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The Syker qualified for the rendezvous of the world’s best triathletes in July in Klagenfurt, Austria. In 9:21:17 hours he secured his place at the World Cup, as the only athlete in the region. “I had absolutely no ambitions for Hawaii, I even said beforehand that I would refuse,” he looks back. But at the ceremony after the competition he had his credit card ready to pay for his starting place. “At that moment it was absolutely clear that I would do that,” said the competitive athlete who wanted to take advantage of this opportunity. Wittmershaus thus proved himself wrong. After his first World Cup, he finally decided: “I’ll never go back there.” But you can’t plan an athlete’s life that precisely.
Up to 25 hours of training per week
Wittmershaus is looking forward to seeing Hawaii again after 13 years. “I’m excited to see how Kona has changed,” he looks ahead. But he and his Stephanie won’t have much time for sightseeing. The days up to the start of the competition on October 12th at 7:10 am will be completely under the “Hawaiian hype”, as Wittmershaus calls the excitement, tension and anticipation that has long gripped all athletes. “You always have the competition in the back of your mind,” he knows. Everything will be designed for the World Cup. There are trade shows for the sporting goods manufacturers, pasta parties just before the competition to fill up the carbohydrate stores, and of course the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the routes. “That is really important”, Wittmershaus does not want to leave anything to chance. He’ll train a little on site, “but on a small scale. Although I will itch when I see the professionals who have been around for a few weeks. ”He himself trained up to 25 hours a week. “I couldn’t do more,” he feels well prepared.
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The Syker, who has not set a time target, is unable to assess whether it will be enough for a place well ahead in his age group. A lot can happen in a 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride, and 42.195km run competition. “The humidity is the biggest challenge. You are soaking wet within five minutes, ”he says, referring to the completely different climate. And then there is swimming. “That’s not mine,” he says. “But I have to go through there.” But when he has left the water, his hour should strike: “I just feel good on the bike and when running. I want to make up places and work my way forward. ”The most important thing is not to put yourself under too much pressure. Wittmershaus still knows this from the first competition in Hawaii, which did not go according to his expectations. He wants to use his second chance with a healthy dose of looseness and find the fine line not to approach the race too fast, but also not too slow. He is already looking forward to the moment when he crosses the finish line after nine hours and more. “It’s going to be very emotional. It’s a big burden, ”he says and adds. “After all, this is the most important triathlon competition in the world.”
After the World Cup, Wittmerhaus’ trip is not over yet. Then it’s on to Honolulu to go on vacation. The return flight is on October 19th. Then the jet lag will be greater – but if everything goes according to plan, the pride of having mastered the Ironman will outshine everything anyway.
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