IRONMAN 70.3 is one of the most well-known triathlon events in the world, and it is back in Mallorca again this year. The date? Next May 11, although the event will be formally launched on Thursday, May 9 when registration begins. The activities last until Sunday and end with the awards ceremony and the allocation of slots for the IRONMAN world championship. Where? Both the start and finish are in Puerto de Alcudia, although the bicycle race passes through several of the surrounding villages.

At Zafiro Hotels we have prepared a few tips to help improve your performance at this fabulous event.

CONTENT

1. Know the terrain


2. Adapt your routine


3. Be realistic about the best time to start in Rolling Start


4. Find a hotel specialising in athletes


5. Enjoy the event

Know the terrain

We assume that it goes without saying how important it is to have a balanced training programme in all three of the triathlon disciplines. That said, another thing that can make a difference in IRONMAN 70.3 is having trained on the course where the event is going to take place. If you’ve already taken part in previous editions or if you visit a few days before the race to practice on the course in your final training sessions, you will already have an advantage over other competitors. Knowing where you are and where you’re going in transitions could be crucial.

Both the open-water swim and the half marathon take place in stunning Playa de Alcudia, a famously quiet area with crystal-clear waters and easy access to some of the best cycling routes in Mallorca. Any time of the year is perfect for visiting the area.

Adapt your routine

IRONMAN 70.3 Mallorca starts really early. Try to adapt your body for at least a week to the schedule you will have to follow on the day of the event. Bear in mind that you need to have breakfast to fill up on energy and that you need about an hour and a half for digestion. You also need to make sure you have enough time to warm up. You will need at least a few mobility exercises and a short swim.

These tiny details can help you avoid fatigue and any last-minute problems. The objective? After all those months of hard training, to make sure no tiny details spoil  your big day.

Be realistic about the best time to start in Rolling Start

The start of the race will use a Rolling Start format to avoid problems caused by everyone starting at the same time. It is important that you are realistic about the time you think you will need to complete the 1.9 km swim before you choose the time period for your start.

According to the event organisers, "Swimming with athletes that swim at a similar pace to you will help you feel more comfortable and improve your performance during the race."

Find a hotel specialising in athletes

Good rest is one of the fundamental factors in achieving sporting success. Good food, good training and good rest. That means that finding the right hotel is also a fundamental part of putting in a good performance at IRONMAN.

At Zafiro Hotels we have some of the best hotels designed for athletes on the island of Mallorca. Both the Zafiro Palace Alcudia and the Zafiro Tropic, the official event hotel, provide the best rooms and suites for you and your family to rest, as well as everything you need during your stay, both with regard to the facilities, including Spas and Cycling Stations, and the food, with special, balanced dining options specially prepared for triathletes.

Enjoy the event

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, don’t forget the real reason that brings you here. Enjoy every minute of this exciting sport, the unique scenery of the course, the fellow athletes who share your passion and all the energy with which the crowd will hope to spur you on.

A few wonderful days in Puerto de Alcudia await you. Don’t let anything stop you!