday and to finish these three weeks before the IM World Cup we want to do it in a big way, with Fernando García Aja y Pedro Oviedo, the only Spaniards who have been world champions in "Mecca". Fernando won in 45-49 in 2010 and Pedro in 55-59 in 2012.

Fernando García Aja was born in Bilbao, lives in Castanedo (Cantabría) and works as a firefighter since 2000. He belongs to the club SVS Seguridad de Vitoria for many years. For its part Pedro Oviedo lives in Vitoria and works at Iberdrola.

 

Triatlonnews: Good morning Fernando and Pedro, an honor for me to be able to interview you in the special Kona 2015. Before being world champions, have you run in Hawaii before?
Fernando: There have been 4 Spaniards who have risen to the podium in Hawaii, the first one was me at 2006, my first year in Hawaii that I did 2º with 9h28' behind Bent Andersen. In 2007 Xabi Lekue was 2º in 35-39 and then Eneko in 2008 made 2º of the Pros, in 2010 I got the first victory in history and then Pedro Oviedo would also get to the top. In 2006 I qualified in Lanzarote beating Bent Andersen, but then he would take the rematch in Hawaii winning me.

Peter: Previously I went in the year 2000. I qualified in Zurich being 9º of my GGEE ... the first IM that I ran in my life.

 

Triatlonnews: How was that first experience in Hawaii?

Fernando: It was a hard race, very hard, Hawaii is always in hard conditions, wind, a lot of heat and especially the toughest rivals to beat. In swimming I lost a lot of time, more than usual in me, but then on the bike I went from less to more, finishing the bike at 5h00 and climbing many positions, especially in the last 60 kms where people start paying the effort . I got off quite a bit of the bike and ran very well, making one of the best partials even of the Professionals in 3h00 and crossing the 2º goal without knowing it until after finishing.

Peter: Like all the triathletes who are going to Hawaii for the first time ... I was very struck by the strong wind and humidity, which made it a very hard race.

Triatlonnews: Years later you return to Hawaii, in 2010 and 2012 respectively. Where did you classify?
Fernando: In 2010 I qualified in Lanzarote winning my category, with 9h47 and I think that among the 30º first of the general

Peter: I qualified in IM of Wales the previous year, in 2011, earning my age group.
 

Triatlonnews: How was Kona 2010 and 2012 developed, where did you achieve your world titles?
Fernando: I came out of the water pretty well, but in quite delayed positions within my category, then on the bike it was a hard day of wind and heat, but I think it has been one of my best bikes in Ironman finishing in 5h05' and climbing many positions. I went down to 20'd the first but in the race I got one of my best marathons, 2h55' doing the best partial of all age groups and one of the best of the Pros, going back to the first place. When I was missing 5kms to cross the finish line, my partner Inma Pereiro told me I was going first, but I did not believe it, it seemed impossible, so I enjoyed it immensely.

Peter: This year was very positive for me. A few months before Kona, the Cto. of LD world where I managed to win in my age group in 55-59. In Kona I went around the 20 position of my group, and I had to go back on the bike ... until getting off 2º in the T2, more than 10 'of the first one. The truth was that at first I thought it was difficult to win ... but I could hold a good pace in the race on foot and the second was not his strong marathon, so I hunted him down and could take the victory.

 

 

Triatlonnews: Do you plan to return to Mecca?

Fernando: This year I had thought about going, I went to Lanzarote and I qualified, but when I had to decide to take the place I thought I was not ready. I felt that it was more the desire of the people around me than mine, so I resigned. I do not know if I will return, nor when, I am very guided by my feelings and emotions. If I return it will be because I really want it with great force, it is a very big effort that has to be done, physical, mental and economic.

Peter: This year I have gone blank because of a meniscus problem. At the moment I do not know if I will try to return to Hawaii ... although I would like to do it when I complete the 60 years.

Triatlonnews: Finally, you can give us some tips for the GGEE that run in Kona this year and especially to the Spaniards who have chances to get podiums and fights for
the victory

Fernando: My advice would only serve for me, each one should look for their motivations and the path that leads them to achieve their dreams. It helped me to be in a very relaxed state of mind, to get away from everything that involves the test the previous days. It is difficult to focus on yourself with the environment that you experience those days, too much motivation, too many stimuli that make you forget what is really important and why and why you are there.
Peter: Above all I tell them to run without pressure and enjoy being able to compete with the best in the world ... but always keep this word in mind: ENJOY
 

Triatlonnews: During these years that you have been practicing triathlon, many people will have supported you. Any special thanks?

Fernando: I have few sponsors that help me, but they are the same as always, those who really support me unconditionally, Spiuk, Ultimate-Stack, my team SVC security and now my big group of trainings "The Seekers" and Veringer.
Peter: Above all, I appreciate the support that my great friend gives me Eneko Llanos.

 

Juan José Martí Navío @jjnavio