Pedro Gomes: Year In Review

Vision athlete Pedro Gomes was kind enough to provide us with a look-back on his 2017 race season. This includes the highs, the lows and a look ahead to 2018 goals and ambitions.

“With only a few more weeks left in 2017, it’s that time of the year reminisce on the past 12 months of racing.”

“2017 overall was a transitional year for me. I relocated my living situation from the United States to Europe, plus I spent most of the time on the road traveling solo. Before getting married, traveling alone didn’t feel weird to me. Now, it’s been more difficult being away from the wife having that “want” to enjoy experiences together. A lot of déjàvu feelings arise after going back to the old travel routines. This season took both mine and my wife’s professional lives to different countries, which that was probably the hardest challenge for the both of us. Ironically, my wife is back in the United States working in a cruise line as a host for America Test Kitchen, but not before she spent the summer in London, UK. I was back and forth between the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates and needless to say, training took a bit of a toll on my body.”

“My best racing years in the past always came from solid winter setups, either in the US or even when I was back in Portugal. I then normally settled into a summer of racing which was something omitted from my race routine this year. We are both doing what we love, but 2017 just happened to be a lot more unsettled than we had hoped.”

“For most of the summer between London and Dubai, I tried to fit as much feasible racing as I could into my schedule. I decided early in the year that the IM World Championships was not going to be a goal for me this season. Alternatively, I focused on choosing races where I thought I could do well, even on a bad day, so I could keep my morale high and my focus clear. With any Ironman race, you must always hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. Keeping this in mind, my Ironman racing season comprised of Ironman Brazil, Ironman Cairns, Triatlon Vitoria-Gasteiz, Ironman Bolton, Ironman Maastritch and Ironman Argentina. I was happy with my results overall completing 4 of the 6 races with all 4 finishes being Top-10 placings. I wasn’t too disappointed in not finishing the other two races, because as I mentioned, things happen during the race that are out of an athlete’s control. I do feel like my unsettled year reflected on all the competitions, but that’s how racing goes sometimes. Although, throughout the year I was able to finish several other triathlon races including winning London Triathlon Olympic Plus and securing a podium spot at the Dubai International Triathlon.”

“Racing aside, I was able to have some new and fun experiences during my travels such as the Rapha Club rides in London, the Ride London 100, swimming in the Indian Ocean, road racing in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, visiting two new countries (Oman and Australia), taking the Eurostar train from London to Brussels, running 45Km at the Red Bull’s Wings for Life UAE (with excruciating 43°C) and spearheaded leading group sessions for a Triathlon Club in Dubai.”

“While racing itself fell short of the high bar I’ve set for myself, I still accomplished quite a lot and had enough on my mind to keep me very busy. I finished the year with more hunger than ever, motivated to continue to work hard every day.”

Looking ahead to 2018…

“I haven’t solidified my race calendar yet, but December and January will be spent for general training and preparation. I am looking forward to the new season since I’ve found a solid group of training in Dubai and am more attuned with where to go and utilize most of the region’s good winter training. Everyone knows I love to race, so besides Ironman competitions, I will be keen on supporting and attending local races in the GCC, not just triathlons, but also single discipline.”

“Apart from racing, launching the Series #2 of triathlon videos on my YouTube account (youtube.com/pedrogomestri) will be a priority for January and February, as I still have a lot more to share and help out with. If you haven’t already, please check the channel for past videos! There are some handy and helpful race-day tips like changing a tire, placing and carrying gels on the bike, what is the most aerodynamic place to carry bottles, etc.”

“With the InGruppetto Triathlon Club in full swing in Dubai, the plan is to also extend its reach in the UAE and over to Abu Dhabi by organizing a few weekly sessions in this close emirate. My plan is to lead and expand the engagement these group sessions have and hopefully lead a few more athletes to their own success in the sport.”