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INSIDE THE RACE: HOW A PRO AND AGE-GROUPER PREPARE FOR THE IRONMAN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Davide Inverardi

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Santini

Uno degli aspetti più affascinanti di partecipare a un IRONMAN è condividere lo stesso percorso con i migliori atleti al mondo, specialmente durante i VinFast IRONMAN World Championships. Che tu sia un esordiente, un professionista esperto o un atleta d'élite, ogni concorrente porta con sé una storia e una preparazione uniche. Ma il giorno della gara, tutti si trovano sulla stessa linea di partenza, pronti ad affrontare lo stesso tracciato.

Our ambassador, Jenny Fletcher, had the chance to be on the ground at the VinFast IRONMAN Men’s World Championship in Nice in September 2023. While there, she spoke with professional athlete Gregory Barnaby and age-grouper Justin McCollum to learn how they each prepared for race day. Although their training and race-day strategies varied, their determination to cross the finish line was shared.

Pre-race preparation

Surprisingly, the day before the race looked quite similar for both Barnaby and McCollum. Barnaby opted for a light swim and run, while McCollum chose a shake-out bike ride and run — a key step to ensure everything was working smoothly, especially after traveling halfway across the world with his bike.

For the all-important pre-race meal, both athletes kept things simple to avoid any stomach issues on race day. Barnaby went for chicken with white rice and potatoes, while McCollum opted for steak and potatoes. Protein and carbs are the way to go when gearing up for such an intense race.

Their race-day breakfasts were equally thought out. Barnaby fueled up with pancakes made from egg whites, oat and almond flour, topped with peanut butter, jam, and honey. McCollum kept it simpler, opting for a peanut butter and jam sandwich, coffee, and a few snack bars.

IRONMAN kona

Race day highlights

Barnaby had an incredible day, finishing 8th overall. As a relatively new athlete to the full IRONMAN distance, his performance in Nice proved he’s truly built for this challenge.

McCollum, on the other hand, faced some tough challenges. He lost vital nutrition on the bike and never quite found his rhythm. But despite feeling “off” for much of the day, he fought hard both mentally and physically to cross the finish line. Considering he had trained on the flat terrain of Dallas, Texas, tackling the demanding hills of Nice was an extraordinary accomplishment.

Despite the different outcomes, both athletes experienced the same electric atmosphere that makes the VinFast IRONMAN World Championship so special. From the energy on the run course to the thrill of crossing the finish line, the memories they made will stay with them forever.

Different paths, same determination

Watching both Barnaby and McCollum’s race journeys unfold was a privilege. As the race progressed, it became clear that while their approaches to training and strategy reflected the different demands of their categories, the core of their preparation was remarkably similar.

Both athletes showcased an unwavering commitment to their personal goals — Barnaby, with the precision and focus of a seasoned pro, and McCollum, with the grit and resilience of an age-grouper tackling the full IRONMAN distance for only the second time. It was fascinating to observe how, despite their varied experiences, they shared the same mental fortitude, battling the same physical and psychological challenges to reach the finish line.

This year, the VinFast IRONMAN World Championship will see the men return to Kona to take on the iconic course, and we’re eager to follow their incredible journey. We’re excited to see how these outstanding athletes will face the challenging course and who will rise to the top in the breathtaking setting of Hawaii. The competitive spirit, determination, and electric atmosphere are bound to shine through once again. We can’t wait to share how it all unfolds.

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