Press Conference Prior to Challenge Vitoria
The Villasuso Palace in Vitoria-Gasteiz hosted yesterday's press conference prior to the first edition of Challenge Vitoria.
We were able to count on the presence of Alejandro Santamaría , an international elite, the Portuguese triathlete Pedro Gomes and Diego Velázquez, current TRI3 Long Distance World Champion, a title he won in this same city in 2012. In the women's category , Gurutze Frades , current Spanish Long Distance Triathlon Champion, starts as one of the great favorites for the podium along with the Englishwoman Yvette Grice and the young local triathlete Arrate Mintegui.
Before moving on to the press conference itself, the organizers asked attendees for a minute of silence as a sign of solidarity with the more than 80 victims of the tragic train accident that occurred this week in Santiago de Compostela. This ended with an emotional applause, after which the invited triathletes spoke. They all agreed in highlighting the spectacular nature of the courses designed by Eneko Llanos , as well as the warmth of the public who live and breathe Triathlon.
Alejandro Santamaría , a triathlete with 20 years of competitive experience, was excited to be at Challenge Vitoria this year. “I always say it, Challenge Roth is the most spectacular race I’ve ever competed in, with a great atmosphere where the excitement accompanies you from beginning to end. I know I’m going to feel the same in Vitoria; the courses are spectacular and the public feels and vibrates with the Triathlon.”
Pedro Gomes will compete in the city for the third time this year. “Since I first came in 2009, I always say: I have to come back this year. I love the atmosphere in Vitoria, and I know it will be even better in 2013, partly because it's a Challenge event and partly because of the grand finale that awaits us in Plaza de España. Vitoria is a fantastic city to host an event of this caliber.”
Diego Velázquez, the first triathlete in the world to complete an Ironman with Multiple Sclerosis, is today the clear embodiment of the Challenge brand's values: Challenge, Determination, and the ability to overcome adversity. Diego will compete for the third year on this course. “When I competed in 2009, as soon as I finished the race, I told myself: I have to compete here every year. Due to flare-ups of my illness, there have been years when I haven't been able to, but in 2012 I felt well enough to return. It was truly exciting to win this title in Vitoria, on a spectacular course, with top-notch organization, and in a city so dedicated to triathlon. I'm really happy to be back here for another year.”
According to statements made to the press by Gurutze Frades, the current Spanish Long Distance Triathlon Champion, who regularly trains in the area, “competing at home is always a pleasure. The location is beautiful, the reservoir has clean water for swimming, and the bike course is somewhat demanding, requiring you to conserve energy for the spectacular run that awaits us. I feel strong, but also nervous about the race. I've trained, and what I hope for is that when I cross the finish line, I'll know I gave it my all, but above all, that I enjoyed this great race.”
As a local triathlete, we were able to count on the young Arrate Mintegui. “I’m happy to be racing in Vitoria. Of course, on the one hand, racing at home might make me a little more nervous, but I know the atmosphere in the streets is going to be incredible. I’ll try to race by feel, but above all, I’ll enjoy the city to the fullest and try to do my best.”
Yvette Grice, one of the top favorites for the podium, told us, “I have a very good feeling about Vitoria. I’ve checked out the swim and bike course, and I really liked it. I think Vitoria is a great place to come and compete while also doing some sightseeing, because of its scenery and the spectacular city that hosts it. I don’t know what will happen in the race, I’ll do my best, but I’m sure I’m going to enjoy this course.”
The first edition of Challenge Vitoria will begin next Sunday, July 28 at 08:00, with the arrival of the first triathlete at the finish line scheduled after 16:00 p.m.
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