Strong Season Opener at the Ironman 70.3 Alghero

With the Ironman 70.3 Alghero in Sardinia, Variotherm triathlete Alex Hajszan kicks off the new triathlon season 2026. The race serves as the first important benchmark on the way to the big goal of the year: the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in September in Nice.

Already a few days before the competition, Hajszan travels to the Mediterranean island – not only to arrive but also to gradually get into race mode. Relaxed training, targeted recovery, and a meticulously planned race nutrition form the basis for an optimal start to the season.

On Sunday morning, the tension is palpable. After the Italian national anthem, “Thunderstruck” gives goosebumps before the athletes head into the crystal-clear, 21-degree warm water. Hajszan quickly finds his rhythm and leaves the sea after 34:25 minutes – ready for the next section.

On the 90-kilometer bike course along the spectacular coast of Sardinia, everything runs smoothly from the start. The legs are fresh, the pedal stroke is consistent, and the performance is right. Kilometer by kilometer, Hajszan builds pressure and rewards himself at the end with his fastest bike split so far in an Ironman 70.3: a strong 2:21:40 hours.

But the real challenge is still waiting: the half marathon. Three laps, numerous turning points, noticeable inclines – and temperatures around 30 degrees. Hajszan starts controlled and implements his plan consistently. Even as the heat increasingly drains his strength during the race, he remains focused and fights through the last kilometers. After 1:38:46 hours, he reaches the finish line of the run.

After a total of 4:42:43 hours, Alex Hajszan crosses the finish line – exhausted but satisfied. 20th place in his age group and 259th place in the overall field of 2,278 athletes mean a ranking among the best twelve percent.

An opening that makes you want more: The form is right, the direction is fitting. With the upcoming races in Neufeld an der Leitha and Pöttsching, further important tests are now ahead before the big highlight of the season awaits in September with the World Championship in Nice.