New Column on Trimes. We want to give voice to experts on certain precise subjects. When talking about the ITU, there’s no doubt that Laurent Vidal was our first choice. In our conversation with him, we will try to better interpret different phenomenons observed on the ITU circuit. Here is our first collaboration with this expert.
Were you surprised by the absences in Auckland? It gives the impression that only a handful of athletes really believe in their chances of obtaining the World Title.
Actually, you need to analyse the start lists of both races and, effectively, on the men’s side many athletes decided to pass on Auckland, but on the women’s side, everyone was there except those with health issues/concerns.
None the less, I think that it is still a bit early to speculate on those willing (or not) to play for the World Title. The WTS offers us ten races this year and we shouldn’t forget that only six will count for the final classification.
We should keep in mind that we’ve witnessed a variety of strategies from athletes whose major objective will be an Olympic qualification in 2015 (which, for many of them, will be played on Rio and not part of the WTS).
What’s interesting to see this year is that priorities are established which explain a variety of programs; between Olympic points, Olympic qualification, and the WTS ranking, an athlete can’t confuse his objectives and act in accordance with his qualities.
What’s astonishing is that Auckland is the only race with a bike course resembling that of Rio. Do certain athletes prefer to hide their game?
Obviously Auckland is one of the most demanding courses on the circuit but I believe that, in this sense, the athletes who want to be strong in Rio are already attacking their preparation. I don’t think that ‘hiding your game’ is a real option; it is more a question of timing with respect to the planning of a peak in power aimed at a certain objective for the season.
To what extent competing can slow down an athlete’s prepation for the Rio Test Event? Why is it that there is no consensus on annual planning?
For my part, I consider that competitions are an integral part of the preparation and they are really useful in developing many aspects which are difficult to obtain through training.
In terms of planning, that’s where the trainer’s role comes into play. Trainers must adapt to the specificities of their athlete and according to the requirements of federations and the ITU.
What is interesting, 16 months before the Games , it is that we have athletes completely different from each other but all aim to be competitive in August 2016. Again, you have to make the difference between an experienced athlete who knows exactly what he has to do to perform and with his Olympic program validated, and a less confirmed athlete who need to find a way to gain experience for Rio 2016 .
An Olympic campaign is very subtle and, in the end, it’s about knowing how to “make the right decisions at the right moment”.
Is there a certain risk of losing your reference points when you away from the circuit for too long a period of time?
Once again, it depends on the athlete. When you know yourself well and you have a good preparation, there’s no need to be afraid. For others, it is reassuring to often confront other athletes and, finally, others simply don’t have the choice because they need to score points…
Nonetheless, with the organisation of the World Series and the attribution of Olympic slots, it seems harder and harder to not race frequently…while not making concessions on performance.
Despite the uncertainty in our sport, we already have a good idea of the type of race that needs to be executed in order to qualify for the Games and to perform on that race day.
The level is dense but won’t revolutionise itself. What’s important is for each athlete to find the proper balance required to reach 100% of his potential at the desired moment.
Can you describe the course in Auckland for us? What kind of race are you expecting?
The swim is in the port and done in two loops. They might be some waves but that won’t be a determining factor. What will be a determining factor though will be an athlete’s determination around the buoys.
On the bike course, the weather can play a big role in Auckland. The circuit has no pauses / breaks. There’s an out and back exposed to wind along the sea, following by three successive climbs and descents with three hairpins as well – all to be done eight times. It’s a tough bike course, but physically and technically.
The run is along the same lines are the bike, and will end up physically draining the athletes.
Regarding the race scenario, the course is conducive to a great show , but as is always the case, it will be up to the athletes.