At 50 years old: This is South Tyrol's Ironman

South Tyrol's long-time Ironman record holder qualified for the event in June in Nice. He flew to the chain of islands in the Pacific Ocean on Monday with his daughter Sophia. In an interview, he talks about the preparations and what he expects from the second Hawaii start 23 years after his debut.

Are you looking forward to Saturday?

Werner Überbacher: Sure, there are only a few days left. I hope there is still enough time to acclimatize. You don't do much training once you get there. You make sure everything is OK with the bike, do a bit of jogging, and try to get used to the hot air. The time change is also a challenge. It's 12 hours. But you're pretty tired from the journey there, so your body will adjust.

It is your second start in Hawaii.

Überbacher: I was at the World Championships in Kona in 2001, that was a long time ago, I was still young then (laughs). But after I started triathlon again a few years ago, it was my goal to compete in Hawaii again. I did my last races in 2007 and 2008. After that I didn't do much competition for a while, then I started again and won the "Montigglman" among other things. The children are older now. My daughter graduated last year, she's coming with me this time. So it will also be a father-daughter trip. I'm looking forward to it.

You qualified in Nice in June.

Überbacher: It's not that easy to qualify for Hawaii anymore. In Nice there were 30 starting places in total, 5 in our age group. You really have to deliver.

How many Ironmans have you done in your career?

Überbacher: Hawaii 2024 will be my 15th. It took a long time for my South Tyrol record to be broken. Daniel Hofer, who I coached a bit, also beat my record a few weeks ago. The Ironman is still the supreme discipline for a triathlete.

Werner Überbacher in 2017.

What is the fascination?

Überbacher: The course alone is a challenge, it's no picnic, but there is a myth behind the Ironman. Especially behind the Hawaii Ironman. That's what makes it so fascinating. It's a competition that combines the three healthy sports of swimming, cycling and running. And it can be done in one day. It's not something crazy. What I like is the combination of the three disciplines. And of course the challenge of doing the long competition as quickly and as well as possible.

What is the most difficult discipline for you?

Überbacher: For me it's the running. Firstly, it comes at the end. You already have the pre-fatigue from swimming and cycling in your body. I'm not a born runner, I weigh 80 kilograms. I really enjoy cycling, swimming is also quite good. I'm also good at running, but 42 kilometers is 42 kilometers. You start the marathon. The first 10, 15 kilometers fly by and you think, this is going great. But at some point it slows down and then the battle with yourself begins. Can I keep the rhythm, do I want to stop for once? No, I have to keep running. Coming to terms with yourself is a challenge, you keep getting to know yourself anew. To manage it in the end and to be back at the finish line is a great feeling.

Is it a coincidence that you are traveling to Hawaii for your 50th birthday?

Überbacher: I actually wanted to go back to Hawaii 20 years after my debut, but then Corona came. Now things have turned out well with the 50th anniversary.

What memories do you have of 2001?

Überbacher: It was a tough race. 2001 is still the slowest Hawaii race of all time because there was so much wind. We felt that back then too. It was really tough. You had to make sure you didn't get blown out into the lava fields while cycling. The marathon was also extreme. You run in the heat, with no trees in sight, on the black asphalt. It's a challenge. After the race I calculated that I drank a total of 15 liters. That shows how much fluid you have to supply your body with in order not to dehydrate. You also have to cool down. It's also a huge challenge for your metabolism. But I have good memories, which is why I'm happy to fly there again.

Werner Überbacher in the early 200s. © ukn

What is your goal starting in the 50 to 54 age group?

Überbacher: It was difficult to qualify. That's why I want to enjoy the race. I haven't set myself a goal of a particular placing. The level is relatively high. Maybe I'll be in the top ten in my age group, maybe I'll have a top race because everything is going well for me. A time under 10 hours is possible.

As a triathlon pioneer, what do you say about the fact that the World Championships for men and women are held separately and alternately in Hawaii and Nice?

Überbacher: The Hawaii myth remains. I would not have taken part in the World Championships in Nice. Because so many people take part every year, they have separated the World Championships. But if you want to take part in the Ironman World Championships, you do the Ironman in Hawaii and not in Nice. It's not the World Championships that count, but Hawaii. That's why it will always be difficult to qualify for the World Championships in Kona. A total of 2000 triathletes are taking part this year.

Hawaii is certainly a financial challenge and not cheap fun, right? Überbacher: That's right, and it's a shame for the amateurs. Roughly speaking, you have to pay 10.000 euros. The entry fee alone is 1500 euros. That's crazy. It's become big business. I'm glad that the City Clinic in Bolzano supports me and has made a few things possible for me. I was able to test the bike position, for example, which is also important when preparing for an Ironman.

How much training have you invested in the last few months and weeks? You are not a professional, but you work and have a family.

Überbacher: Of course you train a little less than before. A professional also has time for regeneration. That's what you have to pay the most attention to. This summer I had more time as a sports teacher, so I got my 25 hours of training per week. Running and swimming training don't take up that much time, but cycling training does. You can easily spend 4 or 5 hours in the saddle. It all adds up. Recently I managed my 20 hours. You have to time it right the closer you get to the competition. It's important to know your body and do sports medical tests. Your health has to be good, there can't be any pain anywhere.

How do you feel?

Überbacher: I'm in top shape and feel well prepared. The Ironman can come. In the last two weeks, the training load will be reduced to give the body the necessary regeneration to be in top shape for day X.

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At 50 years old: This is South Tyrol's Ironman

For his 50th birthday this year, Werner Überbacher gave himself a special present. Next Saturday he will take part in the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii for the second time.

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