Search
shop

Matt Hanson: Challenge Puerto Varas will be ideal St George prep

The American is excited to get his 2022 season under way in Chile
Last updated -
ALL ABOUT THE ATHLETE

Matt Hanson says that taking on Challenge Puerto Varas this weekend will offer him some insight into his current competitive level ahead of the rescheduled 2021 IRONMAN World Championship in St George.

The 36-year-old American highlighted that the course for Sunday’s debut edition of the race in Chile will be comparable to that of the World Championship event in May, albeit amid slightly cooler temperatures.

Hanson told the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) that he is “looking forward to getting the season kicked off” after a challenging 2021.

Advertisement

Seeking improvement

“I make no bones that 2021 was not the year that I wanted,” he stated. “I had a few opportunities get away from me, I didn’t execute well early in the season.

“I had a couple of decent results but I didn’t finish on a couple of races that I felt like I could’ve either been higher up on the podium or got the win.”

He says he’s is in good shape heading into Challenge Puerto Varas, which will be the first step in his 2022 season and where his rivals will include compatriot Sam Long, who won CLASH Miami last weekend.

Challenge Puerto Varas Chile
Challenge Puerto Varas sees Challenge Family make its debut in Chile.
Photo Credit: Patricio-Vásquez

“It is a course that is very similar to what I can expect at St. George – it shouldn’t be quite as hot but the course profiles are quite similar, so that’s why I chose to go there,” he explained.

“I’ve had a pretty good build-up, stayed healthy which is number one. Getting to the start line healthy is always the hardest part of any build.

“I guess this is the end of ‘build number one’ and we’ll go race a couple of times and then put in the final work for the first key race of the year, and that is obviously at St George.”

High expectations

Hanson revealed that St. George is one of four main races he has set his sights on this year – the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, plus the PTO Tour’s Canadian and US Opens being the others.

He asserted that he aims to challenge for victories at that quartet of events: “I am expecting to be at the front of the big races that I plan to be at.

“I know that every race can’t be the high priority ones but there’s four huge races that I’ll be targeting this year.

“So I want to be full gas on those and so heading over to knock the rust loose here (at Challenge Puerto Varas) and just kind of get a feel for where things are at.”

Olly Green
Written by
Olly Green
Olly is is been the content lead for RUN247, is a regular contributor to TRI247 and keeps an eye out for content that appeals to both audiences including interviews with pro Heather Jackson.
Discover more
Abbie Brind IRONMAN Zell am See
From total beginner to half Ironman finisher – Top tips for taking on your first half distance triathlon
Challenge Family Kaiserwinkle-Walchsee triathlon bike
The ultimate triathlon bike courses to ride before you die
TRI247 Wahoo KICKR RUN treadmill review
Wahoo KICKR RUN treadmill review – can Wahoo do for treadmill running what they did for indoor cycling?
Challenge Cesenatico 2024 debut - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
5 ways to improve your FTP – Expert tips to level up your cycling
Road cyclist
Road cycling gear guide for beginners – Essential cycling clothing and accessories to get started
latest News
Lionel Sanders bike 703 Worlds 2023 photo credit Talbot Cox
Triathlon superstar Lionel Sanders suffered fractured hip in bike crash which ended his season
Blenheim Triathlon - perfect for begniner triathletes
British triathlon at UNESCO World Heritage site announces two new events
Georgia Taylor Brown Santa Vall gravel race 2025 photo credit Santa Vall and Gravel Earth Series
British Olympic triathlon star has “so much fun” on gravel biking debut and “wants to sign up for more”
Outlaw Triathlon 2010
“We’ve come a long way, but the ethos remains the same” – Outlaw Triathlon Race Director on 15 years of daring to do things differently
Geraint Thomas cyclist 2024 photo credit INEOS Grenadiers
British cycling legend and Tour de France winner plans IRONMAN triathlon after retirement
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...