The mayor of Pontevedra, Miguel Anxo Fernández Lores, was today accompanied by the legend of this sporting discipline, Javier Gómez Noya, in order to analyze and comment in detail on the routes of the races that will be held over the coming days.
“For years we have had a special relationship with triathlon and triathletes in Pontevedra, and examples like Pablo Dapena and Javi Gómez Noya are clear”, he explained. “Javi is an expert connoisseur of the circuits that are already laid out, so I think his opinion today was more than interesting.” The triathlete pointed out that taking a look at the past we can see that “having the Grand Final of the World Series in Pontevedra is a historic fact”, compared to cities that were chosen as the venue years ago (London, Beijing, Budapest…).
Gómez Noya highlighted the organizational capacity of Pontevedra when it comes to developing all the events it has hosted over the last few years, something that gives it key confidence in the face of the international federation.
Regarding the routes, the five-time world champion explained that the swimming “is atypical” due to the very characteristics of the Lérez and its currents, which can lead to surprises when it comes to seeing who gets out first in the water. “In addition, it is a very attractive for the public, since the competition can be followed from the Ponte dos Tirantes, the pedestrian walkway or from the banks of the river; which makes it very easy to identify all the athletes.”
On the cycling route, the historic triathlete pointed out that “as far as the orographic level is concerned, it is not too difficult”, but that the pace and level of the competition, “where there are Olympic positions at stake”, will be very high. On the other hand, the running race “is spectacular”. “The streets, the atmosphere… This type of layout brings back some of the best memories I have as an athlete. Running through Pontevedra is a unique experience.”
Noya highlighted the turns, the climbs of the circuit and the possibilities it offers when it comes to attacking and giving margin to the athletes from the start of their strategies.
A special concert Parallel to the whole sports show, Javier Gómez Noya has also prepared a rather special night at Sala Karma on Saturday, September 23. The triathlete had got together with several colleagues (two other ex-athletes, Diego Paz and Roberto Barral) in Pontevedra to offer a concert with his band, Liorta.
The mayor spoke of this moment as “a test” to see “if it works” and in the year 2025 he will be able to go on stage in the open air, between smiles and jokes with the five-time champion. Liorta do versions of different eras and bands, mainly rock like Herdeiros da Crus, The Hives and The Offspring.
