Stories about the final preparation for the world’s most famous triathlon

Alistair Brownlee is arguable the most successful ITU triathlete of all time. One thing which is still missing on his impressive palmares to lift him up to the greatest of all time of triathlon is the title at the most prestigious Ironman in the world. Next Saturday he will finally give his long-expected debut at Ironman World championship in Kona, Hawaii. Watch more about his first training days on the Big Island.

One week out from the IRONMAN World Championships and all eyes are on the first attempt of the double champion Alistair Brownlee. The grotesque thing is that he is the only pro starter who never actually completed a full Ironman. He won Ironman Ireland back in June, but because of bad weather conditions the swim leg got cancelled, which means he just had to complete two of the three disciplines to qualify for the race. Now he is in Hawaii, gets familiar with the race course and its unique conditions. Swimming in the ocean, riding through lava fields and running up in tropical weather conditions. There is no race which is comparable to the biggest one on the calendar.

"I just got an easy swim. A kind of 5km open water swim. Obviously we are normally doing it in a pool in Leeds but got the chance to swim in the sea here, therefore why not. I swam here the other day and it was quite choppy today it flattened everything. So I am looking forward to it and it should be nice."

"Just heading out for a probably 3-4 hours ride. The plan is to get up to Hawi. Never being out there, we have been on the course already a bit. We should make it. A kind of 80 milesish I think. Get up to the turnaround and see what’s that all about. First time I have done it obviously. A lot of people told me the important part of the course can be that climb up there and then the descent back down there. I gets pretty windy. Crosswinds and stuff. So that’s most important to check it out. I am really looking forward to it. I keep saying I am knowing about this race for a long time. Watched it lots of times. Seen photos about it. Read about it. So it is kind of cool to being here and seeing it as well."

"Just an easy one hour run. Did a bit of effort on the run yesterday and a bit of effort tomorrow so today it is just an hour to get a bit of time on the legs. I love these hour-runs. It is just relaxed time for me. Probably just roll on the coast. Look on the views and enjoy running."

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Video/Photography: Korupt Vision