The favourites for victory have walked the blue carpet in the first of many acts in the 2018 edition of TriVitoria.
Hundreds of citizens have filled the main stand of the Plaza España to witness the act presenting the main favourites for victory, together with the main elite triathletes, in the 2018 edition of the Triathlon Vitoria-Gasteiz, which has taken place in the heart of the town.
The organisers of Triathlon Vitoria-Gasteiz continue to innovate with new acts in the town relating to the Triathlon, as this 2018 edition shows. The town is living and breathing the triathlon, and the sportsmen and women are feeling that unique warmth and special atmosphere. The first applause of the evening was for the organisers of the event, for their support for the triathlon, and for all their good work over the years.
The blue carpet
All the triathletes have walked the blue carpet, answering the presenter, Aitor Elduaien’s questions. The first to do so were the half distance triathletes and the first to speak was the Mallorcan Miguel Ángel Fidalgo, second in this years Zarautz triathlon, who asserted that “the triathlon Vitoria-Gasteiz circuit is ideal for my characteristics”.
Following Fidalgo, the main female half distance candidate and second place finisher this year in Zarautz, Judith Corachan, spoke, affirming that she is on top form: “training has gone really well and I’m clocking up some good times. What’s more, it’s a special race for me. It’s difficult to express what it feels like in Vitoria-Gasteiz, and today’s presentation is a sign of that”.
Ruth Brito, the most applauded
One of the most applauded triathletes was Ruth Brito. Originally from the Canary Islands but resident in Vitoria-Gasteiz where she runs a very successful triathlon school, she came second in the 2017 edition of TriVitoria. “I have an amazing memory of the last edition, and this year I’ll be doing all I can to be among the best. May the best triathlete win!” said Ruth.
Julia Mai, 2017 champion in the full distance was another of those receiving the most cheers from the crowd. The German triathlete commented that she feels very comfortable in Vitoria-Gasteiz, “and relaxed before Sunday, when I’ll be trying once again to be on the podium”, said Julia.
Alejandro Santamaría, a true ambassador of Triathlon Vitoria Gasteiz, thanked, more than anyone, the people of Vitoria and the organisers. “It’s just a pity that TriVitoria only takes place once a year”, he said.
Iván Álvarez, main favourite for victory in the full distance, was also delighted to be here. “The warmth you feel here, the presentation in the heart of the town, the applause from the eve of the event… Vitoria is special, and I hope to be among the best again this year”. After the speech from this triathlete from Madrid, all the athletes taking part in the event have received one more rousing applause from the spectators in the run up to the big day, Sunday .
Practical information
The organisers would like to remind those accompanying the triathletes that buses will be provided for them on the day of the event. All those interested will be able to get to Landa by bus from 5:45 am onwards, in Luis Heinz Street (Marianistas School). Landa is one of the best places to watch both the swimming and cycling legs, and the last bus from Landa back to the town centre will leave at 12:00. There will be an information point all day on Sunday in the plaza de la Virgen Blanca for all citizens and triathlete companions.
This article has been provided by TriathlonVitoria