Pontevedra has a long history in World Triathlon events, having hosted the Multisport World Championships and long course world championships. Spain has also held their National Sprint Championships at Pontevedra in 2020 and 2021.
It is season 2022 however, that will see it host a World Triathlon Cup for the first time, acting as a test event for the 2023 World Triathlon Championship Finals.
Today we have asked an expert of the area - Carlos Prieto (ESP). Carlos is the Technical Director and coach of the High Performance Team and Development Team of Galicia Triathlon Federation and Coach of Javier Gomez Noya (2012-2021). His local knowledge of the area is outstanding. The following link provides an insight into the Pontevedra course and advice on the racing, training and preparation for athletes and coaches HERE.
(Note - To have subtitles in your preferred language, please select settings - subtitles CC - then select language).
To summarise the advice of Carlos Prieto, information regarding the Pontevedra course is as follows -
Race Date - 24 July 2022
Swim
2 laps in the Lerez River (anti clockwise direction): lap 1 = 1000m, lap 2 = 500m
There is a strong current in the river which is accentuated as the swim is close to the river mouth. The swim will be with the current on the way out and against the current on return (BUT this must be checked by athletes pre race as river tides vary).
The Men’s and Women’s race start will be set at the time the current is the weakest (when the tide is turning from lowest or highest).
When swimming in a river with a current, it will generally be strongest in the middle and weaker along the shore. Therefore, if you want the current to assist you when swimming with it, try to swim as close to the middle of the river as the course allows. The opposite applies when swimming against the current - aim to swim as close to the shore as the course allows, so it is weaker.
Women’s start time is at Low Tide
Mens start time is at High Tide
Swim exit Because the women are swimming at low tide the exit will be steeper.
You must check the exit, as it is tricky
Tips –
- Make sure you attend the swim familiarisation pre-race, as World Triathlon will attempt to have at the same time as race time to check the water current.
- Watch the current coming from the tributary (or river split) just near the 500m turn, as this can also add current to the race. In these areas you may need to try to find feet to sit on for protection.
- As always check the swim markings, sightings you can use and work out the best start position. Including the navigation under the bridge on longer lap 1.
- The start is normally a dive start.
- Swim exit - Because the women are swimming at low tide the exit will be steeper
Bike
8 Laps: lap 1 = 4.6km, laps 2-8 = 4.97km
Lap 1 = maximum gradient 8.4% max descent 9.4%
Lap 2-8 = max gradient 8.9% max descent 9.5%
T1 - the bike mount area comes up quickly as athletes are on the bridge. Be aware of athletes around as it can become congested. NOTE - There are two transition areas, T1 and T2 are not the same.
From T1 the bike course crosses the river from the swim exit and makes a loop through town. This is a technical and complicated area with wider and narrow sections that you could do a walk through to really get a visual on. There are areas of speed humps in the streets, and lots of corners. This area myst be ridden aggressively, because of so many changes in direction, and effort. Athletes need to be prepared to be uncomfortable with many high intensity efforts required. The potential for problems is along the river where the streets normally have heavy traffic. In these areas if wet, the surface holds oil and is likely to become slippery. In fact if there is rain, the entire circuit becomes more difficult.
Once the course crosses back over the river, it takes athletes through the athletics stadium, which will also be T2 after 7 more laps.
Run
4 laps: 2.5km
Maximum gradient 16.3% max descent 21.9%
The run takes the athletes through town. The streets become narrower and there are cobbled sections. There is a section at the top of the run loop with an uphill 16.3% max gradient and a 21.9% descent with a sharp right turn back to complete the run loop.
Athletes need to be able to vary their pace and also adjust technique for different gradients (up and down). Learning to run fast uphill is as important as running fast downhill.
The run has sections of cobbles through town. To run well athletes must be able to adjust their gait and run fast across uneven surfaces.
To Summarise
Pontevedra is a tough race. Every discipline will test athletes and it is the type of race that will require attention to detail, knowing the course well and understanding the conditions.
The best athletes will swim the course using the benefit of the current well, while also managing to minimise the opposing current. The bike must be ridden aggressively and with high skill to ensure the athlete is able to keep on top of any changes in the course while also negotiating technical areas. The course requires high concentration throughout.
The run, as always, will be vital. The technically challenging course will require athletes to understand how to adapt their run technique to move over the course well.
Athletes need to be prepared for dry and wet weather and have trained to constantly manage the lactic tolerance of repeated efforts and explosive attacks.
Preparation is the key to racing well. Pontevedra is a race that always rewards the best prepared athletes and the athlete who races the conditions well.
I hope the above helps in your preparation and I look forward to watching you on TriathlonLIVE!
Emma Carney
