Two-time TriYAS winner Olivier Godart eager to defend title

Matt Jones - Editor 15:02 11/02/2015
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  • His title to defence: Olivier Godart will be back at TriYAS on February 20.

    Olivier Godart is a triathlon veteran and is a two-time winner of the TriYAS event.

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    He is the reigning men’s champion, having won the event last year at Yas Marina, while his maiden victory came in 2012.

    As well as competing in TriYAS, Godart will also be appearing at the HealthX conference on February 19, as one of six keynote speakers discussing various aspects of the fitness industry.  

    Q. You’re the defending champion at TriYAS. Are you determined to retain your title?
    A. I am preparing very seriously and am determined to defend it, but defending the title is unrealistic. This year there will be a world class field. But you never know what is going to happen.

    What are the three top tips you would give to competitors training to enter the race?
    1: Have fun 
    2: Prepare properly
    3: Race fair and like you mean it.

    How should competitors be preparing for the triathlon?
    Consistent training is key. The way you train will define the way you race. It’s like taking a test in school: if you haven’t learned the material properly, then you will most probably have a mediocre result.

    There is no such thing as rising to the occasion. I thrive off of being thoroughly prepared. 

    How have you prepared for this triathlon? 
    After laying down a big block of basic training, I went into fine tuning: 2 x 2 weeks containing very similar workouts in the same or harder intensity than I face in the competitions, with a week of easier training in between.

    My daily schedule contains of  4-6.5 hours, six times a week, so can be 30 hours a week. 

    Great preparation: Godart on his way to victory.

    The training sessions consist of pre-programmed bike, swim and run sessions, brick sessions (several disciplines after each other), core strength, stability, weights, massages, stretching, mental training.

    What’s the difference between training for a triathlon as opposed to a marathon?
    Marathon is only one discipline, whereas triathlon are three. Muscle fatigue in a single discipline sport is way different than a multisport activity, so the training has to take that factor into account.

    Triathlon uses every single muscle group in the body, whereas in marathons only a few are used.

    If someone is stronger at one aspect of a triathlon than the other, should they concentrate on that or is it important to be more of an all-rounder?
    In triathlon, you have to work at your strengths and your weaknesses equally the whole time. You should never just concentrate on one area alone. In triathlon, the best complete balanced package wins. It is very important to be an all rounder.

    The best thing participants can do is look at a pure runner, pure cyclist, pure swimmer and then take away what they can, use the most for themselves.

    What is HealthX and why are you taking part?
    HealthX is an online content platform and community for the sharing of ideas and initiatives promoting health and fitness in the UAE. Community health and fitness ambassadors share their personal insights and energy. 

    The sport of triathlon has given a lot to me over the years and I am keen to share my experiences and help motivate others in health.

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