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What the Riders had to Say:
The feeling of accomplishment at the end is something I will treasure forever. I will always hold this year's Vuelta (2009) as "special" because it was my first. You now have a lifetime participant. See you in February 2010!!
Conroe, TX
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FAQs: All the Answers In One Place
La Vuelta Puerto Rico & a 70.3 IRONMAN 7 weeks later?
How do I train for this event?
La Vuelta Puerto Rico & a 70.3 IRONMAN 7 weeks later?
Question:
Hey, I'd like to do La Vuelta Puerto Rico but I am not sure if I should since I also plan to do the IRONMAN San Juan 70.3, 7 weeks later. Do you think 375 miles of cycling in three days is a good idea?
Answer from Nick White:
"I think the dates are actually PERFECT for someone doing the triathlon 7 weeks later. That would be a great time to put in a big block of training, such as 3 really long days on the bike and even just 6 weeks of recovery time would be MORE than enough time to get recovered from the Vuelta Puerto Rico and get some good training in for the triathlon. Triathletes should be in good enough shape 7-8 weeks out from their 70.3 to handle the distances and terrain that the Vuelta Puerto Rico will offer. It should be a perfect situation for you and all the triathletes that might come to the Vuelta Puerto Rico."
Follow up question to Nick White:
Would you encourage or advice one of your athletes to do La Vuelta Puerto Rico under this scenario?
"I'd have any of my athletes, regardless of level do something like that, and, you can definitely quote me on that too! Up to one week to recover from La Vuelta Puerto Rico, 3 more hard weeks of training, then a nice 2-3 week taper into the IRONMAN . Perfect timing."
Nick White is a past rider of La Vuelta Puerto Rico 2009. He is also a Carmichael Training System Premier Level Coach who is completing his Master of Education in Exercise Physiology. He is certified coach USATF, USAT and American Red Cross. Nick is also the personal coach of World Champion Triathlete, Craig Alexander among other notables from the triathlon, track and field and cycling community.
Craig Alexander, World Champion Triathlete
2009 Results
5th Life Time Fitness Triathlon
1st - Boise IM 70.3
1st - Hawaii IM 70.3
1st - Singapore IM 70.3
2nd - Australian Long course Championships
1st - Geelong IM 70.3
Triathlon Australia's triathlete of the year
Triathlon Australia's Male performance of the year
Australian Sports Performer of the Year
Male Triathlete of the Year - Endurance Sports Awards (Competitor Magazine)
United States Sports Academy Athlete of the month (October)
Life member Triathlon NSW
Senior Sports Star Award: St George and Sutherland Shire
Leader
(Finalist) NSW Athlete of the year
(Nominated) NSW Sports Federation Athlete of the year
(Nominated) United Sports Academy of the Year Award
2008
Male Triathlete of the Year: Competitor Endurance Sports Awards
Male Triathlete of the Year: USA Triathlete Magazine
Male Triathlete of the Year: Australian Triathlete Magazine
Finalist: Australian Sports Performer of the Year
Finalist: NSW Athlete of the Year
Senior Sports Star Award: St George and Sutherland Shire
Leader
2006
Triathlete of the Year, USA Triathlete Magazine
2005
New South Wales Triathlete of the Year
How do I train for this event?
Most veteran riders of the Vuelta say that if you are able to ride 100 miles (including re-fueling stops) in about 6 hours and 45 minutes, you should be fine for the Vuelta. Remember that riding 100 miles alone or in a small group is much different than being pulled along by the draft of the peloton! Those riding in Group C, at 18-20 mph ALL DAY (15 mph average), will feel as though they are only riding with the effort required to ride at 15 mph. It is important, however, that riders have a strong base of cycling ability and are comfortable with some significant climbing. There are many excellent resources for endurance cycling training.
We suggest that you take a look at the following websites or books for more detailed information: