Aloha Kona

 

The Kona World Championship isn’t just a race; it’s a legendary test where the magic of triathlon comes to life. The island of Hawaii, with its ancestral energy and volcanic landscapes, will become the setting for a challenge that transcends the physical body. The test on the 26th October consists of a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42.195km run. At sunrise, when the athletes line up along the harbour, bathed in the first rays of sunlight, the air begins to fill with dreams, sacrifices and a feeling of pride for having reached this point, alongside equals. Many have longed for this moment and others have already conquered it, but everyone, without exception, recognises the spirit of this race as the most momentous challenge of their lives.

This year, for the first time, the battle will be exclusively for men, both for the elite and the age groups. This is the second year the triathlon world championships will be celebrated in two different locations. Nice was the setting for the women’s event, where an unstoppable Laura Philip took home the title on the 22nd September. 

 

For Orca Team’s triathlete, Antonio Benito, it will be his first time competing on the magical island. We’re going to talk to him a little about how his preparation is going and how he will adapt to the conditions that await him at his first long-distance world championship. 
 

It’s your first Kona World Championship. How are you handling the mental pressure of competing at triathlon’s most iconic setting?

I deal with the pressure by thinking of it as just another Ironman, but alongside the world’s best triathletes. Although it will definitely be the most important triathlon event I’ll have taken part in, I try to think I’ll enjoy it. It’s something that gives me motivation and an incentive to perform at my best everyday.

 

How have you adapted your training to the climatic conditions in Hawaii, given the extreme heat and humidity? And how are you training in open water for the hard swim at Kona Pier?

In terms of the heat, we’re trying to do intense sessions at high temperatures to help my body adjust to the heat. We carry out a heat protocol called “Heat Training” with 4 or 5 indoor sessions a week, where I dress as warmly as possible so that I start sweating straight away and my body begins to regulate its temperature.

In terms of open water training, we’re doing most sessions in the pool. Once we get to Hawaii we’ll start training in open water to help me get used to the conditions.

 

Which Orca products are taking with you to your debut in Kona?

The products we’re going to compete with in Kona will be a new fastskin that Orca has developed, which all of the athletes on the Orca Team will wear in Hawaii. I’ve chosen to use the Killa 180º swimming goggles - I feel like they’re the best and the most comfortable for open water swimming.

 

How have you adapted your nutrition and hydration strategy to such a long test in such demanding conditions?

At home point in Kona we’ll do an intense training session and we’ll see how much liquid I lose. Depending on how much, we’ll decide on a strategy. It will be very important to keep my sodium levels up and to try and keep my body as cool as possible so that I don’t overheat. 

 

What expectations do you have for Kona and how does this motivate you to compete against the world’s best?

Our expectations are to invest all the training we’ve been doing into the competition and to give it our all. During the race we’ll all end up in our place.

Being surrounded by the world’s best triathletes motivates me to train everyday. During the most difficult moments I try to remember that we’re going to compete at the best triathlon event in the world and that my rivals will be stronger than ever on this day.

 

 

 

Thor Bendix, our Danish triathlete who was born in 1999, is known for being a strong cyclist and for his triumphs at such a young age, including achieving eighth place at the 70.3 St. George World Championship and ninth place last year in Lahti.

It will also be his first time in Kona and he is clear about what he wants: “To go out and finally do a race I can be proud of this year. With a top-10 result, I would be over the moon!” His advice? “Stick to the plan and enjoy participating in the most iconic triathlon event.”

Kona is just a chapter in their paths, but one that will mark a before and an after in their careers as professional triathletes.
 

 

The veterans in Kona have shared with us the advice they would give to those competing for the first time, and their objectives for the race. Clément, Kristian and Chris complete our Orca Team in Hawaii.

Kristian Høgenhaug has competed in Kona three times: once in the age group and twice as a professional. This year he’ll be starting in a good position at the Pro Series, so he’ll need to play his cards right. His personal ambition is to fight to be in the top 10, and his dream - to be in the top 5. “We will see a crazy close battle for the first top 10 positions. The depth of field continues to grow year after year. You can lose the race on the bike, but you won’t win it.”

His advice for rookies? “Make sure to enjoy the experience of racing Ironman Hawaii. History is written on the roads there. You’ll never feel you have a crazy performance due to the conditions of the heat and humidity. Make a conservative plan and be well aware to fuel and hydrate well.”

And most importantly, experience the island. “In 2019 we went to the south of the island in the middle of the night to see the active volcano. The lava floating and lighting up the entire area was a crazy experience. Also I really like the Kona Joe café for a nice coffee and an epic view.”
 

Clément Mignon hopes to give it his 100% on the day of the race, and his personal aim is to reach the top 5. This will be the second time he competes in Kona, where he achieved ninth place in 2022. His advice to newcomers: “Be patient. It’s a quick race but the conditions are difficult.”

On his third time in Kona, Chris Leiferman plans to bike and run as if his life depended on it. While preparing for the big day, you might find him enjoying “sitting on the patio of any beach front cafe with a light breeze and delicious Hawaiian cuisine”. For those new to the island, his advice is to respect it, embrace its energy, and be grateful to be there, as it’s what many triathletes aspire to throughout their lives.
 

While we are preparing to see them compete at the most legendary triathlon event, there’s one thing we know for sure: this is only the beginning.