The Power of Perseverance

The Road to the Ironman World Championships
By Martin Tresca

Three years ago, I decided to take a leap into the unknown. With no background in swimming, biking, or running, I reached out to my coach and told him I wanted to train for triathlons. He assured me that triathlon is the fairest sport out there, rewarding those who show up, rain or shine, and put in the work day after day. That belief became my guiding principle.

Over the past three years, I’ve logged countless hours of training – on my own, with friends, and with the incredible ANZA cycling community. The crazy Mandai Madness sessions, the relentless Bartley-Changi loop, and the long, challenging Saturday rides with ANZA were more than just workouts – they were where I built strength, endurance, and camaraderie. Those rides turned gruelling miles into opportunities to push limits, share laughs, and gain invaluable support.

Last October, all that training culminated in an amazing experience at the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii – a magical place that feels like the beating heart of the triathlon world. Athletes from every corner of the globe go to Kona, bringing with them inspiring stories of dedication and resilience. But it’s also an intimidating atmosphere – everywhere you look, people appear incredibly strong and prepared. You can feel the weight of the competition in the air, and it pushes you to give your absolute best.

The race itself was everything I had imagined and more. The course is tough, both physically and mentally, but undeniably beautiful. The swim in Kailua Bay, the ride through the scorching heat of the Queen K, and the run through the iconic Energy Lab all challenged me in ways I could never have anticipated. One of the highlights was seeing the pro triathletes up close, battling through their own pain and proving that no one escapes Kona without suffering.

Crossing the finish line was the culmination of years of commitment, supported by my family and the incredible community around me. Kona isn’t just a race; it’s a place that captures the heart of the triathlon world and leaves you yearning for more.

I’ve already set my sights on returning in 2026. Because if Kona taught me anything, it’s that the journey is just as important as the destination – and that magic, once experienced, keeps pulling you back for more.

Here’s to chasing dreams, to those who believe, and to those who never quit.

Masters Tour of Chiang Mai
By Gonzalo Rico

The 12th edition of the Masters Tour of Chiang Mai (MTCM), a four-stage cycling race, was a challenging yet rewarding experience. The event attracted a diverse field of cyclists from across Asia, including some top-tier riders from Thai Pro Continental teams.

The first 65km stage started with promise. However, a puncture early on derailed my momentum, and I ended up finishing in 19th place in the 30-39 age category. Disappointed but determined, I shifted my focus to the upcoming stages.

The second stage, the 90km “queen stage”, was a turning point. The course featured several challenging climbs, and I found myself in a select group of riders battling for position. After attacks and counterattacks, I managed to bridge the gap to the breakaway group and even overtake a few riders on the final climb, finishing in second place. This propelled me to 12th in the overall standings.

The third stage was a fast-paced 40km criterium. While I couldn’t quite make it into the decisive breakaway, I managed to secure a solid 4th place finish and moved up again to 8th overall.

The final stage, a challenging 10km individual time trial, was a true test of strength and endurance. Despite the tough uphill course, I pushed myself to the limit and finished in 4th place, cementing a 5th place overall.

The MTCM was a fantastic experience. While the first stage was a setback, I was proud to be able to overcome adversity and deliver strong performances in the subsequent stages. The race showcased the high level of competition and the incredible camaraderie among the riders – a big shout-out to my ANZA teammate Marco Scognamiglio, who helped make the experience so enjoyable. I’m looking forward to future races!