Mikel Elgezabal signed by BH

2011 was a great year for Mikel Elgezabal, with victories in the Ironman 70.3 UK and the Bilbao Triathlon. After his recent incorporation to the BH Team, the Biscayan triathlete hopes that this new season will be even more successful and, especially, achieve a good place in the European Championships in Frankfurt and gain a place in the Ironman in Kona.

Here is an interview conducted by BH:

Are you a biking enthusiast. In fact, it was in this sport that you began competing. Later, you dedicated yourself to duathlon and now you are part of the triathlon elite. What caught your attention the most about this discipline?

Desgraciadamente, no pude seguir en el ciclismo porque el equipo al que pertenecía desapareció. Era joven, y me vinculé a este deporte porque estaba relacionado con la bike y también era un deporte que me atraía. Tuve la suerte de encontrar algunos patrocinadores y tiré hacia delante.

Did the transition from cycling to triathlon cost you a lot?

Well, at first yes, especially the running race. Having been cycling for so many years, I had worked my muscles differently, and I suffered several injuries, tendinitis and things like that... but little by little I started to feel better. I was not bad at swimming at all, and I also evolved in this segment step by step.

What do you think is the most beautiful thing about triathlon?

The nicest thing is that it allows you to change sports, and you don't have to focus on just one, which makes training more enjoyable. And there are few sports that allow you to compete around the world like this one, traveling is another of its strengths. Like the people you meet, most of them are very nice.

You have a very complete record of achievements, is there any victory that you remember with special fondness?

At an international level, the UK Half Ironman has been the most important victory, but the second places in Zarautz or the victory in Bilbao, because it was at home and all the people who came to see me there, are the successes that fulfill me the most.

You are now part of the BH Triathlon Team, what made you decide to sign for BH?

The truth is that I was very encouraged by BH's involvement with triathlon. He is helping a lot of people who are dedicated to this sport. In addition, I have competed in cycling for many years with BH bicycles, with which I have achieved great results. I hope this year continues to be like that.

Have you had the opportunity to be with the rest of your colleagues?

I have competed in many races with Eneko and I get along very well with him. For me he is one of the best triathletes in the world, a reference at a national and international level. I also know Nico, and in Lanzarote I have met the Olympic people. I have had very good treatment with everyone.

You have the G5, the Aero and the Lynx. What would you highlight about these models?

The G5 is very good, it is a very versatile bike. I am testing the Aero now and the frame is spectacular, I have adapted very well to this model and I ride very comfortably on it. The one I will use the most, in long distance competitions, will be the Aero. With the G5 I will do some short distance testing, and it will also be a key pillar in my training. Furthermore, I am waiting to receive the Lynx, I really want to try it because all the references that I have received about it are very good.

How would you define yourself as a triathlete? What are your strong points and those in which you think you have room for improvement?

After so many years as a cyclist and riding well in that field, I think my strong point is and will continue to be the bike. However, this is going to be my sixth year in triathlon, and I am spending more time training for running and swimming, where I still have room for improvement. I hope to take another step this year and get closer to the people ahead in international events.

How is the season going? What is your main objective?

I have several challenges. The first, try to repeat the victory in Bilbao, and also opt for the victory in Zarautz, where I have already achieved several second places. Other important points of the season will be the Ironman 70.3 UK, where I will also seek to retain first place, and the European Championship in Frankfurt. I want to qualify for the Kona World Championship, which this year is going to have a lot of impact with Armstrong's participation, and try to be among the 50 best in the world.

What advice would you give to a person starting out in this world?

Be patient and start calmly, because triathlon is a sport that requires a lot of sacrifice and perseverance. You should not set a very demanding short-term goal, since results and improvements take time to arrive. And keep going, it is a very beautiful sport.

The training routine and training hours will depend on whether or not you have a test nearby. But, what can you tell us about your preparation?

I train in volumes during the week depending on the test I attend, from training of almost 40 hours a week to 20 hours or less. It depends on the objective and date.

Do you combine indoor and outdoor training? Do you usually use BH Fitness machines?

Yes, I combine outdoor and indoor training. I usually do specific workouts on BH Fitness indoor machines in the gym, especially for very fast runs, using the treadmill, and high-power bike sessions. Soon I will have a BH Fitness machine at home, I really want to have it on hand and be able to train with it. I think this type of device is very important in preparation.

With all the hours you spend training, we imagine that you will have little time for leisure alternatives. In any case, what are your hobbies?

This sport requires rest periods that don't leave me much room to dedicate to a hobby. At most, go to the movies, be with friends, walk with my wife... Anyone who is training many hours at an elite level, I don't think they have many hobbies or, at least, a lot of desire to do something else after training.