Basque accent in the Alpe d'Huez Triathlon!
The ninth edition of the 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 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 From Regensburg I was on holiday in the Alps and had the opportunity to climb Alpe d'Huez, a beautiful and enigmatic climb, with its curves and the footprints of all the Tour de France winners who have done it. After reaching the top and visiting 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 in red on my calendar on race day.
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.
More information:http://www.alpetriathlon.com/en
