ANDREW TALANSKY
The former Garmin pro checks in with Dan to talk triathlons and Catalan cafés
What are you up to now, Andrew? I’ve just wrapped up my irst full season as a professional triathlete. My last race was a full Ironman in mid-October. Now, much like I did during my time in cycling, I’ll take at least a month o f before slowly getting back into training.
What’s your favourite place to ride? I always loved riding in Girona, where I lived during my cycling career. The roads are quiet and beautiful and I spent so much time on them they will always be special to me. Aside from that, I would have to say Northern California. All the way from Santa Rosa and the coastal area around there, to Lake Tahoe and the ‘Markleeville Alps’. Hour-long climbs, no cars, no people, beautiful alpine views on one side and complete barren desert on the other.
What is the race you would most like to win?
Kona. As Kona serves as the Ironman World Championships every year, it’s the biggest race in the sport. It’s extremely hot, usually extremely windy and has some of the toughest conditions Ironman athletes face all year. It’s the pinnacle of the season, so of course it would be a dream to win there one day.
Describe the perfect o f-season. I’m in it right now! I ill my cup back up with a few things. Family time is key, especially with my son being more than 18 months old now. At times during the season, the focus is so much on training or racing, so this is the time of year I want to make sure I cherish every moment with my wife and my son. Also spending some time in the mountains, as much time in nature as possible. I grew up sur ing and spending a lot of time in the water, so getting over to Maui, getting out in the ocean early, catching waves while watching the sunrise over a 10,000ft high volcano... you can’t beat that!
What’s your favourite café stop? Anywhere with Peet’s Co fee! I’ve travelled the world drinking their co fee and love it to this day. If I had to pick somewhere else, I would say my actual favourite stops were some of the places in random little towns along our training routes in Girona.