Published November 3, 2025
As early November rolls in, many triathletes are deep in recovery and preparing for the holiday season. However, for elite competitors, the season is far from over. With the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Marbella taking place this weekend and the T100 Grand Final set for December in Qatar, the sharp end of the professional triathlon field is gearing up for one final challenge.
Among the frontrunners are the impressive Norwegian trio: Casper Stornes, Gustav Iden, and Kristian Blummenfelt, who recently swept the podium at the Ironman World Championship in Nice. Instead of winding down, they’ve moved to their altitude training base in Sierra Nevada, Spain, using the mountainous terrain for recovery and preparation for the upcoming middle-distance race in Marbella.
Pro Triathletes’ Training Regimen Ahead of Championships
Sierra Nevada, Spain: Training Ground for Norwegian Stars
Stornes, Iden, and Blummenfelt wasted no time redirecting their focus to finish the 2025 season strong, regrouping after a brief recovery period at home in Bergen. Their chosen altitude training location, Sierra Nevada, sits at approximately 2,320 meters (7,600 feet) and features a 50-meter pool, a running track, and a gym, all vital for their rigorous training schedules.
The surrounding ski-resort village is nearly deserted in the fall, offering the athletes an environment with minimal distractions, enabling complete concentration on their training. Blummenfelt notes that the course in Sierra Nevada closely mirrors the Marbella race, providing ideal conditions for preparatory rides and runs.
The trio’s training sessions often begin with riding down to Granada, followed by climbs back to altitude, focusing on nearly identical elevation profiles to those they will encounter during the race. Consistently cool temperatures enhance their aerobic conditioning and recovery, while specific reconnaissance trips to the Marbella course ensure that they’re well-acquainted with the final race terrain.
Paula Findlay: Training at Home in Bend, Oregon
Canadian triathlete Paula Findlay opts for the controlled environment of her home base in Bend, Oregon, to prepare for the World Championship and the T100 Grand Final. Despite the challenges of fall weather, Findlay has all the necessary training equipment at her disposal, allowing her to maintain high-intensity workouts while juggling outdoor and indoor sessions.
In Brewster’s high desert climate, she’s ramping up her cycling volume as part of her training—nearly doubling her in-season weekly hours. This approach not only facilitates her aerobic development but also prepares her for the warmer conditions she will encounter in Qatar.
Georgia Taylor-Brown: Capitalizing on Girona’s Terrain
Living year-round in Girona, Spain, Georgia Taylor-Brown is already positioned well for her transition to longer races, including the upcoming Marbella challenge. Having raced extensively throughout the year, she leverages Girona’s favorable training environment to rebuild her fitness. Her bike workouts focus on hill climbs like Sant Hilari, ensuring that she gets comfortable on her time trial bike while simulating race conditions.
By embracing a regimented training schedule that addresses both her strengths and weaknesses, Taylor-Brown aims to strike the right balance as she gears up for upcoming competitions.
Hanne De Vet: High-Altitude Training in Andorra
Belgium’s Hanne De Vet has chosen Andorra as her training ground, citing its calming familiarity and high-altitude advantages. After an impressive performance at the Wollongong T100, she recognizes the importance of maintaining a strong training focus in the lead-up to Marbella.
With access to both swimming and biking facilities, De Vet tailors her training to replicate the dynamic climbs of the Marbella course. Flexible weather options allow her to adjust her training regime while being close to home.
Cameron Main: Preparing in Lanzarote and Loughborough
British pro Cameron Main has opted for a dual training approach, first focusing on the challenging terrain of Lanzarote before returning to Loughborough for a final push. His workouts in Lanzarote emphasize long climbs and aerodynamic riding, simulating conditions he will face during the race. This method also ensures that he practises nutrition strategies and pacing in preparation for competition. After recovering from injury, he’s keen to maintain a consistent training plan leading up to Marbella.
Insights from Across the Globe
As these athletes prepare for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship, a common theme emerges: the importance of specific training environments tailored to their goals. From the altitude of Sierra Nevada to the tranquil settings of Bend, it’s clear that every triathlete is honing their skills in contexts designed for optimal performance.
Modern pro triathletes prioritize purposeful training over a singular path to success. The approach underscores the art of achieving peak performance while balancing endurance, speed, and race-readiness—a crucial aspect of navigating a racing calendar that stretches beyond the traditional triathlon season.
