Challenge Vichy takes place on Sunday 21st August and will attract some of the very best triathletes in the world to central France. The Challenge Wanaka Champion, Jamie Whyte from New Zealand, said that he is “looking forward” to race day against strong domestic competition in an interview with The Global Herald:
Q: How has your preparation in France gone?
A: “My preparation during the last 2 weeks here in Vichy has gone to plan. I have completed all my key sessions very well and I am confident with where my fitness and endurance is at.”
Q: Are you totally over the jetlag now?
Yes, I have been in Europe racing since late June. So no issues there.
Q: Have you changed your diet to include any French specialities?
A: For sure! My fiancee and I love the French food. Our favorite is a fresh baguette filled with fresh salad, ham and french cheese. Very good!
Q: How do you rate your chances against the Frenchmen; Christophe Bastie, Benjamin Sanson and Damien Favre-Felix?
A: I think my chances are good but I will have to earn a top result against these French guys on race day. The are talented athletes and will be wanting to perform well on home soil. My preparation has been solid the last two weeks so I am confident in my ability. Now I will concentrate on racing very hard all the way to the end of the marathon.
Q: Do you have any favourite spots on the Vichy course? The area is renowned for its beautiful volcanoes, lakes and fields.
A: There are some great views out on the bike course of the volcanoes and sunflower fields but my favourite part is the run course. It follows a beautiful path around the lake with trees and parks on the other side. A four lap run makes it really spectator friendly which will create great atmosphere on race day.
Q: What equipment will you be using on Sunday? – any last minute changes for the conditions?
A: I will start off in my Blueseventy Helix wetsuit, googles and race suit. Out of the water and onto my Cervelo P4 bike with new Fast Forward race wheels, 3T bars, ISM saddle and Speedplay pedals. Lunch will be on the go thanks to Hammer Nutrition’s endurance sports foods.
Q: What is your impression of the Vichy area?
A: I think Vichy is a great place for a triathlon with its vast green spaces and fresh air. We have really enjoyed our time here so far and are looking forward to capping it off with a good race day.
The iron-distance triathlon will take in the Auvergne volcanoes, the parks of Vichy and the banks of the Lac d’Allier. This will be the first running of the event in Vichy as part of the “Challenge Family” series of long-distance triathlons which take place across three continents.
