Neuburg triathlete fights for the dream of Hawaii: Ironman 2023!

Neuburg triathlete fights for the dream of Hawaii: Ironman 2023!

Fabian Mottl is well on the way to realize his dream: participation in the prestigious Ironman in Hawaii. The 43-year-old, who was born in Nuremberg and spent his childhood in Neuburg, has prepared for this event for years. Mottl began his sporting career as a competitive athlete in the canoe and remains connected to the Danube Ruder Club Neuburg. In the course of his sporting development, he found that the triathlon attracts a group of passionate people who immediately inspired him.

After he came to the triathlon in 2009 by his brother-in-law Stefan Rupprecht, the founder of the triathlon department of TSV Neuburg, Mottl experienced an atmosphere that motivated him to become active himself. His goal of starting in Hawaii at some point has been floating for him since then. The event there has a mythical status for many athletes because it is the origin of the triathlon. "It was my dream to be there in life," he said.

The challenge of the Ironman

To further improve his skills, Mottl trained at the Olympic base in Mannheim during his studies. His sporting career led him over various distances, from shorter Olympic distances to the medium -sized route, which contains a combination of swimming, cycling and running. His remarkable achievements, such as winning the Bavarian championship two weeks ago, testify to the hard work and intensive preparation that helped him on the way to Hawaii.

The life of an athlete is associated with enormous challenges. Mottl combines his training with his profession as head of the marketing department in Munich. The commuter path of 65 kilometers often manages the bike, formerly in the morning to stay fit and focused. However, what made big headlines was the fact that Mottl had to qualify for the Ironman in France in August 2023, which finally secured the longed -for place for Hawaii.

mental strength and meticulous preparation

"The mental is crucial," emphasizes Mottl. Talent alone is not enough to be successful in triathlon. The true key factors are persistence, discipline and the will to continuously improve. A comprehensive preparation is necessary for the Ironman, which not only encompasses physical fitness, but also demands mental resilience strongly.

With a planned acclimatization phase of nine days before the competition, Mottl tries to get his body used to the challenging conditions in Hawaii, in which high temperatures and high humidity can make competition conditions difficult. "Some of the professionals train in the heat for weeks, but I will do my best," said Mottl.

The specific requirements for the Ironman in Hawaii are feared. First, Mottl will swim in the ocean 3.8 kilometers before going on the bike. The bicycle cut leads over 90 kilometers and finally ends with a marathon at the glowing temperatures, which often rise above 30 degrees. The route will lead through lava fields, which will be difficult not only because of the heat, but also due to unpredictable winds. Mottl is aware that the greatest challenge could be in the air humidity and has already taken measures to adapt to his body how regular saunas and adaptation of his training.

On October 26th, Mottl, equipped with the support of his family and with support by sponsors, will experience the mass start. While many athletes concentrate on winning, Mottl has a different focus: "Being there is everything," he explains about the importance of participation in the Ironman.

his family will be in his thoughts, even if his wife cannot travel because of her professional obligations. "Roth is the best race in the world," enthuses Mottl when he thinks of future challenges and competitions.

For detailed information about Mottl's development and his goal of contesting one of the largest triathlons in the world, on www.donauckurier.de more to be found.