Basque accent in the Alpe d'Huez Triathlon!

The ninth edition of Alpe d'Huez Triathlon, which will be held from July 26 to 31, will have a Basque accent. Several Basque triathletes, including Maider Gaztañaga, Aimar Agirresarrobe and Beñat Arnaiz, have shared with us their enthusiasm and their motivation for the legendary event.

 

 

 

- What does the Alpe d'Huez represent for you? Have you had the opportunity to climb ports in the Alps?

 

Maider Gaztañaga : An interesting and important goal in the coming season. I have not had the opportunity to upload the ports but I want to meet them. Alpe d'Huez is a triathlon of great reception and charm for the triathletes of the Basque Country. Everyone who has competed there speaks well of the organization of the event. It is a triathlon different from the others, not only for the hardness, but for the geographical situation, the ports and the charm of its landscapes. It is a sweet goal.

 

Beñat Arnaiz : The Alpe d'Huez represents a dream for me… Since I have been competing in triathlon I have wanted to run this race and finally this year, so special for me because of the birth of my first child, I will run this prestigious race. Several years ago I was on vacation with the van and the bike in that area. Since then I fell in love with the area and promised myself that I would return.

 

Aimar Agirresarobe : After the Ironman of Regensburg I was on holiday in the Alps and I had the opportunity to go up to Alpe d'Huez, a beautiful and enigmatic climb, with its curves and the mark of all the winners of the Tour de France who have drawn them. After reaching the top and being in Huez, I decided that one day I would return to complete the triathlon. And this is going to be the year!

 

I love cycling and have always been a faithful fan of the Tour. Personally, emulating in competition the rise of the great cyclists that I have followed on television since I was a child, and specifically my Basque compatriots Fede Echave and Ivan Mayo, is an honor. Also, since I was little I have liked the mountains and the surroundings of Alpe d'Huez are spectacular.

 

- What will your goal be?

 

MC: It's hard to talk about goals in a test like this. I will try to arrive strong and compete as best as possible. Julio is a good one to train on a bike in the Basque Country, supposedly the day is longer and the weather improves.

 

BA: It will be the great goal of the season. I know it is a high level race but I have it clear: I will give everything I have inside me.

 

AA: After a serious injury due to a fall on the bike (in competition), the first thing is to achieve the level of 2013 and be able to prove it. I hope to achieve it before going to the Alpe d'Huez and, if so, my goal will be to do my best on race day; the rest will come alone. Whatever comes out, I will be satisfied if I show everything I have trained.

 

- How are you going to prepare the event?

 

MC: I have three big objectives in mind for the 2014, in chronological order: Bilbao Triathlon, Zarautz Triathlon and Alpe d'Huez. I want to be fine in all three. After the triathlon of Zarautz will touch to put long harder ports, as well as lengthen the bike part in training.

 

BA: In February I will be a father, so I will start the season softer than other years, giving priority to the baby and the family. Later I will run Zarautz and then it will be time to prepare the Alpe d'Huez race with great care.

 

From today, I mark the day of the race in red on my calendar.

 

AA: Together with my coach, Ciro Tobar, we will specifically plan the training later on, but the environment in which I live will allow me to train with hard and long ports, as well as focusing the training on foot especially for the Alpe d'Huez triathlon: I will do long runs (and fast, since there will be a great level among the participants) and I will work hard. If I have time and means, I would like to do some concentration to prepare the test.

 

Further information:http://www.alpetriathlon.com/en