Having committed to racing the pioneering T100 Triathlon World Tour this season, Leon Chevalier surprisingly feels less pressure, not more, ahead of the series opener in Miami.
Having traditionally spent this part of the year preparing for a Kona qualifying race, the Frenchman said that not having to get ready for an Ironman has given him time to focus on other areas.
Speaking with TRI247, the Bath based pro gave a fascinating insight into his approach to the tour and how he’s hoping to utilise the new experience to better himself as an athlete.
“I don’t feel anymore pressure”
Asked if there was any difference in his preparations for the start of this season compared with years gone by, the IRONMAN Cozumel champion said racing a shorter distance has allowed him to dedicate more time to his swim.
“The main change in training for me has been the absence of pressure that comes with preparing for an early season Ironman.
“I have not specifically targeted anything in these T100 races as for me it is mostly about progressing the swim and being able to take my time in the early parts of the season.
“I don’t feel anymore pressure. I am just taking it as a new opportunity to be part of something great in the sport and having the ability to work on the things I need to work on.”
IRONMAN still part of the plan
Despite being thankful not to have to prepare for an early season IRONMAN, Chevalier is not leaving his full distance ambitions behind in 2024.
In fact, having the IRONMAN Pro Series and similar races available if the T100 season doesn’t go to plan is one of the main reasons he is feeling so relaxed ahead of the start of the season.
“There is no pressure as I think I can do well on the tour, but if I don’t I can go back to Ironman and try to win some more races there, but ideally I will do well on the Tour and do well in Kona too.”
As one of several athletes to commit to both the T100 Tour and IRONMAN World Championship, the French star says he thinks it will be intriguing to see how his rivals balance both events.
“I think it will be interesting to see how people do on the tour, because there will be a lot of people who want to do well in Kona.
“It is a season long schedule and you can’t be in top shape for every single race throughout the year, but overall I think it will balance out in terms of competitiveness at each race.”
Triathlon’s mid-season report card: Tim Don on who’s raising the bar this triathlon race season
